Eating Healthy on a Budget: 40 Ways to Save Big $$$

Are you a smart, savvy shopper?
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Sure, good quality, nutrient-rich whole foods, organic foods, pastured eggs, and grass-fed meats often cost more than the fast-food dollar menu. But that isn't exactly real food anyway. 
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Investing in high nutrient-quality foods is an investment in your health. You can pay now, or pay later with hidden costs associated with a poor diet, including medical expenses, time spent in doctor's offices, missed work, and a shorter life.
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Below are 40 way to save some green while eating green!  ;-)

​40 ways to save big $$$ on food when eating healthy:

1. Buy from the bulk bins.  Prices can be lower and you have the luxury of buying only what you’ll use.
2. Drink filtered tap water. (Berkey water filters are highly recommended.) Use re-useable water bottles. Drinks bought in cans or bottles are extremely expensive per ounce.
3. Shop at your local Farmers Market.  Support your local farmers.  (Find one in your area.)
4. Utilize a local Co-Op or CSA.  They often have wholesale prices.
5. Grow a garden in your yard or community.  Make it a family project.
6. Stock up on sale items.  Utilize the store circulars.
7. Aldi stores are now carrying organic items.  They have great low prices.
8. Plan carefully to avoid food spoilage or waste. 
9. Have a rule for mealtime: Only put on your plate what you will eat.  Second helpings are better than throwing out uneaten food.
10. Bring leftovers for lunch.  This can save lots of money!
11. Only drink alcohol on special occasions. 
12. Pack your own meals when travelling. 
13. Buy a CowShare. Get 1/8 to a whole grass-fed cow.  You will get a variety of different cuts. Store in your freezer.  The price per pound can be significantly less.
14. Learn to love liver.  It is rather inexpensive and very, very rich in nutrients (from healthy animals).
15. Bring home doggie bags from restaurants.  Have a second meal tomorrow.
16. Shop with the seasons.  Out-of-season foods are more expensive. (Find out which foods are in season.)
17. Buy foods without excess costly packaging. 
18. Try store brands.  They are often just as good as commercial brands, but cost less.
19. Healthy foods are perishable and are usually found around the perimeter of the grocery store.  Avoid the center aisles; foods with additives and preservatives often cost more.
20. Buy foods without a corporate advertising budget. 
21. Stay out of fancy grocery stores.  Regular stores often sell the same quality item at a much lower prices.
22. Many whole foods do not have coupons, but use them when possible.  Use coupons for non-food items.
23. Put money that would have gone toward junk food and restaurants into buying whole foods.
24. Get to know your local butcher.  He/she can show you the great cuts that are cost friendly.
25. Buy dried beans and rice.  They really stretch a dollar.  (Adzuki beans are my favorite!)
26. Take up hunting or fishing and eat what you catch.
27. Go berry, vegetable, or fruit picking (with permission) on a farm, orchard, or in the woods.
28. Make your own ghee.  It costs much less than store-bought.
29. Learn to make your own sauces, spice mixes, and condiments.
30. Learn how to do your own canning.
31. Raise chickens, if allowed where you live.   Allow them to roam freely, or feed them non-GMO seed.  You’ll save lots money on the cost of organic eggs.
32. Make your own juices and smoothies.  Juice/smoothie bar prices are very high.
33. Organic coffee made at home costs much less than regular at any local java joint.
34. Try shopping at ethnic stores.  The prices may be lower on many items and it will be a fun experience.
35. Buy nuts raw and oven-roast them yourself.  You’ll save money and avoid unhealthy, inflammatory Omega-6 oils.
36. Buy produce un-bagged, un-chopped, or un-shredded.  They usually cost more.  Do it yourself at home.
37. Pre-cooked, pre-seasoned, and pre-sliced meats are more expensive.  If you do it yourself at home, you’ll avoid the chemical additives in some flavorings.
38. Get to know the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 list for produce.  Spend money organic only when it matters.  In general: if you’re going to peel it, buy non-organic.
39. Understand the important role of satiating clean protein, healthy fats, and cleansing fiber in the diet.  They all keep you feeling full longer.  You’ll eat less food.
40. Avoid food with unnatural chemicals and added sugars, they have been scientifically engineered in a laboratory to keep you going back for more (and spending more).  “Once you pop, you can’t stop!”

BONUS TIP:  Join Amazon Prime!  
I like to order many specialty food items online, and with my membership to Amazon Prime, I get FREE 2-day shipping on most items (not just food... most everything).  My membership paid for itself in just a few months. It's awesome! Plus, there's much less temptation to throw something else into your shopping cart than when at a brick & mortar store.  You won't feel limited to a smaller selection either; any item I have ever needed on Amazon has been a "Prime" item.

When you SIGN-UP for an Amazon Prime membership you can:

• Start with a 30-day FREE trial
• Instantly watch over 40,000 movies and TV episodes (This saves lots of $$$, too!)
• Borrow Kindle books (a great benefit!)
• Have access to Prime Music, with over 1 million songs
• Get unlimited FREE two-day shipping (no minimum order size)

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