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22 Tips to Eat Well and Spend Less

by | Apr 4, 2017 | Last updated Mar 16, 2023

“But eating healthy costs more!”

This is one of the most common obstacles Noom coaches hear from their coachees when it comes to making healthy food choices.

While this can be true in certain cases, you don’t need to buy into the green juices, expensive powders, or protein bars to eat “healthy.” In fact, if you shop smart, eating healthy can actually be less expensive than eating highly processed foods (and that’s not even taking into account future trips to the doctor!).

To help you on your journey to a healthier you, here are 22 ways you can eat well and spend less today.

  1. Be thrifty: You can find coupons for food items for most stores online or in flyers. There are tons of deals out there, it’s just a matter of finding them!
  2. Do your homework: Different stores offer the same food items at different prices. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals on what you’re looking for — online flyers are a great start.
  3. Buy frozen: Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically less expensive than the fresh stuff and no less nutritious. In fact, frozen produce is typically picked when it’s at its ripest and most nutrient-dense!
  4. Eat in season: When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re more abundant and therefore, more affordable.
  5. Can it: Consider buying low-sodium tuna or salmon packed in water as less expensive and convenient sources of protein.
  6. Watch for waste: Most people end up throwing away unused fruit, vegetables, or meats that have spoiled. Pack these foods up and freeze them for a future date before it’s too late.
  7. Buy local: Buying fresh fruits and vegetables can get pricey, especially when they’re coming from halfway across the world! Buying local ingredients can support your local economy and cut your costs.
  8. Broaden your horizons: Try a new fruit or vegetable that’s more affordable or consider buying lesser known cuts of meat that are less expensive.
  9. Take it to go: When you do eat out, be mindful of your portion size. Double the bang for your buck by eating half there and taking the rest home for lunch the next day.
  10. Eat at home: Eating out is expensive. The money you might spend on one meal at a restaurant could cover a few days of groceries. Make meals out the exception, not the rule!
  11. Bulk up: While small or single serving foods may be more convenient, buying non-perishable foods such as steel-cut oats, quinoa, and nuts and seeds in bulk help you save money (and time, by avoiding frequent trips to the grocery store).
  12. Survey serving sizes: Pay close attention to serving sizes on packaged foods or price by weight for produce. Save money buying green peppers instead of red peppers or choosing packages of dried beans that gives you more for the same price.
  13. Veg out: Consider incorporating more vegetarian protein in your diet. Beans, lentils, eggs, and more are nutritious options that are less expensive than animal protein.
  14. Cut convenience: Do you typically buy pre-washed or pre-cut produce? These options give you less and have you spend more. Buy a head of broccoli and cut it up yourself instead of purchasing a bag of broccoli florets!
  15. Save the scraps: Instead of throwing out vegetable scraps or animal carcasses, make a homemade soup or stock with these odds and ends.
  16. Grow your greens: Feeling extra motivated? Explore the idea of planting some low-maintenance leafy green vegetables in your backyard or starting a small herb garden in your kitchen.
  17. Skip the single serving: Forgo the convenience of single serving yogurt containers or oatmeal packets. Single serving products steal your money.
  18. Go no-name: Consider buying generic or store brand products — these are typically less expensive and do not sacrifice flavor or quality.
  19. Make it yourself: Instead of buying a frozen meal or breakfast parfait at the grocery store, make it yourself!
  20. Get a membership: Consider getting a membership at warehouse or club stores where you can shop for bulk deals.
  21. Join the club: Many stores have rewards or savings cards. Join now, save later,
  22. Plan ahead: Planning your meals for the week in advance will help you save money on unnecessary goods and avoid buying foods that might go to waste!

Looking for more ways to change your diet for life? Try a personalized course for free!