You don’t have to break the bank to clean up your diet. Turns out some of the healthiest foods on the planet are plant based (including high-protein sources like lentils and beans), which will save you money in the long run, notes Lori Zanini, R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Tighten your purse strings even further by incorporating some of the following strategies:
- If you live near a farmers’ market, hang around and start shopping during the last 15 minutes or so. “This is when many farmers start to discount produce and are usually open to making a deal,” says Zanini.
- Shop the grocery store produce bar. This strategy works best if you don’t often use all the produce you buy. “Buying just a few ounces of leafy greens is often much more economical than purchasing an entire bag.”
- Get frozen (especially on sale). “I stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables and frozen wild-caught salmon,” notes Zanini. “Frozen is just as healthy, and it means you always have nutrient-dense options available