Healthy eating on a budget & Free printable to get you started!

The truth is, it doesn't have to be more expensive to eat healthier foods. You'll be fuller longer, you'll have more energy to do the things you love & your body & mind will truly thank you. If you really think about it how full do you get from boxed 99 cent macaroni & cheese and frozen chicken patties? In 2 hours or less, you're probably already experiencing hunger & possibly even digestion problems. So why not instead of the 99 cent macaroni & cheese by 79 cent box of whole wheat noodles, a block of cheese & raw chicken. In this case you're going to make a larger meal, you'll definitely be full longer & you wont be eating another dinner that night or a ton of junk food! In the recipes section if my blog I have recipes that are budget friendly & healthy!

Here's some tips on how to eat healthier on a budget:

• Shop the outside of the grocery store first! Then venture off for your staples. This way you know you have spent the bulk of your grocery budget on fresh produce, raw meat, dairy, eggs & whole wheat/grain

• Whole grain/wheat starches are more filling, better for digestion & about the same price. When cooking a noodle or rice dinner replace it with a whole grain instead. I don't know if you've noticed but a 16 oz box of noodles at your local grocery store retails for $1 or less. Replace the bleached white bread with whole wheat or honey wheat. It's so good with sandwich meat.

• Meal prep!! Make a weekly or biweekly calendar whatever works for you & stick to it as best you can. Find some nice storage containers that will fit and individual portion size meal nicely & put your left overs away in those. You're more likely to grab one of those for lunch when it's already cooked and ready to go then spend 10+ bucks on a take out food lunch. It's the truth.

• Breakfast Prep: Instead of buying frozen breakfasts, buy the ingredients, make the sandwiches or wraps. Let them cool on the counter & package them up separately & freeze them! Pop em in the microwave as you would with the store bought ones & you're set. It's much healthier & you're going to see a difference in your budget.

• Don't be afraid to buy store brand. Often times it is the exact same quality for a much better price. I recommend Wegmans store brand, it's a personal favorite. Get the store card for savings & gas points! It adds up quick!

• Grow your own and teach your children how to as well! I cant stress enough how important the ability to grow your own food is. I can not believe they don't teach it in school. Check out grow your own for some great advice & tips. A green thumb is acquired

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Download & print this free weekly meal plan template.