7 Simple Tips for Saving Money When Trying to Be Healthy

1.       Don’t Buy Random Trending Supplements

Yes, your favorite trendy Instagram account said they use that new fiber supplement and that everyone should try it. No, you do not NEED to get it. Everyone is different, take a look at what you as an individual are already taking and what you are already getting from your diet. Supplements should always be an extra source to support your body in getting what it needs nutritionally.

2.       Shop at Your Local Farmers Market

Not only is the food you purchase at a market more likely to be local but there are often HUGE deals on fruits/vegetables that you can always freeze and store for later. I like to go towards the end of the day, which is typically when vendors will do special deals to get rid of produce!

3.       Utilize Bulk Barn

Bulk Barn has evolved so so much in regards to supporting the health-conscious community. Not only do they now have options for gluten free noodles/flours in bulk but also certain super foods, protein powders and even nut butters. The best part about this is when you first start to experiment with these types of ingredients you are able to purchase a small amount so you aren’t wasting a lot of money only to find out certain things aren’t for you. I can tell you the amount of times I have spent $35 on one bag of super foods to let it sit in my cupboard for 6 months is SAD.

4.       Create Staples

Creating grocery staples can help you to keep consistency in knowing approximately how much you’ll be spending each grocery haul. This way you are able to budget and have a budget for additional items. For example, some staples I have are lemons, avocados, free range eggs, spinach/greens mix, quinoa, nut/oat milk and frozen berries. I will typically rotate the other types of veggies/fruits I get on top of this to get a variety of nutrients and also so I don’t get bored. I will usually spend about $35-40 on these altogether (farmers market and bulk barn I’m telling you), then I just replenish things I need like avocado oil or spices as I run out.

5.       Don’t Over Complicate Things

I’m going to start by saying yes, super foods can be really good for you. With that said you don’t need to add 6 different kinds to one smoothie or take 9 different supplements (unless you are on a protocol recommended to you by a health practitioner – still I’d hope you wouldn’t be on 9, yikes) in the morning.

6.       Rewards/Discount Programs

Figure out which health foods stores in your area/online have rewards programs.

Examples:

-          Healthy planet offers a points programs as well as a discount with presentation of a gym membership.

-          Fiddleheads offers a preferred customer card that gives you a % off of your supplement purchases.

-          For health practitioners – MANY companies will offer practitioner programs and pricing allowing for you to get supplements/other products at cost.

7.       DON’T Over Buy Groceries

If you are just one person DO NOT buy two weeks worth of fresh produce at once (unless that works for you). Figure out a general outline of what you plan to eat throughout the week and buy according to that. I usually buy my staples for the week and anything else extra will be determined 1 or 2 days before. This also allows you to check out your grocery store’s sale cart. This usually has items that are considered “ugly” or are expiring soon, they will typically be 50% off. Only buy what you plan to use, there is no worse feeling than looking in your fridge and finding a mound of moldy groceries.