Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning and some smart grocery shopping, you can meal prep nutritious, delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here’s how to make healthy eating affordable and easy.

1. Plan Your Meals & Stick to a List

Impulse purchases add up fast, so plan your meals for the week and write a grocery list before shopping. Focus on simple, versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes.

2. Buy in Bulk & Focus on Staples

Some of the cheapest, most nutritious foods are also the best for meal prep. Stock up on:

• Oats, rice, and whole grains – Affordable, filling, and great for energy.
• Lentils and beans – High in protein and fiber, they’re cheaper than meat and just as satisfying.
• Frozen vegetables – Just as nutritious as fresh but last longer and cost less.
• Eggs – A budget-friendly protein source that works for any meal.

3. Cook Once, Eat All Week

Batch-cooking is the key to saving time and money. Make a big pot of soup, chili, or stir-fry that can last several days. Prepping ingredients ahead—like washing and chopping veggies—also makes cooking easier throughout the week.

4. Use Cheaper Protein Sources

Meat can be expensive, but there are plenty of protein-rich alternatives:

• Canned tuna or salmon – Affordable, packed with protein, and easy to use in salads or sandwiches.
• Tofu and tempeh – Great for plant-based meals and cost-effective compared to fresh meat.
• Greek yogurt – A high-protein snack that also works in smoothies and sauces.

5. Make Your Own Snacks

Instead of buying pricey protein bars or chips, prep your own snacks:

• Hard-boiled eggs for a quick protein boost.
• Overnight oats with fruit for a filling breakfast.
• Roasted chickpeas or homemade popcorn for a crunchy, budget-friendly option.

6. Limit Food Waste

Use leftovers creatively—turn roasted vegetables into soups, repurpose cooked chicken into wraps, and freeze extra portions for later. Wasting less food means saving more money.