Eating Healthy Without Breaking the Bank

Many people living with cancer make dietary changes to help manage their symptoms or treatment side effects. Fueling your body the right way can greatly affect your overall health.

Although many of us have a general idea of how to eat better, it can be overwhelming when looking at the sometimes steep prices for healthier options! Not only can eating healthy seem like too expensive of a task, but it can also seem time-consuming to prepare your meals instead of eating out. However, some simple tips and tricks may help you move toward eating more nutritiously without breaking the bank.

How to save money

While good food can come at a higher price, adjusting your budget or the way you shop may free up some extra wiggle room to spend more in other areas. Some of these simple adjustments may help you find money to put toward new food choices:

• Shop at budget-friendly stores and buy generic or the store brand.
• Go grocery shopping alone, and stick to a pre-planned list. Stock up when something you often buy is on sale!
• Buy items in bulk that do not easily spoil.
• Opt for frozen produce when possible.
• When buying fresh produce, buy what is in season. Local farmer’s markets can be a great way to get a good deal. Sometimes farmers are more willing to negotiate on price if you arrive at the end of market hours.
• Take advantage of store rewards points, sales, and coupons. There are also many money-saving apps.
• Try to avoid buying bottled water.

Invest in nutrient-dense foods

While fast food can be inexpensive and quick, many of the additives and processes used to make these foods may do more harm to our bodies. For example, junk food serving sizes are typically very small, which may make you feel hungrier soon after eating. This can lead to buying another meal because you are hungry again!

Junk food, particularly when it contains a lot of sugar, can also make you feel sluggish. On the other hand, fruits and veggies are much more nutrient-dense and will keep you fuller longer. Eating a large serving of fiber-packed produce and grains may actually fill you up longer and give you more energy than a bag of chips.

Only you know what your time and budget needs are. If you feel like you are picking convenient options because you are exhausted or are not feeling up to making a meal at home, it could be time to find options that give you more energy and strength to get through the day.

Resources for eating healthy

Did you know there are governmental and non-governmental sources of support to help you buy healthier foods? Some programs can even help you in making meals if you qualify. Check out some of these options below to see if they work for you:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Nutrition Program for Seniors
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

While healthier foods may seem more expensive, often the long-term benefits greatly outweigh cheaper processed food. Not just in terms of saving money, but also by increasing your energy, enjoying larger portion sizes, and overall positive health effects. Only you know what you have the time and budget for, but eating healthy does not have to be a scary or overwhelming task.

What are your tips on eating healthy without breaking the bank?