In the past 10 years I’ve had phases when I was living on a (tight) budget. When my weekly expenses for food wouldn’t exceed € 50, sometimes even € 40 (for one person, based in Germany). Yet, I almost always managed to buy organic and/or local and I always always ate healthy. Never ever would it occur that I did not eat healthy. That is just not an option for me. My health and diet is priority number one, even on a tight budget. So how am I doing it?
Buy efficiently
As said, my food choices are preferably organic and/or local. Not every town, city or place I stayed at had organic food stores, Co-ops or farmers markets. Nowadays, though, many of the big supermarkets, even the discounters offer organic and local options.
I still manage to keep my expenses low, because I try to buy whole foods instead of prepackaged or ready-made stuff. I love to cook and bake, so buying whole ingredients such as rice, flour, oils, vinegars, nuts and seeds is my go-to practice.
If possible - and many Co-ops or the German unverpackt stores - offer that option, I tend to buy in bulk rather than small sized bags or containers, which usually are more expensive checking the price per gram or kilogram.
While I’m not a bargain hunter, I do watch for sales or discounts in stores, especially when it comes to organic fruits and vegetables, which can be very pricey.
No eating out whatsoever
This is just the killer for your wallet. While I’m appreciating restaurants and their skills of making delicious food, I know how to make my own meals - pretty decent ones I must say and know how to cook dishes from cuisines from many parts of the world. For me personally there is no need to eating out. Unless I’m invited that is.
I’d only once in a while would go eat a very good Italian pizza, such as the one at my favorite Italian restaurant in Berlin. Or a proper veggie/vegan Burger - there’s some great places for that, too. But every other dish I’m very happy to try-test myself in the kitchen, be it Mexican, Persian, Thai or Japanese.
If you know how to cook based on pantry and fridge staples, cooking different country cuisines doesn’t have to cut a whole in your purse, too. Wanna know how? I’ve created a whole series about this that you can access here.
No processed food
Have you ever checked the ingredients list of a prepackaged meal? A can of Ravioli or a bag of frozen Nasi Goreng? It’s full of additives, artificial colors and flavors. Let alone the taste of a something like that. Yuck!
Instead I always try to cook for 2-3 days in a row, which works especially great when making a Risotto, a Chili, a soup or a stew. I sometimes eat the same dish 3 days in row (and don’t get tired of it - haha!), or would freeze some after day 1.
The even better option is to invite a friend or family member over and share the meal. Oh, and have them help you cooking before. ;-)
Make your own
Speaking of which, making your own food doesn’t have to be rocket science, especially when you’re not that of a master chef in the kitchen or don’t have fancy kitchen tools (food processor, Kitchen Aid, you name it) sitting around.
Let’s say you’re fan of Granola and love to try all the fancy mixes out there. You’ve probably noticed that most of them also have hefty prices. Making my own granola, instead of buying it, is my go-to here. And I know exactly what’s in it, because I made it myself - Ha!
Go shopping only once a week
For me that’s actually a no-brainer. Sometimes I just wasn’t able to go more often, since I was living quite remotely and had to join someone for a grocery shopping trip - since they owned a car - or I simply had to carry all my groceries up a hill to where I was living (again, no car). That does provide for a good workout, though.
I always go with a shopping list. Before I leave the house, I’d check the fridge, the freezer and my pantry shelf to see what’s still there, which container or bottle is close to empty.
Very importantly, I ask myself what do I really need? How do I manage to do that? No, I don’t force myself to not buy crap. I merely try to stick to my shopping list.
And I try to go shopping after I’ve had a meal. Never ever go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You’ll make different choices, trust me. A bag of chips here, a bar of chocolate there.
I like to treat myself, too, don’t get me wrong. But instead of buying chips or chocolate or whatever snack is available close to the cashier, I’m baking a cake or cookies that will last longer than that bag of chips or chocolate bar. It is better for your purse, and you have another excuse to invite friends or family over for cake & coffee, too.
So, buying groceries and eating healthy even on a tight budget is more than possible and doesn't mean to opt for unhealthy food choices. It means to make wise decisions, when it comes to your buying habits and getting creative in the kitchen. And that’s the best part in my opinion.