Many people have become more health-conscious in recent years. When you’re on a tight budget and always in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to hit a fast food restaurant or just microwave a frozen dinner instead of choosing a healthy option. So how can you eat more healthfully and maintain your frugal living practices? Here are a few tips about how to garden and save:
1. Slow down. Eating healthy requires a little time and attention. Give yourself a little time to shop mindfully. Compare prices between all your favorite grocers and plan your shopping ahead of time. Clip coupons, prepare your food and fully savor the meal worked for.
2. Buy produce in season and freeze it. Fruits and vegetables cost more when they have to be shipped from far-away sunny lands that can still grow produce in November. Buy these items locally, in season, and freeze them for use in the winter. You’ll be happy to have the treat in the cold, winter months!
3. Start your own vegetable garden. You can easily grow lettuce and tomatoes in small planters on a balcony or, if you have a yard, stake out a few feet to grow even more. Check out our last blog post for some more details on the benefit of growing your own garden.
4. Buy in bulk. Many grocery stores offer dry goods in bulk, saving you the usual packaging costs. You can also save on meat by buying in larger quantities and rewrapping in smaller, meal-sized portions. Freeze those portions to use for weeks to come.
5. Check your dining-out habit. If you eat at restaurants often, the habit is taking a big bite out of your wallet. On average, a restaurant meal costs almost 5 times more than a home-made meal. Save dining out for special occasions.
