Everyone is on a budget these days, especially as a student, and unless you're racking it in, money is always going to be on your mind. Despite what a lot of people may think, eating healthy is not that expensive. I think a lot of people may say that as an excuse to getting healthy. You just have to be looking in the right places! So I have some hints for you to make sure you are keeping your pockets and stomach happy.
Numbero uno: Plan
Before doing you're grocery shopping, plan your meals for the week if you decide on your meals for the week before hand then you know exactly how much to get and you could 'stretch' some foods like meat. Also try get everything you need for the week, often I forget something and have to go back to the store, then once I'm in the store I end up buying something else I didn't need.
Two: Staples
Fill up your pantry with the staples (and keep them in check). This way you will always have those extras that many recipes call for like spices, herbs or garlic. Here is a list:
Three: Labels
This is food, not a bag. Most labelled product are more expensive than the generic no name brand, you don't need the best of the best, as long as the nutritional information is the same.
Four: Bulk
Buy in bulk and freeze, even if you are on your own, buy non-perishables and freezables in bulk. Cook a big meal and freeze it for future meals, so quick and easy. I LOVE bulk, Rob doesn't understand it but I do. If I see a deal, like 1.19kg oats is 11,000won but 4kgs is 33,000won, it won't matter that I didn't want to get a big one, I will get that one. I realise this means I am spending more money but I see it as saving money in the long run. That said, avoid doing the same thing but with food that isn't on you shopping list, like buying something just because its on sale when you know you don't need/eat it. OR something that will spoil easily.
Five: Buy in season
Fruits and veg prices can add up but if you know when they are in season then you can get the lowest price. Or you could just grow your own fruits and veg?! Here is a South African in season fruits and veg list I made:
Six: Tin it
When you are buying fruit and veg you should take a look at the tinned options, they may be cheaper! However do check that there are no added sugars or syrups contained.
Seven: Sharing is caring
If you are living with other people then share the budget and plan healthy meals for the week together, this way you can buy all the bulk you want :D.
Foods to buy on a budget:
- Oats: super cheap and healthy.
- Beans and lentils: so many healthy recipes containing these ingredients.
- Brown rice/wholewheat pasta: you can make a lot of food with this to freeze for the week.
- Packaged Soups: try get low-sodium/calories soups.
- Fat-free noodles: I like to add these to soups or throw on top of a salad (dry or cooked)
- Crispbread and marmite/bovril: watch out for too much as it is high in sodium.
- Lean cheap meat cuts.
Weight watchers
Cant afford to be on the wight watchers program? No problem, here is the free version!
So that's all for today friends :D
I will be burning some calories by skiing the weekend away! To my American friends: Happy Thanksgiving y'all <3
Too much pressure is today's topic of choice. Today was supposed to be weigh in Wednesday but due the immense pressure it is putting me under and the stress I am feeling as a result I decided to do away with it for this week until I feel happy about weighing myself, I want to look at the scale and see a number I want. This is not a cop out, I have been working hard this week, in fact I just got back from gym and am feeling super stiff from the last two days :D. I just don't like feeling pressured to weigh myself right now. It sits on my mind all of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so I'm taking control and changing things up a bit this week.
Ah I need help! I need some motivation, I am going through a phase where food is best and gym is a mission! Also its getting cold here so all I want to do is drink tea and hot chocolate and stay indoors at all times. But I know movement will keep me warm... ahhhhh! I just need to keep my goals in mind and realise they wont be reached without hard work!
So after last weeks weigh in I seemed to think "oh great, now I'm a month in, I'm on track in terms of loss, I can slack a little more now". Luckily though, I didn't wonder too far from the beaten path.
