9 Lifestyle Hacks To Eat Well Even When You're On A Budget

The Coronavirus quarantine has caused everyone to budget in some way or another. With job cuts and stay-at-home orders in place, money is in short supply. It is possible to cut back on everything else during dire times like these but eating isn't one of them as it is a necessity required for our basic survival. So what if we told you that you can eat healthy, hearty meals even if you've got more month than money in the weeks ahead? It's a fact. If you are budgeting your finances, these lifestyle hacks are exactly what you need to eat well.

(Also Read: 5 Tips To Protect Yourself Against Germs At The Grocery Store)

Tips Well To Eat Well Even When You're On A Budget

Don't let running high and dry come in the way of shopping for groceries and eating a nutritious diet.

1. Plan For The Future

To extend your budget further, it needs careful planning. Make a weekly plan of meals that you will be cooking and ingredients you will require for it. A shopping list is handy so that you do not forget anything that will have to be purchased at a higher price at the nth hour.

2. Save Money On Groceries

When you purchase groceries in larger quantities, you are most likely to get additional savings. If items can be stored for a long period of time, they can be used for weeks or months. However if they are perishable in nature, divide it among your friends and family to share in your savings.

3. Don't Shop When Hungry

Being hungry in a grocery store can end up making hasty purchase decisions which can be expensive. However if you must eat, add only a single item to your cart rather than 2 or 3.

4. Follow Meatless Mondays

Pick a single day of the week to steer clear of meats. Replace with options like paneer, lentils and vegetables as that can considerably cut down on shopping bills.

5. Opt For Cheaper Cuts

On days when you are eating meat, settle for cheaper cuts which will still give you their nutrition at a more reasonable price like chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

6. Store Seasonal Produce For Later

When vegetables and fruits are in season, buy them in increased quantities, wash, clean, cut thoroughly and deep freeze them to use in cooking and baking for weeks and months ahead.

7. Choose Frozen Over Fresh

Frozen and canned vegetables like peas, spinach and carrots are perfectly fine to enjoy even from tins or packets. They still have nutritive value and are usually priced lower than those of fresh goods.

8. Make Larger Quantities

Plan your cooking schedule and ingredients in such a way that quantities of dishes can be spread across meals. Cook large quantities which can be eaten for the next 2-3 meals as well.

9. One Ingredient In Multiple Ways

Cook certain ingredients to make most of them in multiple ways. For example, a single roast chicken can be eaten as a roast, in a casserole, in wraps and in soups and curries.

(Also Read: 8 Simple Ways You Can Save Money Every Day)