Be a budget eater

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One of the most frustrating comments to a dietitian is that eating healthy is expensive- so not true! Eating on a budget does not mean you have to deprive your body of the vitamins and minerals you need though. 
Simply follow these Good Life’s tips on how to eat on a budget.

Drink government juice

The best drink of all is government juice- water. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Add lemon slices, orange slices, fresh mint, cucumber or strawberries for great attractive colour and flavour. On cooler days try hot water with a quirt of lemon juice.

If water is too boring, make your own iced tea with Rooibos and fresh mint, or any flavoured tea.

Avoid take-outs

Unlike in the States, junk food and take-aways in South Africa is expensive. We challenge any junk food addict to replace his meals with home-made foods for one week and you will see a huge cut in your food bill.

Look for specials and buy bulk

Look out for foods that you can buy cheaper in bulk and that will not spoil. For example, tinned beans, peas and legumes, tinned tuna, long-life skim milk, whole-grain starches like brown rice, pasta. A good idea is to alternate buying fruits with a friend. Buy a large bag of oranges and divide in two, or split the 3-bags for R10 apples with your neighbours.

Cook once, eat twice

This prevents wasting of food from buying too much and having fresh food spoil. Make double the amount of food you need and freeze the other half once cooled for another meal. This will also save time on super busy days.

Plan, plan, plan

Disorganized shopping will result in disorganized eating. Plan your trips to the grocery stores. Do one big monthly grocery shop for essentials and long-life items, and once weekly trips for fresh produce. Planning your trip with a list f what you need will make you stick to buying what you need for the house. If you get home and find an ingredient missing, it becomes much easier to call Mr. Delivery or go get takeouts.

To add extra bulk to your meals without increasing the cost too much, go for cheaper healthy foods such as dried beans, peas and lentils, or wholegrain pasta, etc.