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I really think it ’s a myth that eating sizeable is super expensive .
I suppose if you ’re comparing regular granola bars to fancy , fiber , constitutional granola bars , then yes , those cost more . But if you focalise on rust more thin meats , fruits , and veggies , it does n’t have to cost a long ton .
In fact , it ’s when I buy unhealthful chips , volaille nuggets , and pre - made desserts that I destroy my budget .
In an effort to get our grocery budget under ascendence ( see my 2017 goals ) , we ’ve made some “ swop ” that are healthy and be us less !
Sidenote : Meal provision is one of the most crucial thing we do to carry through money on groceries . you could get the repast planning printable I expend each week by infix your info below !
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1. Protein Bars⇒Hard Boiled Eggs
I was buying Austin protein bars because he set out thirsty at study in between breakfast and lunch . They seemed like a good , though expensive , alternative because they ’re filling .
A few months ago we started pay attention to how much sugar we were eating . I was pretty shocked to obtain out that the protein bars , which seemed to be somewhat intelligent , had a whole deal of carbohydrate in them !
Austin , being the healthy eater that he is , say that he did n’t want me to buy them any longer . I decided that hard boil eggs would be a smashing substitute . They ’re naturally sugar free , a neat root of protein , and super inexpensive .
I ’ve been making a batch of hard boiled eggs a few sentence per calendar week and we ’ve both been eating them . They ’re so cheap and filling !
2. Soda⇒Sparkling Water or Drink Boxes
Yes , I know , I could substitute soda for plain ole water and that would be free . However , I like to have a play , non - water potable everyday at lunch .
Austin and I have both figure out hard to kick our daily soda habit .
It turn out that he really just liked the carbonation . He ’s been drinking sparkling water alternatively . Aldi has their own brand of the La Croix piddle that literally only contain carbonated water and flavors , no cabbage or fake sugar . It costs about the same as sal soda , so while we ’re not saving a ton of money , it is much healthier .
I , on the other hand , am hook to the sugar part of soda . I ’m trying to consume less sugar , so I ’ve stand in my everyday soda for a daily deglutition box . It ’s has about a third as much pelf and is quite a bit cheap !
3. Deli Meat⇒Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Deli meat is so costly ! We ’re talkingat least$3 per pound . We hardly ever corrupt it any longer .
Instead we cook expectant raft of boneless skinless chicken breast to put in sandwiches , salad , and casseroles . I can get volaille for less than $ 2 per Ezra Pound .
The chicken has fewer calorie , less sodium , and no preservatives , so it ’s healthier too .
( The photograph below is of of a grill chicken pesto sandwich : cooked chicken breast , Swiss cheese , pesto , light mayo , and tomatoes . Mmmmmmmm )
4. Bacon⇒Real Bacon Bits
Ok , this one is a number of a cheat . Bacon is quite expensive and gets eaten way to quickly in this house ( by me ! ) .
We ’ve switched to corrupt actual bacon bits rather . The Aldi 1 are great ! They ’re inexpensive , which is wonderful . Plus , if you add together a small amount to scramble eggs , a salad , or a casserole , you get the wonderful 1st Baron Verulam flavor without spending so much .
I ’m sure they ’re not any healthier than regular Roger Bacon , but since I deplete so much less and am able to exercise more self - control , I think that counts as a profits .
5. Chips⇒Popcorn
I ’m not much a salty bite person , but Austin is . grip of crisp boast a foodstuff budget so tight without move over you any victuals or filling you up .
alternatively , we bribe Zea mays everta . It ’s still a salty collation but it ’s far less expensive and salubrious too . you may grease one’s palms the microwave variety or cook it on the stove . The stove top method is even tatty , though we ’ve done both .
Sometimes you just desire to crunch and Edvard Munch and Edvard Munch . Popcorn works heavy for that !
6. Dessert⇒Coffee with Cream
I figured out this sizable little cheat a few hebdomad ago . I have the most ridiculous sweet tooth and always want ALL THE DESSERTS in the even when we ’re hanging out .
late , I ’ve been brewing myself a cupful of decaf coffee with a self-coloured amount of creamer in it . The sweetness of the creamer satisfies my sweet tooth without giving me near as many calories as a full afters .
Since desserts can get expensive , it ’s make unnecessary money too . My cup of coffee with cream only cost a few cent ! ( The picture depict my littlepour over coffee manufacturer . It makes THE BEST loving cup of coffee ! )
Do n’t draw a blank to gibe Ibotta for any Johnny Cash back rebates when you patronize . All you have to do is run down your receipt to redeem them , so it ’s super sluttish . When you sign up up and keep your first rebate you ’ll automaticallyget $ 10 if you signal up with this tie !
We really save money by eating sound .
Of course , we still have to be careful about what we buy : retrieve in - season produce and sale shopping . But I ’ve constitute that when we eat less healthy foods , our budget goes up .
These simple swaps can make a divergence in your wellness and pocketbook .
Related billet :
How to Stick to a Weekly Grocery Shopping Routine
Meal Planning Just set about 5X Easier
13 Secret to Saving Money on nutrient
Money Saving Strategies for the Grocery Store