It's unfortunate that eating healthy isn't always the most affordable option, but I've learned a few tricks here and there on buying healthy foods without overwhelming my budget:
- Bulk bins! For everything from dried beans to nuts, trail mixes, dried fruit, grains, and chocolates. Scoop out just what you need. I always buy my oats for oatmeal and brown rice this way. It's much cheaper than buying a container or individual packets because you're not paying for the packaging. Find them at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Henry's.
- Farmer's market - Not only can you find the freshest produce, but it's also the cheapest! You can get organic peaches and nectarines for $1.75 - 2/lb right now, compared to almost $4 at Whole Foods. Fresh herbs are $1 per bunch, super fresh eggs are also affordable and you can buy them in singles. Plus you get free samples!
- Get produce cut for you, for the same price! Melons, cabbage, and even bread can be cut if you just want a quarter or half of one. Works for basically anything that's sold per-pound. You just have to ask the produce person.
- Coupons - Pick up The Whole Deal, a bimonthly flyer full of coupons from Whole Foods. Also search for online coupons, and get restaurant coupons at www.restaurant.com.
- If you don't need a whole package of sliced meat or cheese, the deli counter is the best option, where you can get just ONE slice of pancetta (I've done this) and they won't look at you funny. Great for picnics!
- I've heard that Costco is starting to offer lots of organic products. A single student like me doesn't need a 30 oz tub of organic salsa, but it would be great for parties or for families.
- Get your natural foods at Trader Joe's, not the 'natural foods' section at big chain supermarkets. You'll avoid paying a huge premium.
- Carrying your own filtered water instead of buying bottled water = less wasted money and natural resources!
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4 comments:
Good post with lots of useful info! The deals in the Whole Foods Whole Deal catalog are usually pretty good.
To add to the restaurant.com offers, one thing Ryan suggested was to check for restaurant.com coupons on slickdeals.net or fatwallet.com. Usually there are deals that let you get 80% OFF a Restaurant.com coupon.
i think i just need to anticipate that eating healthier will inevitably be a little more expensive than the alternative. but, can't really put a price on my health right? do you have any more insight on trader joe's? i just really like that place and wanted to read more about what you think about it.
Trader Joe's is AWESOME. Everything they sell is all natural, meaning no artificial ingredients, flavors, or colors, but not everything they sell is organic. But they have the best price for the quality of food. Anything I can get at TJ's, I'll get before I go to Whole Foods, because it's usually cheaper. The only drawback is that they have a limited variety, so some things you'll have to go elsewhere to get. I could go on and on about TJs... maybe I'll do a post about it, haha. :)
cool thanks. just what i wanted to know. i found one by my house the other day but i wasn't sure if whole foods was better for me.
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