Want To Eat Healthy On A Budget? Steal These 16 Shortcuts

Eating healthy sucks, right?

It's bland, it involves giving up the majority of your weekend to arduously pack the same monotonous grub into a mountain of Tupperwear week in, week out...

...or does it?

Here at ASN, we like to think, nay, we KNOW that eating healthy doesn't have to be a death sentence for flavoursome, delicious and satisfying meals!

So pull up a chair young padawan, because we're about to lay on you our 16 Secret Shortcuts to eat healthy while keeping your sanity and not blowing the bank!

Here we go...



 

1. Plan, plan, then go ahead and plan some more.

Once you've got your macros and micros dialled (think protein, fat and carbs + vitamins and minerals), it's time to map out your meal plan for the week.

We highly recommend only planning 5-6 days per week, to give yourself a bit of freedom on the weekend of course! Gotta live it up, ya know.

How many meals per day are you going to eat? Do you need to leave room for eating out in the evening? How many snacks do you eat per day? What will said snacks comprise of?

Once you work out a plan, things will make a lot more sense and become a little easier. Our top tip is to save some calories for the evening, so that you can enjoy a heartier meal or some healthy dessert, without blowing your calories!



 

2. Buy in bulk

The more you buy, the cheaper it is!

Got a freezer? Of course you do. Use it.



 

3. Shop around

Shopping exclusively for groceries at IGA? You're gonna have a bad time.

Shop around between Coles, Woolies and the farmers markets to get some bargains and stock up! 



 

4. Eat seasonally

Do you know what fruits and vegetables are in season, right now?

If you plan your meals (see step 1 incase you've already forgotten) around imported fruits and vegetables, you can expect the number on your grocery receipt to climb way higher than expected.

Stick to what's in season locally, shape your meals accordingly and save!

 

5. Hug the outside walls of the grocery store

The easiest tip to treat yo' body right is to only shop around the edge of the shopping centre.

The closer your venture into the middle, the more processed junk you'll come by.

Sure, the canned packaged stuff may be cheaper on the wallet, but your body is paying the price!

 

6. Invest in a slow cooker

Slow cookers are seriously freakin' legit when it comes to eating healthy on a budget.

Why? Well, aside from delicious, fall-in-your-mouth tender meats, you'll be able to stock up on cheaper cuts of meat and have them be absolutely delectable.

Scotch fillet steak every night would be dandy, but if you slow cook some brisket or tri-tip at the start of the week, you'll save plenty of hard earned moolah and your taste buds will be in flavour heaven!



 

7. Be a leftover legend

Hate meal prepping on the weekend? We feel you!

Our fave alternative? Cook a big, healthy meal for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day!

This will ensure that all important variety, plus you'll be practicing those master chef skills on the daily!



 

8. DIY frozen meals

Pulled a late night at the office, roll in the front door at 7:30pm, and you feel the UberEats app calling you from your home screen...

Don't blow $30 on a calorie dense feast that will blow your budget and have you feeling lousy come the AM! Next time you've got some surplus leftovers, pop a serve in the freezer in case of emergencies! 

 

9. Eat more vegetables

*snore*

Do we sound like your mum yet?

It sounds boring we know, but not only are veggies chock-a-block with micronutrients, they're cheap, filling and can be prepared a variety of ways to keep you satisfied!

Eat more veg = save more dollars. Easiest equation ever.



 

10. Give Boost Juice a run for their money

Smoothies are what you make them!

Go beyond the scoop of protein + water + banana and make these bad-boys something to look forward to, and keep your body and mind fuelled!

Get creative and think greens, veggies, yoghurt, avocado, coconut oil, fruit, juices and much more!

The possibilities are endless, and it's easy to whip up an incredibly healthy and nutritious liquid meal for cents on the dollar.



 

11. Promote satiety

Did you know that calories consumed and satiety (the feeling of fullness and satisfaction) don't go hand in hand?

It's important to consume fat (yes, you heard us) with every meal in order to promote satisfaction and to quell your appetite.

If you're eating clean, try finishing your chicken and broc' with a handful of almonds or macadamias, or don't shy away from a bit of olive oil here and there on your salad.

Your rumbling tummy will thank you, we promise.

 

12. Try fasting

Intermittent fasting is all the rage, haven't you heard?

While it may not be for everyone, limiting your "feeding window" to only 8 hours a day takes a lot of the guess work out of a day's worth of eating, and can save you some serious dollars once you remove that morning latte and protein bar.

Give it a whirl!

 

13. Cut down on sugar

Sugar isn't all bad. It's delicous, provides fast burning energy, and makes a lot of people very happy!

However, sugar is also extremely addictive.

The more sugar consumed in a meal, the less satiety and the more you'll crave more and be hankering for dessert once you've cleaned your plate. If you're struggling with portion control, here's your culprit!



 

14. Eat out less

Who DOESN'T love a meal out here and there?

Whether it's a date night dinner or Sunday morning big-brekkie, we all look forward to having someone else do the cooking, and indulging in a seriously awesome bite to eat.

But here's the problem: For a healthy, nutritious dish, you're looking at at least double, if not triple the cost of cooking yourself!

Plus you don't know what the chef is putting into the dish, so don't expect it to be too macro friendly, and always account for some extra calories in the sauce!



 

15. Sneaky snacks, done right

Make. Your. Own. Snacks.

Protein balls are absolutely wicked. They're quick, easy, delicious, freezer friendly and (depending on your choice of ingredients) guilt free!

Stuff playing $5 for one when you're out, stock up and save!

 

16. Don't forget to indulge

These tips are all well and good, but don't forget, you've gotta live a little!

Enjoy a cheat meal, or day here and there depending on your goals, and don't ever be "that guy" who will only eat out of their tupperwear container! Food is one of life's greatest pleasures after all, so don't deprive yourself and enjoy a healthy lifestyle balance!