Nutrition is an integral part of feeling good and living a better, healthier life. Food is such a unique, emotional aspect of our lives. It is traditional, it is Sunday lunch, it is comfort when we are sad, it is excitement when we are happy, it is sombre when we mourn, it is home when we long for it.
Following a diet that keeps you healthy, but also allows you to connect with your emotions and with others, is vitally important.
However, there is a perception that it can be more expensive and setting out to buy only healthier food can be more challenging. Let’s look at some clever ways to save on healthier foods
1. Buy fruits and vegetables in season
Buy seasonal fresh produce. Not sure which fruits and vegetables are in season? Have a look at this seasonal fruit and vegetable chart for South Africa.
2. Make your own breakfast
Skip the sugary instant oat packets and buy a big box of plain oats. Portion out your meals in containers and try flavouring it in different ways using the ingredients you already have at home. Have a look at these healthy breakfast ideas. We’ve included links to some tasty overnight oats recipes.
3. Do your own prep-work
Skip the pre-packaged salad bags and pre-cut veggies. Whole vegetables stay fresher for longer. Try these game-changing meal prep tips to help save you time and money.
4. Canned is still good
Swap fresh salmon and tuna for the canned varieties. You’ll still get the benefit of omega 3s without the hefty price tag. Stock up on pantry staples such as tinned tomatoes and beans when they are on special.
5. Buy it whole
Buy a whole chicken or value packs of thighs and legs. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are usually the most expensive and, let’s face it, the least tasty.
6. Planning is key
Plan your meals for the week, make a grocery list and only buy what’s on the list. This will help you stick to a healthy meal plan and avoid unnecessary spending.
Keep a list of what you have in your fridge, freezer cupboards and poke around before you go shopping. Things may get lost in the back and you might be surprised at what you find and don’t have to buy more of.
7. Skip the takeout
One of the worst diets is one that consists of takeaway foods, more than home cooked foods. And it is way more expensive than eating at home. Not only will your budget thank you for skipping the takeaways, but cooking your own food reduces the amount of processed components that are included in your meals. Processed food (especially from takeaway vendors) can be extremely addictive and can cause us to eat them, almost out of habit.
At Multiply we love real food. Real, healthy home-cooked meals are first prize and more affordable than going out or buying fast food. Our nutrition partner, Real Meal Revolution will help you with the journey to make healthier home cooked meals for you and your family. If your children are struggling with irritability, or you have gained some weight during lockdown, you can improve your health and your family’s health, by just focussing on eating home cooked meals at least four days per week. Use your 80% discount on a Real Meal Revolution monthly subscription fee for to get started on your journey to better health.
