Let’s face it – eating healthy can sometimes feel like it requires a bottomless wallet. With the high cost of food, it’s challenging to maintain a nutritious diet without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and some savvy strategies, it’s entirely possible to nourish your body without emptying your pockets.
What’s the Average Cost of Groceries in Canada?
Grocery haul posts are trending on social media, as the cost of groceries continues to rise. The average cost of groceries in Canada for a family of four is about $15,000. The pressure of the high cost of groceries is straining Canadians, causing more people to lean away from healthy foods.
Do Healthy Food have to be Expensive?
It’s one of the biggest myths: healthy foods are not more expensive. You can eat healthy food on a budget! It’s possible to maintain your health and wellness despite the rising cost of food in Canada. We’ve got you covered – here’s how to save money, eat healthy, and stay healthy despite the rise in food prices.
Where’s the Cheapest Grocery Store in Canada?
Increasing food costs in Canada have many consumers looking for the cheapest grocery stores. Some of the cheapest groceries can be found at grocery outlets which offer quality products that have imperfections in the packaging or have been overproduced. Prices vary widely for packaged foods among grocery stores in Canada, making shopping around one of the best strategies to find cheap groceries.
Can a Holistic Approach Help You Save Money on Groceries?
Yes! There are many cost-saving benefits to adopting a holistic approach to eating. Since healthy eating isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s important to find what works best for your body and lifestyle. Many nutrient-dense foods that support health and wellness are considered cheap groceries. Plus, you can save money on groceries with meal planning and seasonal eating.
Remember: Holistic nutrition is more than eating healthy – it’s about nourishing your entire being.
Your wellness involves factors beyond food, such as stress management, sleep, and mental wellness. These factors are under strain with the high costs of food in Canada. Let these holistic approaches to healthy eating help you save on groceries while maintaining your health and wellness.
How Can I Save Money on Food While Eating Healthy?
Let’s explore 7 holistic nutrition strategies that may help you eat healthy despite the high cost of food in Canada.
Whole foods (grains, legumes, and fresh produce) are the cornerstones of a nutritious diet. Plus, when you choose legumes over animal meat as a protein source – you’ve found cheap groceries. Go ahead and save money on your groceries when you buy some of these whole foods in bulk: beans, lentils, rice, and oats have a long shelf life, and are versatile and nutrient-dense.
Make a meal plan to help smooth out your week. Planning your meals means you’re less likely to be scrambling to eat healthy and reduces costly eating out. Create a shopping list to help you ensure you’ve got all of the ingredients on hand. Remember to use sales, seasonal produce, and ingredients you already have to help you reduce your cost of groceries. Some households find batch cooking on weekends prevents last-minute takeout orders or fast-food lunches.
Take advantage of lower prices at local farmer’s markets compared to supermarkets. Seasonal produce is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to try new fruits and veggies. When buying groceries, choose seasonal produce to avoid expensive imports, such as cherries in mid-winter.
If you do have a mid-winter cherry craving, consider frozen instead. Consider frozen options when the fresh produce is expensive, wilted, or almost rotten.
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to avoid food waste. Be mindful of portion sizes, considering whether leftovers are an advantage or likely to end up in the garbage. Get creative in the kitchen and try to repurpose leftovers into new meals – it’s a great way to maximize your grocery budget.
Plant-based proteins (beans, lentils, and tofu) are cost-saving options. Packed with protein, these plants are cheap groceries, costing you a fraction of comparable meals with animal protein. You can swap tofu into your curry or beans into your chili to eat healthy on a budget.
No cooking skills are required to make a simple salad or delicious wrap at home – it’s a great money-saver. Plus, it’s healthier to cook from scratch. Want to level up your cooking skills? The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition offers a variety of healthy cooking recipes in the Holistic Kitchen. Learn to cook in CSNN’s Holistic Culinary Workshops.
You Can Eat Healthy on a Budget
You don’t have to break the bank to eat healthy. It’s about making conscious choices, meal planning, and being resourceful. Don’t let high food costs discourage you from living your best life. With a bit of creativity and informed choices, you can savour nutritious meals without draining your savings.
