Healthy Eating on a Budget
By Maggie Hoang, Wilfrid Laurier University student
If you’ve ever expressed interest in saving money on food, you’ve probably heard the misconception that cheap food only comes in the form of junk food: think McDonald’s, pizza, or super greasy poutine. Another misconception is that eating healthy on a budget means you’ll never really feel full. It doesn’t have to be that way!
While eating healthily on a budget does require some more maneuvering, it can be done, but it will take some extra research to ensure you’re able to get the best deals and prices. We’ve compiled some of our best tips and tricks for finding nutritious food at a great deal.
Post an Ongoing Grocery List Where It’s Easy to See. This makes it easier to shop because you can see what you need and is missing.
Purchase Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables ensures that you’ll get the lowest prices. A bonus: they’ll taste the best too!
Frozen Fruits & Vegetables. Alternatively, if you’re worried about fresh produce going bad in your fridge, frozen products are your best bet. Frozen fruits and veggies are often picked at prime ripeness, so they stay fresh longer and are delicious when used in smoothies!
Buy Discounted Products. Products that are close to their best before dates or bruised/oddly shaped are sold at discounted rates. If you’re looking for a quick meal for that week, these are great ways to get some nutritional food at a lower price.
Shop When You’re Full. Make sure you’re not going grocery shopping on an empty stomach because that can lead to impulse driven purchases (often on the unhealthy side).
Price Matching & Coupons. Price matching and shopping at discount grocery stores ensures you get the best deal possible. Additionally, check out weekly flyers to find great sales and coupons.
Student Discounts. Look for places that offer student discounts or consider signing up for an SPC Card.
Meal Prep & Planning. As a student, you may not have the time to build amazing healthy meals from scratch every time you’re hungry. A good tip is to try to cook once and eat that meal multiple times. Check out this meal-prep recipe on No-Sugar Blueberry Overnight Oats to get started on healthy, nutritious breakfasts.
Additional Resources
- Did you know Laurier has a Registered Dietitian that can assist with shopping lists, meal plans, and quick, easy recipes?
- Check out Government of Canada Food Guide for more in-depth information.
- Check out Budget Bytes to find cheap and delicious recipes
Want some guidance on how to manage your finances? Book a 30-minute appointment with a Financial Coach or sign up for our Money Management Certificate.