Rising food prices may make it hard to eat healthy and if you are anything like me then you may be on a budget. We may assume that it is impossible to afford healthy foods like fruits and fresh vegetables. I use to have the same thoughts since fast food is inexpensive and requires no effort. For example, you can get a double cheeseburger for just one dollar. In defense of some fast food chains, I have recently noticed that more fast food restaurants offer healthy options like fruit cups, whole wheat breads and salads. Although the food is fast and cheap, preparing your own food is always better. 

In today’s blog I wanted to provide you all with tips on how to eat healthy while on a budget. Try buying whole foods. Unprocessed foods are cheaper and more nutritious than processed foods. 

Buy inexpensive protein. According to most health food stores like GNC, you need 1g protein per pound of body-weight per day to build and maintain muscle. Eating whole protein with each meal also helps fat loss as protein has a higher thermic effect than other foods.  According to calorieperhour.com, the expression "thermic effect" is used to describe the energy exhausted by our bodies in order to consume (bite, chew and swallow) and process (digest, transport, metabolize and store) food. Examples of inexpensive proteins include; can tuna, whey, cottage cheese, eggs and chicken breast. Try saving steak and salmon for special occasions. 

Buy frozen fruits and vegetables if you have to. Frozen fruits & veggies are pre-washed and pre-cut, which saves preparation time and they also often are half the price of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Try buying generic raw foods like rice, pasta, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, frozen fruits and veggies. This will save you money on packaging & advertising.

Stop buying food outside! Preparing your own food gives you control over the ingredients and is cheaper than buying food at work and school.  Buy food containers for work or school. This way you’re able to take along your favorite snacks if you’re on the run.  

You can find plenty more tips for eating healthy on a budget at the following website: http://stronglifts.com/20-simple-ways-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/