When you think of your “diet,” you may automatically think about shedding unwanted pounds. Sticking to a healthy diet with clean eating, can offer you so much more than weight loss. By committing to better food habits, you can actively improve your mental and physical well-being, in addition to your waistline. You can even do so without spending a small fortune, especially when you keep the following budget-friendly healthy eating facts in mind.

1. Buying Healthier Foods Can Actually Cost You Less

For many people, the taste of healthy foods is not what keeps them from eating cleaner — it’s the cost that puts them off from a healthier lifestyle. As it turns out, it can be easier to stick to a tight food budget when you fill your cart with clean foods such as veggies, fruit, and lean proteins. Start by shopping for groceries with retailers known for low prices, such Walmart and Costco. You can use online offers and coupons for those stores to save even more money such as ebates.com/walmart.com . You can also save money on food, supplements and protein powders too to help keep you on track. You can even use those same coupons and promo codes to stock up on a few kitchen tools that can make it easier to eat healthfully, like a blender for morning smoothies or cutting boards for chopping those veggies.

2. Cooking Meals at Home Can Save You Money and Stress

If you used those promo codes to pick up a few much-needed cooking supplies, you’ve already made a smart move for your physical and mental health. That’s because cooking meals at home is a simple way to save on food costs, keep your body healthy, and even boost your mental health. For one, you have the satisfaction of knowing you are actively taking care of yourself, but cooking is also a perfect time to practice mindfulness and really appreciate the healthy foods you are putting into your body. Need some help putting those new kitchen tools to work? Try searching online for cost-effective clean recipes that will be simple to throw together and that will keep you full and thriving.

3. Prepping Meals Can Reduce Your Waistline and Your Budget

Cooking can be a wonderful way to release tension after a stressful day. Sometimes, though, your schedule may be too busy for even the simplest of healthy recipes. When times get hectic, you can still stick to your healthy eating habits with some basic meal prep. Some of the wellness benefits of meal prep include being able to tightly control every ingredient you put into each meal and having healthy options on hand to curb sudden cravings. These benefits make meal prep an effective and easy tool to help you lose weight and feel your best. If you need some meal prep inspiration, try searching Pinterest for simple snacks and meals anyone can make. Users are always adding new recipes, so you’re less likely to get bored.

4. Starting with Small Changes Can Save Your Health and Savings

The research is clear: Eating healthily will improve your health, whether you lose weight or not. While you should see some visible changes to your body by cutting out processed foods or reducing sodium intake, the most significant changes will be happening inside. Eating healthier can lower your blood pressure, balance out cholesterol, and reduce your risk of disease. You are likely to see mental health benefits of clean eating as well, since eating more fruits and veggies has been closely linked with lower instances of depression. When it comes to making those budget-friendly lifestyle changes, whether it’s shopping for clean foods or finding inexpensive ways to stay active, know that gradual changes tend to work best. You’re less likely to give into cravings if you try making one healthy swap at a time. You will also waste less money this way.

Cleaning up your diet for improved health and wellness shouldn’t take drastic measures or expenses. It’s important to keep the information above in mind when altering your shopping and eating habits, but it’s also important to prioritize your well-being over any budget concerns. Because buying healthy foods is not just an investment for weight loss and health — it’s an investment toward a happier, healthier life.  Here are some additional tips for eating healthy on a budget.

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Guest Post by:

Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com | info@fitsheila.com