Why is healthy food so expensive? How can I stay in my grocery budget and buy healthy foods to get fit?

Question

I kind of gave up on losing weight but as time goes on, I keep gaining more. Now I dont fit in any of my jeans. I usually have a budget of $100 for the week with a family of 5 to feed. It is hard to eat healthy when its cheaper to buy hot dogs and chips compared to fish or chicken. I love to cook but everything I cook is so high in fat. My husband has me make tacos, enchiladas, pork chops, you name it. I noticed that a loaf of wheat bread that I buy is $3.39 compared to the white bread I buy that is 69 cents or the grapes I buy are like $4.00 for 2.5 pounds. I guess that is why america has such a weight problem. I would appreciate any pointers on saving but affording healthy food. Also any inexpensive healthy meal ideas are appreciated.

Answer 1

Don't forget brown rice and dry beans.

Both are still inexpensive.  You can make re fried beans and use those to help fill your tacos and enchiladas and add seasoned meat to spruce it up....

You can find tons of recipes at allrecipes.com that feature these two ingredients.

Be sure to purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season, as well.

Answer 2

Healthy food such as wheat products and fruits/vegetables are more substantial. Therefore you need less of them to feel full, and to feel full longer, as compared to higher fat and sugar products. So when you buy fruits/vegetables/wheat... you can spend a bit more because it should last longer than your unhealthy foods.

-EDIT-

The person who posted above me also has a great point. You can find lower priced healthy foods and substitute them for volume or just to eat regular. This way, you can expand your food on a smaller budget. Nice answer, person above me!

Answer 3

I love all of these ideas listed below! the only thing I would add to this (since I am on a budget and trying to get healthy) is knocking out products with 'high-fructose corn syrup". I was AMAZED at how many products out there have this in them (especially whole grain breads out there) apparently, this syrup makes people 'crave' it more, so cutting back will help stave off those carb cravings as well. Good luck!

Answer 4

I do feel your pain. SOME healthy food is more expensive and seems out of reach for a weekly grocery budget, particularly when you're not being supported by your husband (who wants all the fatty foods). I went through the same thing with my fiance. We've been able to compromise, keeping our grocery bill low and our healthy foods filling the fridge.

1. Vegetables are always inexpensive. So you can't go organic right now. A bag of whole carrots is cheaper than a big bag of baby carrots. Yes, it's a pain to peel and cut them, but you'll burn more calories doing so. Frozen veggies are also inexpensive. Watch for sales on frozen fruit, too - they're delicious when added to low-fat or non-fat vanilla yogurt (which is often on sale when you buy the bigger tubs of it).

2. My fiance loves peanut butter but hates the all-natural kind. I hate trans fats. We were both delighted to find our store brand peanut butter (both Fred Meyer and Safeway) is completely free of trans fats and contains a healthy fat that reduces cholesterol. Plus, we get it on sale 3 jars for $5 - who doesn't love that?

3. Sparkrecipes.com (an off-shoot of Sparkpeople) has LOADS of healthy recipes for everyone's favorite meals - fried rice, tacos, enchiladas, pork chops, etc. etc. I swear by it when I do my meal planning.

4. Shop around. I get all the sale papers and stock up on stuff I can freeze.

5. Trader Joe's has delicious and healthy frozen entrees that don't cost too much. You can't do ALL your grocery shopping there, but you can find some excellent deals on frozen fish and meats. Get their circular if there's one near you.

You CAN do this  - and your family will be healthier for it, too. Just one word to the wise - I try not to buy any 'diet' foods - nothing with splenda,  nutrasweet or fake fat. They're always more expensive than regular whole foods.