One major reason most people shy away from a healthy diet is the cost. Upping the health factor of meals and snacks can do wonders for your productivity, make you more energetic and stronger, and lower your risk of diseases, but a lot of people think they can’t afford to take the first step.

Well, I’m here to tell you that making healthy food choices doesn’t have to hurt your wallet.

I’ve put together these five simple tips to help you cut back on costs and still maintain a balanced diet.

1. Don’t go shopping without a list.
Impulse purchases can be easily avoided if you always prepare a list before heading out to buy food. If you plan most of your meals and snacks for the upcoming week, it’s not hard to create a list you can stick to.

You can also plan your weekly meals and snacks based on what’s on sale at the store.

2. Eat out less.
Instead of eating out or getting takeaway food often, prepare your meals and snacks at home. Relying on nearby restaurants for healthy food options helps save time. But if you’re looking to cut back on costs, it’s a good idea to keep a well-stocked pantry and cook your own food more often.

3. Be open to recipe changes.
When cooking your food, don’t limit your ingredients to the ones on the recipe. If an expensive ingredient or two is not in your pantry, be open to experimentation. Use the internet to discover healthy alternatives to ingredients you don’t have.

4. Buy more leafy greens. 
Some of the most nutritious superfoods are actually the least expensive. Broccoli, chard, collards, kale and spinach are just some of the leafy greens that will boost your immune system and bring you one step closer to optimal health without emptying your wallet. These vegetables also typically take less time to prepare than other produce.

5. Buy in bulk.
Dried grains and beans are inexpensive sources of protein and fibre. If you buy them in bulk and store them properly, they can last for an entire year. You can also cook them in batches and store them in the freezer so you’ll have quick access to nutritious food for days.

Keep these tips in mind and plan your diet carefully, so you can enjoy healthy food without worrying about your finances. Learn more ways to live a healthy life by signing up to our mailing list and downloading my FREE e-book ’10 Simple Steps to Abundant Health’.