Making nutritious decisions today is an example of getting wealthy by being healthy. Making better nutritious decisions today can help improve your health and save you money in the future. Better nutrition generally leads to fewer days missed at school or work as well as fewer medical bills.
Lately, many people have been trying to find ways to save money. You may have noticed that prices at the grocery store have been increasing. Although, shocking at first, you may be surprised that eating healthy can save you money!
Tips for getting wealthy by being healthy
Make a list – Plan your menu for the next week or two and write down the ingredients you need. Check the pantry. While shopping, stick to the list. Extra purchases add up! Plan meals based on the sales and coupons.
Shop your kitchen first – Before going to the grocery store, check your refrigerator and pantry. You may have more items on hand than you realize.
Compare unit prices – The unit price is for one measurement, such as an ounce or a pint, which can be used to compare the same type of goods sold in varying amounts. Generally, the unit price is calcuated on the shelf label.
Bulk – Buying the items you regularly eat in bulk can save you money. Much of the savings is due to lower packaging costs. Items such as rice, oatmeal, flour, dried beans, corn meal, etc. have a longer shelf life and can often be found sold in bulk.
Freeze – Take advantage of sale items that you can place in your freezer for a later date. Extend the shelf life of bulk items by placing some in the freezer. Prepare two meals, freeze one and have it at a later date. This helps save money by not being tempted to eat out.
Buy Generic – Generic store brands are often just as good as the brand name and cost less.
Portion Correctly – Meats and cheeses are more expensive. Serving a normal portion of meat will allow you to stretch them further so you don’t need to buy as much. Remember, one serving size of meat is 3-4oz.
Involve your kids!
If you are going to try and prepare more home cooked meals, involve your kids in the preparation. Kids are more likely to try new foods if they help prepare and cook. Ask them to pick a meal they would like to try when you are creating your shopping list. When preparing food, let them help stir meals or knead bread. If your family likes fast food breakfast items, they can cost around $3.23 per sandwich. If you bought 24 fast food breakfast sandwiches you would be spending $77.52. You can make 24 sandwiches for $29.79. Making your own sandwiches saves you almost $48!
During the winter I got in the habit of going to the local restaurant for lunch 3 or 4 times a week. That really adds up fast. So, I’m making the extra effort to take some leftovers or a quick salad from home; and only eating out once a week.
I stopped buying my morning coffee from a coffee shop and the savings I saw was awesome and that was just for a beverage that I purchased 5 days a week!
I don’t eat dinner out very often, but I do spend money on beverages (coffee, ice tea or boba drinks) and sometimes a sandwich during the day. When I calculate what I’ve spent on these items in a month it is shocking. Planning to have beverages and food, as well as the supplies to prepare and transport them, is just as helpful to my budget as having a menu and supplies for cooking dinner at home.