The benefits of eating healthy are well documented. However, eating healthy can get expensive. I’m going to share with you five tips to eat healthy on a budget.

1. Meal Planning is essential.  Planning your meals out a week in advance allows you to map out your grocery store strategy. By planning ahead you can also find coupons and other cost saving deals available in your area.

2. Whatever you do, don’t deviate from your grocery list and don’t go to the grocery store on a hungry stomach.  Try shopping at local farmers markets. Often times their overhead is lower than the chain grocery stores, and those savings are passed down to the consumer.

3. Purchase your produce when is in season. Purchasing produce, particularly fruit when out of season can get very expensive.

4. Cook at home more often. With services like Uber Eats, the temptation to eat out is even greater. Even if your food selections are healthy, the cost of eating out adds up.

5. Purchase staple items such as rice, beans, dried herbs, seasonings and oils in bulk. Those items have a longer shelf life.

So, whip out your paper and pen to get that meal planning started. Locate the sales and coupons and start saving while eating healthy. Here are some menu samples to help you on your way.