Is it me or is this healthy eating lark expensive??

tforsyth

Good morning, I don't normally post on here unless it is something I feel I need to.
I spent the majority of my adult life eating the so-called cheaper, non-healthy type of foods, and what did that bring me:. Depression and obesity which also brought with it type II diabetes with two different medications to control it, as well as a medication for cholesterol to keep my considered-normal cholesterol better than normal. All these new medications were very expensive. Since I joined MFP, I have lost over 70 pounds, I am Happy, and I no longer have to take the cholesterol pills. I was able to completely cut out one of the diabetes medications and cut the other one down. I have my sugar levels to the point where you wouldn't think I was even diabetic. My doctor and my family are so proud.
So, in the grand scheme of things, the grocery bill might be a bit higher, but I have cut costs with medications and again I am happy.
You cannot put a price tag on that!! Plus, I know I am worth it!!

22GARDEN

I think if you can shop for seasonal fruits/veggies it makes it very affordable.... An example would be purchasing carrots.... If you buy them all sliced, diced and cleaned you will pay double. 5 minutes at the sink cleaning can save lots of money, plus it's good to have a bin of fresh veggies/fruits all cut and ready to go. A head of lettuce a bargain compared to a bag of prewashed cut and bagged... A little time saves lots of money.

angng

I think it's cheaper. I don't buy a bunch of processed stuff, I buy most of my veggies and fruit at Trader Joes ($1.99 for a bag of lettuce) or farmer's markets once they open, which is pretty cheap. It costs a lot if I buy gf bread/bagels but I don't eat those very often.

iwillsoonbeslim

We did our weeks menu plan and shopped this morning. Our shopping was about £25 less than normal!

Yup. Following 3 years of losing weight, and watching others plan their meals, I could never get my head round the idea of shopping from a list. Earlier this year a MAJOR financial blow meant I have to watch every single penny for a while, so I started menu planning from a budget point of view more than anything else - and now I LOVE doing it, and hope I never slip back into old habits! I only buy what I need, need what I buy....EAT what I buy, and waste nothing! Win-win-win! I'm eating like a king, and saving an absolute fortune ♥

reneegee23

Definitely not a lark But sure, if you buy prepackage foods and meals, you will be paying more. I make ahead 90% of what I eat and seem to be doing okay financially

Wreak_Havoc

plant a vegetable garden if you have the space! i feast on tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, and strawberries all summer long. all it takes is seeds, water, and sun

And if you don't think you have the space, try this trick..

Use rain gutter mounted to a wall slightly tipped so they zig-zag under each each other for run-off. plant lettuce, radishes, baby carrots and the like. Works great and takes up all of 8-10" (20-25cm)

Di3012

So I'm trying to budget this next month and I've realised just how expensive this eating healthy lark is!! Monday to Friday I work very long hours so I have a fresh salad on the way home - that costs me £4.95 minimum. I am going to try & take my own snacks, breakfast & lunch but still!!!

Any cheap suggestions pls? I'm in the uk. I generally cut out starchy carbs for dinner xxx

Do NOT buy prepackaged salads, sandwiches or anything else, they cost a bomb!

Make your own, the ingredients you buy to make the same amount will enable you to make several day's worth and save your tons of money.

Healthy eating does not equate to expensive - ever. xxx

JenAiMarres

Definitely make your own salad !! And yes ...I'm going completely broke eating clean and making 5lbs of chicken a night for my family of 5...freaking rediculous!

tlinval

I'm in the US...

IDK, I'm finding that my grocery bill is the same or lower than before. I tend to buy veggies and fruit in bulk (not prepackaged) and prepare them as soon as I get home. I also go to Sam's Club for our fruit, veggies and LC cheese because it's cheaper and we'll now eat everything before it goes bad. I meal plan for the week, make a list, shop it, and that's it. I don't go to the store more than once a week because I find that's when we start spending money needlessly!

killinme

I can only speak to the USA, but I am also a Personal Finance Counselor.

If you plan your meals (not from a box or a can), eating healthy is easy and costs less.

The calling of the McDonald's, Burger King, White Castle, Taco Bell, and Wendy's is the more difficult part.

Oh on a side note! We had a real controversy in our area with a radio commercial. The people that eat "Organic" found out that the local farms RECYCLE animal "Waste" for fertilizer.

I don't mean leftovers either (snicker)

I guess they weren't clear on that point.

I am not giving any opinion on "Organic" or whatever, but it was funny to see people flip out!

HAHAHAHA

Just saying! (In Nebraska, USA)

tarnbop

Where are you getting a salad that costs £4.95?

I was going to ask the same question!
Asda and Co-op sometimes have salad bars that are pretty cheap..
But obviously not as cheap as making your own..
Could you turn your dinners around so that you have salad at lunch (homemade) and then it's still relatively fresh?
I make mine the night before and as long as it's in the fridge, it's fine! (Though careful of anything that may go soggy eg croutons etc)

But yes, in general I find it more expensive eating healthily, but think about it in terms of saving on gym membership