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You might think of saving money as “tightening the belt,” but instead imagine that belt is a notch tighter because you lost some width around your midsection. Combining two worthwhile goals – healthy eating and saving money – can benefit both your waistline and your wallet.
Spending less on restaurants doesn’t have to mean eating cheap, unhealthy fast food. Consider dining at a venue with healthier options but only eating half the large portion presented. Ask for a to-go box at the start of the meal and put away half for tomorrow, and voila – you’ve just turned one meal into two. Also consider the cost and calorie impact of ordering beverages, whether it’s coffee, tea, or soda. Water is always a healthy option and often free.
Cooking at home can cost less than dining out. Meal planning your week can help you stick to a diet as well as save on your shopping. Check your food inventory to see what you might need to incorporate this week to use frugally what you have on hand, and plan to shop only for what you need to complete the meal plan. There are many free websites and apps that can help you plan meals, recipes, and shopping lists.
Reducing or eliminating the amount of sweets and snacks you store at home will help you munch less between meals and also reduce your grocery bill. Choose to snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, and make those less expensive by buying them whole then chopping and washing them yourself.
Big picture, consuming fewer calories could mean a lower body weight. With many long-term health risks related to high body weight, eating less can save more than just money – it could extend our lives.
For more information and tips visit https://www.choosemyplate.gov/budget
Source: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management.
Social media post: Combining two worthwhile goals – healthy eating and saving money – can benefit both your waistline and your wallet. For more information, visit the XXXX County Extension Office.
