Many people mistake a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. There are many inexpensive ways to include more of the nutritious stuff into your diet, which will save the pennies as well as helping you to eat a more balanced diet.
When you’re shopping in the fruit and veg aisles, opt for loose produce instead of pre-packaged goods as they are usually as much as half the price of those already bagged for you. Similarly, if you eat with the seasons you will see a massive saving – it also helps the planet as it saves transport costs, one of the initiatives for reducing global warming. You could also seek out the local markets in your area, where you’ll find fruit and vegetables for a fraction of the price.
Replacing foods from your usual diet with healthier ones could not only save you calories but also save you money as well – opting for a banana or apple instead of a mid-morning chocolate bar is a great choice, as a piece of fruit usually costs around 20p from the supermarket, around a third of the price of crisps, biscuits and chocolate.
Don’t dismiss canned goods either – they are cheaper than fresh goods and are just as healthy, as well as being preserved so you don’t need to worry about them spoiling. Just be sure to find those in natural juices over syrup, and those which are free from added salt or sugar. The simplest option, of course, is to replace your usual ready meals with a homemade alternative. Cooking meals for yourself not only means that you can add fruit, vegetables and pulses in for added goodness, but it will also be cheaper. You can make stews, soups and casseroles in bulk and freeze them in portions which will save you money and make eating your five a day easier throughout the week, when you’re busy and don’t have time to make a fresh meal.
Including fruit and vegetables into your diet can seem daunting at times, but including produce such as canned goods, frozen ingredients and beans can make the task much easier.
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