Due to rising inflation, the money in our wallets is worth less every day. However, healthy eating is something that not many people want to compromise on. Yet we notice that there are many complaints that healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are becoming more expensive and people are therefore forced to buy unhealthier options. In this blog, we want to investigate to what extent that is true.
Our situation
It took us quite some time to develop a healthy eating lifestyle and was more of a journey than an instant switch when it comes to our choices in the supermarket and the kitchen. We have been living together for almost 5 years now and although our common hobby during these years has been exploring the Indian cuisine together, it took quite some time to make the switch to where we are now.
In the past, we used to buy many processed, packaged products in the supermarket, however, now, we hardly ever do that. This is one of the changes in habits that we worked upon that keeps us from spending more than 200 euros a month on groceries. We eat an extensive meal three times a day, mainly vegetables, lentils, whole grains, and healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts.
The changes have come about by taking small steps, which we have summarized below as tips:
1. Plan your meals in advance
We always like to plan our meals for one full week, so we know what to get at the supermarket and we make fewer unexpected purchases. By planning your meals, you also have to cook less and you can spread the meals over the week so that you don't eat the same meals two or three times in a row.
2. Pay cash for groceries
It helps us enormously to set aside a fixed amount per month for the groceries (for us this is 200 euros, but this can be a different amount for everyone). This allows us to make healthier choices. Vegan substitutes such as cheese, ice cream, and chocolate can be quite costly, and unhealthy options. We prefer to rather spend our money on products such as fruit and vegetables with our hard-earned money. By having the money in cash, you have a limit for yourself and know exactly what you're spending and what your grocery costs are.
3. Do not go to the supermarket daily
If you have planned your meals for a full week, try to do the groceries in one go (possibly one more time if you forget a thing or two but not more). This way, you won't be tempted to buy unhealthy and unnecessary products that you didn't plan to buy in the first place.
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4. Ignore visits to expensive supermarkets
Try shopping at cheaper supermarkets, and at weekly vegetable markets. Always compare prices and go for options that offer the best value for money. It's best to not visit many different supermarkets for the best offers, as that can be tempting to buy something that was not planned.
5. Cook Indian meals
We think Indian cuisine is one of the most suitable for eating plant-based, and it is also budget-friendly. When you have a combination of basic spices at home, you can prepare a tasty curry for a small amount of money. Legumes and lentils are also cheap and will give you a full feeling for a longer period of time, eliminating the urge to eat unhealthy snacks.
6. Go grocery shopping after a meal
This is something already known to many, but we'll emphasize it again- it really works to go to the supermarket after a nice big meal. Our brain will be then less distracted by unhealthy quick snacks that we would put in our baskets when we go to a supermarket on an empty stomach.
7. Make time for cooking
This is an important one. Without the time, interest, or energy to cook, it's hard to eat healthy at a reasonable price. Try to cook more often with your partner, friend(s), and family members. More hands mean less time preparing tasty, nutritious meals that are good for your health as well as your wallet.
We always cook extra portions so that we can have lunch or dinner the next day.
8. Prepare your own drinks
It certainly helps our wallets that neither of us drinks coffee. We occasionally drink a cup of tea or masala chai (especially during winter). In many households, it is quite normal to have a variety of store-bought drinks at home, such as ice tea or cola. This is not only bad for your health, but also for your wallet. Rather, try preparing your own lemonade or iced tea, by using products such as lime, cucumber, and mint.
Conclusion
By following the tips above, it is possible to reduce unhealthy eating habits as well as grocery bills. Changing habits is a difficult task and takes time and energy, as we have also experienced. We would advise you to take things step by step. Also, it's important not to be too hard on yourself. Keep in mind the long-term goal (to switch to a healthier diet) and doing it the right way will automatically lead to cheaper groceries.