Investing time, energy, and money in your health is without question the wisest possible investment you could ever make. But if you’re sticking to a budget, healthy eating can seem challenging at times.
To help you keep your fridge and pantry stocked with foods that are great for muscle building (read: lean protein, micronutrient-rich produce, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats) we’re sharing a few helpful tips to keep in mind.
5 Savvy Tips for Buying Foods That Will Help You Gain Strength (But Won’t Put a Huge Hole in Your Bank Account)
1) Buy in season.
Usually, in-season fruits and veggies are cheaper and fresher. Keep a seasonal produce guide handy and use this to direct your produce purchases. If you can see if you can sign up with a local CSA (community-supported agriculture) or hit a farmer’s market. Local food can be less expensive and way more nutritious.
2) Buy in bulk.
Bulk foods like nuts, canned tuna, and “family size” portions of ground beef or turkey are great to have on hand and can go a long way. You can use what you want and freeze or store the rest for later use. But know yourself and avoid the temptation to go overboard just because a deal is “too good” to pass up, since throwing out spoiled food is about as wasteful as it gets.
Similar ways to take advantage of the “bulk” mentality include:
– Buying and roasting whole chickens (instead of always going for cuts—bonus: you can boil the bones and make homemade broth!)
– Taking advantage of local store specials (e.g., buy one get, one half off)
– Avoiding pre-cut fresh produce and doing your own cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, spiralizing, etc.
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3) Buy frozen.
Frozen veggies and berries are great for smoothies, nutrient dense, and often cheaper than fresh produce.
4) Be selective about organic purchases.
Yup: you don’t have to buy all organic all the time! Feel free to mix up your grass-fed/free-range/organic purchases to lessen the impact on your wallet.
5) Cook more!
While it’s tempting to grab a post-workout smoothie or energy bar (or stock up on fancy supplements), these expenses can quickly add up. Learn how to prepare at least a few simple protein-rich snacks (hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken, etc.) so you’ll always have a healthy option for your post-workout nutrition.
Likewise, meals out are expensive—and it’s not always possible to get the modifications you want which will fit your diet. So instead of meeting up with your friends at that new place in town, invite them over for a potluck dinner one night—social, savvy, and healthy!
Got any other tips for building your muscle on a budget? Let us know about it in the comments!
