Tips for eating healthy on a budget

1) Buy products that have been reduced. Whether it be fresh produce or general groceries, supermarkets will always have a section where products have been reduced.

2) Buy frozen veges. Sometimes fresh vegetables can be very expensive, so it can be more economical to buy them frozen. Also, they will keep for longer.  Alternatively, buy canned fruit or vegetables if fresh ones are too expensive. But be careful to buy ones with low sodium and sugar. Canned vegetables can be high in sodium, canned fruit can be high in sugar.

3) Plan your grocery list before going shopping. Also, look at catalogues to see weekly specials. And don't go shopping when you are hungry! You will be more likely to overindulge and overspend.

4) Keep leftovers. You can make a big meal, then divide it into portions and freeze.

5) Shop homebrand. The store's home brand (eg Coles- Farmland, Savings, You'll Love Coles) are much cheaper than main stream brands, and usually taste just as good.

6) Plan ahead. Plan your weekly food menu, then go shopping for it.

7) Visit local markets for cheaper produce.

8) Buy fruits and vegetables in season, as they are cheaper. You can even buy a lot if it is particularly cheap, and freeze what you don't eat.

9) If you are going to be out for the day, prepare lunch and snacks to take with you. This way, when hunger hits, you will be less likely to buy takeaway or soemthing from a vending machine, which is often unhealthy and/or expensive.

10)Create a food budget- have a dollar-amount in mind and stick to it- plan your meals at the beginning of the week and stick to your budget.

11) Freeze bread- it lasts much longer.

12) Reduce the amount of meat you eat by bulking up a meal with vegetables- this can be much cheaper and healthier.