Part II; Clean Eating on a Budget
Clean Eating (part 2 Pantry Takeover)
I recently had the pleasure of Beta-Testing a Facebook Wellness Group for my brand partner.
An important aspect of organizing your pantry is
planning your shopping.
May I offer 5 tips for CLEAN EATING ON A BUDGET
- Plan Ahead:
Plan your meals and make a list so you buy only what you need and avoid impulse buys. I collect recipes and presently have 4 notebooks filled with different ideas, sorted according to topic..
Before I go shopping, I make sure I’ve taken the time to plan my entire menus for the week. For instance, I do a LOT of entertaining at my home and host at least 3 groups/week. Can you imagine how crazed I would be if I didn’t think through and bought on impulse? But planning is the key to my success (and keeping my budget in check). It’s also been fun introducing my groups to “clean eating on a budget”.
Last week, I used Thursday as Taco Thursday and emptied my refridge of anything that could be used for a Taco bar. Then again, carried the theme over to the next day and put together a Taco casserole. It was delicious, affordable but most of all planned!
Along with planning is the awareness of what is in-season or not. Makes sense. Why plan a menu with out of season vegies.
2.Buy in Bulk:
Purchase foods like whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds in bulk to save money––you can store large quantities for later use.
When my kids were younger and I was homeschooling, several moms pooled together to purchase in bulk from a food co-ops. Because we ordered in bulk, it made purchasing quite cost effective. Ask around, maybe there is a restaurant warehouse, or cooperative nearby.
3. Store Smart:
Proper storage is key when buying food in bulk. Make sure to store items in airtight containers in a cool, dry place so they stay fresh for as long as possible.
WARNING; I have a friend that stored a lot of grains in containers that were not airtight, only to discover that the moths found a way to slip in and thrive.
4. Buy Frozen Foods:
Get your nutrients without breaking the bank! Frozen fruits and veggies are more affordable and can be just as healthy as fresh produce.
Learn the art of freezing.
Last year, I bought 50 lbs of fresh peaches and learned how to blanche (quick boil), cut and freeze. It was wonderful having fresh peaches for my smoothies and cobblers throughout the year.
Yes, I do have an extra freezer in my basement.
5. Choose Whole Over Processed:
Snacks and processed foods can be pricey and packed with sugar and sodium. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins can save money and support your well-being. I love cut up apple slices with organic almond butter, likewise hummus is easy to make and delicious on vegie slices.
Please don’t think that I’ve got it all together. I am on a journey. My present goal is to add a new healthy/ whole-food based recipe into my repertoire weekly.
What are your goals? I would love to hear from you.
