How to Save Money on Healthy Food

I’m still in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and as I write this, it’s a very rainy morning here (hello, rainy season!).

To be honest, the rain makes working a little easier.  It’s not easy to be traveling in the most beautiful locations while also having to work most days - the amazing weather and beautiful beaches make me want to lie in the sun, surf, and eat all the fried plantains and seafood...but I know, I know #firstworldproblems.  I’ll stop complaining now, before you stop reading.

What has been easy while traveling, however, is saving money on food. Surprisingly, I have spent way less money than I did when I was living in one place in Los Angeles. I want to share some of my favorite money-saving (and healthy) tips with you:

1. Create a grocery list of real, whole foods and stick to it!

Whole foods are going to be way less expensive than pre-cooked or pre-packaged foods. If you make your grocery list of healthy, nutrient-dense, whole foods before you head out to the grocery store, you can save a ton of money. Not only will you save by skipping the more expensive and less healthy packaged foods, you’re also likely to eat less because you’re getting the nutrition (not just calories) your body is looking for.  For a shopping list of my favorite nutrient-dense foods, check out my Fat Loss 101 Course.

2. Cook at home.

Even with traveling, I try to cook most of my meals at home - I always stay in a place with a full kitchen for this exact reason. It’s been shocking to see a week’s worth of groceries be spent in one dinner out. Sure, eating out is nice, but it takes the specialness out of it if you do it too often. The more you eat out, the more money you’re likely to spend and the more you’re also likely to consume.

3. Buy in bulk, buy cheaper cuts of meat, and stock up on sales!

Shop smarter! Buying cheaper cuts of meat, like ground meat, or buying a whole chicken, or stocking up when there is a sale is a great way to get more value for your money. If you have the space, getting in on a cow-share could also be a great option to save in the long-term. I love US Wellness Meats for easy access to sales on 100% grass-fed meats. Save yourself time, as well, by cooking in bulk for multiple meals throughout the week.

4. Shop for in-season or frozen products

Shop smarter! Buying cheaper cuts of meat, like ground meat, or buying a whole chicken, or stocking up when there is a sale is a great way to get more value for your money. If you have the space, getting in on a cow-share could also be a great option to save in the long-term. I love US Wellness Meats for easy access to sales on 100% grass-fed meats. Save yourself time, as well, by cooking in bulk for multiple meals throughout the week.

5. Make your own healthy treats

Instead of splurging on a “healthy” packaged treat, make your own instead. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I always making my own healthy brownies or cookies or cakes. Not only will you get way more value out of it, but you’re also going to be in control of exactly what goes into these treats.

Foods such as eggs, ground beef, greek yogurt, rice, and local/seasonal produce have been staples for me while I’ve been traveling. These foods help tremendously to keep my cost down while also keeping my nutrients and protein up! I still go out to eat a couple of times a week to enjoy the local cuisine, but this has been the key to me being able to stay lean and healthy.

Do you have any favorite money-saving tips I missed?