Eating Healthy - On a Budget

Hi Guys,

It seems like we keep apologizing for having such an irregular posting schedule, however we must apologize again! We're both very sorry for not posting sooner, however today i have a special little post for you.

I will have to confess to you all, that i am a health foodie. My instagram feed is filled with delicious vegan and raw food and i follow several vegan or clean eating blogs. As a health foodie i also know the cost that comes with it , despite several people insisting that a healthy diet isn't expensive it can definitely become quite costly.

The basics of a healthy diet are really quite simple, a balance of all the nutrients your body needs, remembering that it's perfectly okay to indulge once in a while. As our society becomes more weight conscious it's also important to remember that denying your body of what it needs is in no way balanced.

Having a healthy diet doesn't need to be expensive and can be relatively cheap however as you delve deeper into the health food world you may begin to encounter new products which tend to be costly. I've compiled a simple list of things which are cheap yet nourishing, hopefully they can get you started on your healthy eating journey! Please also be aware that i am not a health professional and am only giving advice based on personal experience.

oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and tahini

Fresh Fruit- Fresh fruit is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, they offer the sweetness you may crave as well as providing you with important nutrients. My favourites are, apples, strawberries, grapes and bananas

Fresh Vegetables- Similar to fruit, vegetables are a staple of any healthy lifestyle. The wide range of fresh vegetables available means that your body can get lots of fiber, protein and iron. They can also be in cooperated into sweet desserts as hidden gems!

Grains- Grains such as rice, provide us with carbohydrates which fill us up however have a lot less sugar than white breads and rices. Some grains can be quite expensive, such as, quinoa so these can be left out if you're on a tight budget.

Dairy- Swapping out cow's milk for a plant based milk is often the first step people make when transitioning into a healthier lifestyle. Plant based milk is very dense in nutrients and is great for those who suffer from a lactose intolerance. Popular and cheap alternatives to cow's milk are, almond milk, soy milk and oat milk.

Snacks- When the clock strikes 3 we often feel ourselves reaching for a chocolate bar or even a donut, make a simple switch to dark chocolate for your daily chocolate fix. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants so you'll never feel guilty. Other snacks to consider are nuts (almonds, cashews), frozen fruits, air popped popcorn and dates.

kale chips, chia berry smoothie and a superfood bar

All of these are fairly cheap and you will be able to live a healthy life eating well and getting all the nutrients you need, however, if you have a more forgiving budget you can consider purchasing some superfoods. Superfoods are very rich in nutrients and are considered to be good for general health and well-being. Some of my favourite superfoods are, quinoa, chia seeds, cacoa,goji berries and green tea/matcha.

If you're looking to start a healthier lifestyle i hope this post was somewhat helpful, if you're on a budget my best advice would be to not purchase superfoods and eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I wish you all the best of luck on your healthy eating journey and i hope this post inspired some people as well!