Did you know you can eat healthy without breaking the bank? As we grow, our bodies need more nutrients to stay strong, which can make it seem like eating well costs a lot. But with the right choices, you can fuel your body without draining your wallet! Eating healthy on a budget may become a challenge as food costs continue to rise.
Even though our ministry has provided an initiative known as “Menu Rahmah”, which serves food at a budget of RM5 per meal, it is still ineffective since many premises have not registered under the programme. Thus, it makes it difficult for the public to gain a budget for food with a complete nutrition meal. Other initiatives can be done to suit our healthy diet as cheap suggestions serve the same purpose and provide the required nutrition for our body.
Do you know that buying frozen or canned food is a great way to eat healthy on a budget? When we mention frozen and canned food, people will think that it will not give the body a proper amount of nutrients. However, there are many options for healthy frozen or canned food. Plus, they last longer than fresh food and are cheaper. Fresh produce is often in season and can be pricey. It is shown that frozen veggies have comparable antioxidant activities to fresh vegetables bought from supermarkets.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), it is repeatedly stated that canned or frozen fruits and vegetables all contribute to the DGA recommendations. Furthermore, the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in canned or tinned seafood are highly recommended by DGA. Canned food is an ideal way to serve people who live in underprivileged areas like food deserts since it offers an inexpensive method to fulfil nutrient requirements.
The next step to eating healthy on a budget is to consider growing your garden at home. You need to spend a little money on seeds, plants, fertiliser, soil, and a few agricultural apparatuses to do this. The plant can be placed in your backyard, on sidewalks, or just any open area for good sunlight. The little seed that you raise will grow into a tree and bear into tasty fruits and vegetables. You can choose to apply organic ways to raise your plants. This will give a healthier, safer and more nutritious diet. Most of the vegetables we buy in groceries are loaded with pesticides and chemicals that are probably unsafe to be consumed by children, immunocompromised individuals, older people and people with allergies. The money you spend on your garden will give you a return in the long run as you can save your grocery money and time to pop into nearby grocery stores.
Other than that, prioritising plain water rather than flavoured beverages is a wise decision for budget-conscious individuals, especially those in married couples, students, and migrant workers, as well as local communities. Resisting the temptation to splurge on expensive and unnecessary drinks at convenience stores can prevent financial setbacks.
Plain water provides numerous health benefits as it is easily accessible, calorie-free, and often complimentary at most restaurants. Water over sugary or flavoured beverages is a healthier option, as excessive sugar, artificial flavours, and colourants can contribute to serious health problems. Opting to avoid flavoured drinks helps save money and encourages healthier habits. Choosing plain water is a smart decision that supports both financial well-being and overall health.
So, with a little preparation and work, eating healthy on a budget is entirely achievable. You can effectively save money while still enjoying a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients that your body needs. Therefore, do not let a tight budget prevent you from making wise decisions. You can always have a delicious and nutritious diet without going broke if you are willing to put in a little creativity and work.
