Healthy foods ARE more expensive.

xFitnessFlirt

Ok I went to walmart the other day to get some groceries and I started looking in the healthy section. Like fruits and veggies and meats. I couldnt believe their prices! it was 2.98 per pound of apples, 1.48 per small mango, freaking one avocado was almost 3 bucks. No wonder no one can eat or cook healthy meals everything so expensive.

I guess my dad was right eating healthy is way more expensive then just getting frozen dinners, but I dont want to live on tv dinner because they are not healthy. They're packed with sodium and chemicals and not full of the nutrients you need.

Anybody that live on the west side of U.S know good places to shop for groceries. Especially fruits and veggies? Because I sure cannot afford walmart prices when I always thought they were suppose to be cheap.

Any stores or suggestions appreciated, thanks!

Alexandria1213

I would try farmers markets. All organic and locally grown, usually fairly priced. I live in Washington BTW

xFitnessFlirt

I would try farmers markets. All organic and locally grown, usually fairly priced. I live in Washington BTW

not sure or never heard of farmers markets and what they are. I'll google it, thanks. I live in Nevada here lol

booyainyoface

trader joes and sprouts markets (maybe called sunflower in NV) are pretty good.... they have double advertisement wednesdays which are awesome!

PikaKnight

I would try farmers markets. All organic and locally grown, usually fairly priced. I live in Washington BTW

not sure or never heard of farmers markets and what they are. I'll google it, thanks. I live in Nevada here lol

They have them in Nevada. Definitely google it and also see if there are any health food stores in your area - like Whole Foods, etc.

sammy_g1

Eat different types of fruits and vegetables when they are season and they will be a lot cheaper.

It is summer where I am so things like tomatoes and avocado are really cheap and at their peak, however I never buy those things in winter as they are way too expensive and the quality sucks.

questiontheanswers

I'm in California - avocados are nowhere near that expensive here, even the organic ones top out at like $1.50. But first, I wouldn't buy produce from Walmart or Target if you have other options. I haven't been impressed with the quality and their prices really aren't too impressive.

You absolutely can eat healthy on a budget. Farmers' markets are great - try farmersmarket.com to see if there is one near you. Also, if there are any Asian or ethnic stores near you, they typically have very good prices on produce. I also like Fresh & Easy, Sprouts, and Trader Joes. Not sure if they have any of those stores near you but if they do, they're definitely worth a look. Good luck!

**Edited for typos

Louisianababy93

i know leaner meat is more expensive now that i switched to it,BUT SO WORTH IT!

Lrdoflamancha

I would try farmers markets. All organic and locally grown, usually fairly priced. I live in Washington BTW

not sure or never heard of farmers markets and what they are. I'll google it, thanks. I live in Nevada here lol

They have them in Nevada. Definitely google it and also see if there are any health food stores in your area - like Whole Foods, etc.

Farmers markets are over for the year in Ca. They end now until Mar of next year. The reason produce is so expensive right now is because nothing grown in the northern hemisphere is in season. So summer fruit is being imported from S America... Much more expensive to ship and for you to buy. If Walmart is to expensive try Target. Here in S Ca they are about the cheapest around. Clip coupons and buy sale items.

vizsla99

Recently I happened to go to Walmart and a local grocery chain. I was always under the impression was much cheaper, until this trip. What I noticed is perishable items like apples, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables were 25-65% LESS at the grocery chain. Walmart on the other hand was cheaper on non perishables. It may pay to shop around a little bit.

jmkmomm

I know that the frozen meals have more sodium and additives but I don't cook at all. So for lunch I do eat some of those frozen meals. I do eat some healthy sandwiches, carrots, apples, cottage cheese and canned fruit, etc. We eat out at supper. I'm not sure what the dietician will say about it when I meet her tomorrow for the first time but she will have to work it in. I don't salt anything, I drink only water or sometimes the V8 fusion.

questiontheanswers

Farmers markets are over for the year in Ca. They end now until Mar of next year. The reason produce is so expensive right now is because nothing grown in the northern hemisphere is in season. So summer fruit is being imported from S America... Much more expensive to ship and for you to buy. If Walmart is to expensive try Target. Here in S Ca they are about the cheapest around. Clip coupons and buy sale items.

I'm in Southern California, too, and there are still farmer's markets by me! I know at least the one in Mission Viejo is still running and also Tanaka Farms still has their produce stands open. Though they are both closed for the next two weeks due to Christmas.

xFitnessFlirt

I'm in California - avocados are nowhere near that expensive here, even the organic ones top out at like $1.50. But first, I wouldn't buy produce from Walmart or Target if you have other options. I haven't been impressed with the quality and their prices really aren't too impressive.

You absolutely can eat healthy on a budget. Farmers' markets are great - try farmersmarket.com to see if there is one near you. Also, if there are any Asian or ethnic stores near you, they typically have very good prices on produce. I also like Fresh & Easy, Sprouts, and Trader Joes. Not sure if they have any of those stores near you but if they do, they're definitely worth a look. Good luck!

**Edited for typos

thanks a lot. I've seen fresh and easy around here all the time I just didnt know if they were cheaper. I'll check out that website too!

funkyspunky872

I agree, especially in terms of calorie per dollar. It's a lot cheaper to buy 2,000 calories worth of 'junk food' than it is to buy 2,000 calories worth of lean meats and fresh veggies. That's why you have to find the middle ground. There's really no need for expensive, organic, farm-raised stuff. Canned and frozen veggies are just fine too. A box of poptarts in your grocery buggy isn't going to kill you. Everybody on MFP has suddenly gotten so obsessive over eating 'clean' it seems, but I just aim for balanced.

flobeedoodle

Healthy foods may or may not be more expensive than unhealthy food, but where I have lived (OH and TN,) healthy food has been more expensive at Walmart than healthy food at Kroger, Meijer, FoodTown, etc. In my experience, once I wanted to start eating real food, I stopped shopping at Walmart.

babyfatstarteditall

Frozen fruit and veggies are almost as good for you as fresh and cheaper than out of season produce. Beans, lentils and tofu are WAY cheaper than beef. Try substituting them occasionally.

upgetupgetup

It's possible to eat cheaply and conveniently and healthily.

I get these frozen. Savings come from things lasting ages, and typically, the stuff is cheaper than fresh:

- tilapia fillets
- blueberries (for shakes/desserts)
- shrimp

I spend on these:

- chicken. But, 1 breast goes into 2-4 meals. 2 if I'm doing chicken + starchy thing + veg. 4 if I put it into chilis or sandwiches (2 oz each)
- steak
- lean deli (ham and turkey) - but, deals to be had here too

These, I usually get on a deal:

- canned beans and lentils. Yeah, sodium, the extra time boiling drives me nuts. I rinse them for ages. Good value: I split one 19 oz can of lentils, and put it into 3 soup lunches. 99 cents a can for the beans, 1-3 bucks for the soup (1 package = 2 servings). That's $1.33 for a lunch.
- tuna
- nicish soups (see beans above)
- oatmeal
- canned tomatoes

Don't save much here, but cal for dollar for meal, it works out:
- greek yogurt (goes into everything)
- cottage cheese

For veg and bread, I sometimes spend, sometimes go to markets, sometimes get a deal. Apples and bananas are usually cheap.

Average weekly spend = 60-100. 60 means: lots of food prep and freezing, frozen fish, no eating out. 100 means: have to get expensive staples (nice vinegar, olive oil) and I've mostly eaten fresh meats.

xFitnessFlirt

I agree, especially in terms of calorie per dollar. It's a lot cheaper to buy 2,000 calories worth of 'junk food' than it is to buy 2,000 calories worth of lean meats and fresh veggies. That's why you have to find the middle ground. There's really no need for expensive, organic, farm-raised stuff. Canned and frozen veggies are just fine too. A box of poptarts in your grocery buggy isn't going to kill you. Everybody on MFP has suddenly gotten so obsessive over eating 'clean' it seems, but I just aim for balanced.

trust me i cant eat clean 100% of the time. because i love to have something unhealthy once in awhile too. But i do love healthy foods and im trying to find a good balance too. Plus by the price of clean eating i cant eat healthy all the time. I just want to try to eat clean MOST of the time. Thanks for your advice!

mgobluetx12

I would try farmers markets. All organic and locally grown, usually fairly priced. I live in Washington BTW

not sure or never heard of farmers markets and what they are. I'll google it, thanks. I live in Nevada here lol

They have them in Nevada. Definitely google it and also see if there are any health food stores in your area - like Whole Foods, etc.

Whole Foods is incredibly expensive.

xFitnessFlirt

It's possible to eat cheaply and conveniently and healthily.

I get these frozen. Savings come from things lasting ages, and typically, the stuff is cheaper than fresh:

- tilapia fillets
- blueberries (for shakes/desserts)
- shrimp

I spend on these:

- chicken. But, 1 breast goes into 2-4 meals. 2 if I'm doing chicken + starchy thing + veg. 4 if I put it into chilis or sandwiches (2 oz each)
- steak
- lean deli (ham and turkey) - but, deals to be had here too

These, I usually get on a deal:

- canned beans and lentils. Yeah, sodium, the extra time boiling drives me nuts. I rinse them for ages. Good value: I split one 19 oz can of lentils, and put it into 3 soup lunches. 99 cents a can for the beans, 1-3 bucks for the soup (1 package = 2 servings). That's $1.33 for a lunch.
- tuna
- nicish soups (see beans above)
- oatmeal
- canned tomatoes

Don't save much here, but cal for dollar for meal, it works out:
- greek yogurt (goes into everything)
- cottage cheese

For veg and bread, I sometimes spend, sometimes go to markets, sometimes get a deal. Apples and bananas are usually cheap.

Average weekly spend = 60-100. 60 means: lots of food prep and freezing, frozen fish, no eating out. 100 means: have to get expensive staples (nice vinegar, olive oil) and I've mostly eaten fresh meats.

thanks for the advice! this is really helpful! I might try this out!

kschhr

Avocados are super out of season, which is why they'd be three bucks, so are mangoes and apples. Vegetables are generally really cheap. Find international stores and they can be very inexpensive. Most Mexican and Asian stores are the best (big stores though, not specialty shops).

Ejourneys

My results are far different. I keep track of my household expenses and my spreadsheet is updated through the end of November. I still need to do December and won't until the month is over.

I started buying healthier foods for myself at the beginning of September, which means I've spent three full months swapping in fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and other healthier foods (like certain canned and frozen vegetables and vegetable drinks) for what by and large had been processed foods and sweets.

I took my average grocery expense for the first eight months of the year (pre-change; add the 8 months and divide by 8) and the average for the past three months (post-change; add the 3 months and divide by 3). My average grocery expense post-change comes to 41% less than it had been before.

That's close to half off my grocery bill from changes in my food habits alone. I also buy groceries for a second person, whose eating habits remain the same as before.

Part of the decrease comes from the fact that I am just plain eating less food than I used to. Switching from processed to fresh foods also removed many of my food cravings, so I don't feel as hungry as I used to.

chio_04

Hey, I live in Las Vegas. Try hispanic stores like Cardenas, El Super, or La bonita. Always look at the ads before going to the store, some stuff is much cheaper in one store versus another, if you're willing to drive around. I shop there, and get great stuff for lower prices. Also look into buying in-season fruits and veggies, they will be cheaper than the rest.

keem88

farmer's market. produce is usually cheaper if you buy local.
as far as organics if that is something you are looking into, it is not necessary to purchase things that have a strong peel organic (like bananas, onions, avocados, etc).
buy fruits and veggies that are in season, they are cheaper.
i usually get avocados for a dollar each at shoprite.
compare flyers for stores before you go out and purchase to find the best deals
if possible, if you have a yard or anything, grow your own produce as well

ashumeow

lol... vegetables are so cheaper. Whereas, fruits gets cheaper depending upon the seasons. My budget was very less this month.
Since, i live near sea side, some of my people even get large fishes at cheaper rate. Chicken and prawns are at moderate rate. Mutton, pork and beef are very costly here. I don't know the exact price since i am a veggie. =P

RobynLB

Rice and beans? Cents a pound.

Someone mentioned hispanic markets. Great tip! Actually, any place white people don't shop will have produce at least half priced a regular chain grocery store. It's ridiculous. And the selection is way better for produce! Try asian markets, persian markets, and hispanic markets. All excellent whole food cheap cheap cheap.

goddessofsewing

Look to see if Bountiful Baskets (bountifulbaskets.org) is in your area. There are lots of locations in NV. It's $15 whenever you order and comes with 5 kinds of fruits and 5 kinds of vegetables. You don't know what you're going to get week to week, but that's part of the fun to me. Last week I got cauliflower, two yellow squash, spinach, 5 lbs of red potatoes, a green pepper, 3 apples, bananas, grapes, 2 grapefruit, and a pineapple. They're taking the next two weeks off for Christmas and New Years, but it's a good option for me the rest of the year.

clrrrr

frozen fruits and veggies are cheaper and are just as nutritious, if not more so..they are frozen at peak quality, fresh from the field, whereas fresh stuff that's out of season in your area is often shipped in from thousands of miles away and has therefore been sitting around and wasting away for awhile.
also some healthy items like eggs, yogurt, beans, lentils, quinoa, etc. are super super cheap. and you usually get multiple meals out of any one unit of buying something so it often evens out ultimately (i.e. one pack of chicken breasts makes about 4-6 servings of chicken, so it might cost $7, but each meal will only have max 2 dollars worth of chicken in it)...plus a lot of the stuff that makes up the bulk of frozen dinners is super cheap to buy for yourself and assemble, like rice and pasta and the aforementioned frozen veggies. the actual amount of meat can end up being really tiny.
also, for meat (and produce that holds up under freezing), go to a warehouse store (e.g. Costco) and buy in BULK and then freeze stuff. I have a giant bag of chicken in my freezer that could probably make me at least 8 meals for like half the cost of buying in the grocery store, and it will last for as long as I need it to.
also, if you really want to go the extra mile, you can try talking to your grocery (I've only known this to work with a locally owned co-op, but you can certainly try with a chain store) about striking a deal where they give you the produce that they've deemed unsellable. they throw TONS of stuff away every day if it's bruised or nearing overripeness. I have a cousin who used to work produce and he would always end up bringing home entire cases of mangos and stuff every day because they were just giving them away in the back. drove my aunt crazy, but who doesn't want free mangos? well, I don't, because I don't like mangos. but I gather that most people do

mrskatie80

I dunno that I agree that TV dinners are cheaper than cooking at home.....
Not here in Australia anyway!

Lean Cuisine meals are $5 - $8 each (rough numbers people.....for all those about to jump down my throat and tell me they have seen them at $4.99). For an average family you have 2 adults and 2 children.
So let's call that $20 - $32 for frozen dinners. Right?

Now let's make a chicken and avocado salad that will feed four easily.
$1.99 for an entire lettuce
$8.50 for 3 chicken breasts
$1.50 for a whole avocado
$2.00 for marinated goats feta
$0.60 for a tomato
$0.10 for dressing

We're at under $15.00 in total. If you have two people - halve it!! Buy less chicken and the lettuce and 1/2 avocado will keep in the fridge!
I make spaghetti bolognaise with grated/diced veggies through it for less than $10 and that feeds our family of 5 AND my husband's lunch the next day!! $1.50 per serve!
Just plan, plan, PLAN!

Shop sensibly, buy in season and in bulk and it doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Shadowknight137

Eggs are pretty cheap, and potatoes are too - two bucks for a kilo of white potatoes and (unfortunately) six bucks for a kilo of sweet potatoes.
Offal is REALLY cheap, too. Animal heart/liver/kidney/brains/etc are dirt cheap and taste amazing, provided you have the guts to try them.

EDIT: Wow. I see what I did there. O.O

stepheatscake

A dozen of home-range eggs is average $4/doz and you can get at least 5 breakfasts out of that. Not bad. Try making your own bread - way cheaper. Same with homemade pasta.

Also, if you eat when you're hungry and stop when you're content you'll be amazed at what a little amount you actually can get by on. Watch your portion sizes!! I bet you could cut your portion in half- - that's huge savings~