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Healthy eating tips on a budget
Eating healthily isn’t about buying the most expensive organic foods. Here are some tips for eating a balanced diet without breaking your budget.
The way you shop
- Plan your shopping to avoid costly impulse buys.
- Try not to go shopping on an empty stomach – you’ll be tempted to buy more than you need.
- Buy store brands instead of well-known ones – they’re usually cheaper.
- Be wary of BOGOFs (Buy One Get One Frees). They can be good value but often they can tempt you to buy more than you need or can actually use.
- It’s worth checking prices at local suppliers or markets, as they can sometimes be cheaper than your regular shops. And markets can be fun experiences for children.
Making your own food
- Ditch the takeaways and ready meals! Ready meals can often be more expensive than preparing the food yourself. And they are often high in fat, salt and sugar - remember to read the label. Cooking can take up more time, but it will pay off in terms of health and expense.
- Eat a proper breakfast of fruit, wholemeal bread or cereal. You’ll be less tempted to buy a muffin or chocolate bar later on in the morning.
- Make your own sandwiches using fresh vegetables, salad or chicken. It’ll be cheaper than going out and buying one for lunch.
- Use tap water rather than buying bottled water.
- If you crave a snack, try having a hot drink instead. Drinks can sometimes help to stave off hunger pangs.
What you eat
- When buying fresh fruit and vegetables, choose ones in season. They will not only be cheaper, but they will taste better too. Freeze some in bags to eat later.
- Canned fruit or frozen vegetables can be cheaper than fresh ones and can be just as nutritious. Choose the reduced salt and sugar versions if you can.
- Vegetables are often cheaper than meat and are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and fibre. Try cooking more veggie meals like vegetable stew or dahl. But watch the amount of fat or salt you add to the meal.
- Drink water or fresh, unsweetened fruit juice instead of soft drinks – it’s not loaded with sugar and it’s free!
Page last updated:
28 October 2005
