Sometimes, it can be really hard to eat healthy when you are on a budget. There will always be that temptation to buy a pack of ramen noodles, because they are cheap and you can make so many different meals out of them, but there is something you need to know; they are ridiculously high in sodium. As a matter of fact, one pack of ramen contains almost 2000 mg of sodium. So, even if you are on a budget, do not make ramen if you want to be healthy, because there are many other, better options, and we are here to show you some of them.

Buy Only What You Need, Not What You Want

When you are grocery shopping, a lot of unhealthy food is right there in front of you, and you might get some ideas – bad ones. The truth is that you do not need any of these foods, and what you really need are foods that will contribute to your diet and make it balanced. So, grab products with the best nutritional value and try not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. As you know, at that moment, everything will look good and, in the end, you won’t purchase anything healthy. Make a list and stick to it.

Eat More Vegetables

Believing that fast food is cheaper than vegetables is a myth, because processed foods can be more expensive than what you would prepare yourself at home. A research done by the USDA Economic Research Service has shown that almost half out of 94 vegetables from the study cost less than 50 cents per one serving. So, eat more vegetables and, by making them a regular part of your diet, you will reduce the risk of obesity and getting chronic diseases. Plus, you will receive a great amount of nutrients.

Find Items That Are On Sale

There is no shame in being thrifty. If you like to read the newspapers, you have surely come across a flyer with good deals for your nearest grocery store. If some of those items are close to their expiration date, they can even have a discount of up to 90%. They might not last as long, but if you cook them up quickly, you will receive your money’s worth. So, when you are compiling a list of groceries, find out what’s on sale in advance. If you are not sure, you can always ask one of the employees to point you to the discounted items.

Choose Foods That Are High In Protein

If you are looking to make the best purchase, then opt for foods that are high in protein. Protein is essential for your optimal health. The recommended daily intake is 46 grams per day for women, and 56 grams per day for men. Red meat is full of protein, but it can be expensive, so look for other protein sources like chicken breasts, eggs, peanut butter, canned tuna, beans, Greek yogurt and nuts; but, even these items can sometimes be a little pricy. All of these foods will provide you with more protein, keep you happy and are friendly to your wallet at the same time.

Use Coupons

We are sure that you have heard of extreme couponing, and even though it may seem a little crazy, it is actually an amazing way to save some money and stay healthy. After several months of careful planning, some coupon users figured out a way to save up to 84% on groceries.

This does not mean that you have to be extreme, because even occasional coupon use can save you money, and you can purchase some quality items for a small price. The internet is a great source for finding coupons, so find the ones for your groceries and save some good money.

If you manage to follow these tips, you will quickly be able to master this thrifty but healthy lifestyle. We know that it is hard not to go crazy when you are at the grocery store, filling your cart with all those tempting goodies. But, at least you know that you are purchasing items that are worth their price, and items that will keep you healthy.