Newfound Love for Healthy Eating on a Budget
After a big move to Newfoundland, Canada, I’ve been settling into a new life with my husband. With our newfound freedom from long-distance constraints, we’ve been indulging in summer cookouts, happy hours, and backyard gatherings. However, I recently realized the importance of cleaning up my eating habits and took the first step by downloading the calorie and fitness tracking app MyPlate.
A Fresh Start with MyPlate
Using MyPlate has been a game-changer. I’ve been eating more nutrient-rich foods and full meals instead of relying on coffee to get me through the day. The app’s Macros chart feature has been instrumental in helping me understand my daily protein, fat, and carb intake. This knowledge has enabled me to make informed decisions about my grocery list and avoid unhealthy impulse buys.
Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping
Our weekly food budget is between $40-$60 ($32-$50 USD) for the two of us. To stay within this range, I’ve had to get creative with my shopping habits. Frozen vegetables have become a staple, and I only buy fresh produce on sale. This means more frequent trips to the store, but it’s worth it to save money. As an added bonus, Newfoundland’s berry-picking season has allowed me to stockpile blueberries in my freezer, eliminating the need for expensive store-bought options.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
As someone with dietary restrictions, including lactose intolerance, vegetarianism, and an avocado allergy, finding healthy food options can be challenging. However, tracking my food intake has revealed that I wasn’t consuming enough protein. By incorporating more protein-rich foods into my diet, I’ve felt fuller and been able to cut down on calories.
Budget-Friendly Staples
Some of my go-to budget-friendly staples include:
- Canned chickpeas or black beans for easy salads and burritos
- Deli turkey and chicken breast for protein-packed lunches
- No-salt peanut butter for healthy snacking
- Canned tomatoes for homemade marinara and salsa
- Popcorn kernels for a low-fat, low-cost snack alternative
The Benefits of Healthy Eating
By cutting down on alcohol and snack spending, I’ve saved around $20 this week. More importantly, I’ve been able to fill my cabinets with healthy food options, reducing the temptation to order takeout and making it easier to stick to my diet. Investing in my health has been worth every penny, and I’m excited to see the long-term benefits of my new eating habits.
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