A trip to the supermarket these days, is just as exciting as a family trip to the water park used to be. However, for households trying to stick to a tight budget, it can be difficult.
The Heart Foundation is reminding Aussies that heart-healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, urging shoppers to remain safe and healthy during this time.
“It’s more important than ever to keep up healthy habits and eat nutritious foods during this time, and it doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Heart Foundation Director of Health Strategy, Julie Anne Mitchell.
“There are some tips you can follow when doing your weekly shop to choose heart-healthy foods that will save money and avoid wasting food. Frozen vegetables, brown rice, chickpeas, and tinned fish are just a few staples you can keep on hand for healthy and budget-friendly meals at home.”
Healthy and budget-friendly tips:
- Action plan: Make a grocery list and stick to it. Check what you already have in the fridge and pantry, and only buy what you know you will use.
- Eat the rainbow: Fill up on plenty of fruit and vegetables. The more colourful the mix, the better. Frozen or canned vegetables are good alternatives when fresh produce is too expensive.
- Mix it up: Buy more plant-based sources of protein, in line with the Heart Foundation’s updated dietary advice. Tinned or dried beans, lentils and chickpeas are cheaper and are healthy options for the pantry.
- Cheaper cuts: Look for less expensive cuts of meat in stews, soups and casseroles. Cut off visible fat before cooking.
- Go for wholegrains: Brown rice, wholegrain pasta and rolled oats are budget-friendly staples for healthy cooking. Swap white bread for a wholegrain loaf and freeze some of it.
- Snack smart: Go for a handful of unsalted nuts or a small plate of cut up fruit to curb afternoon cravings. You could also buy popping corn and make homemade popcorn. It’s best to either have it plain (no added salt or butter) or flavour with herbs and spices.
- Healthy hydration: Skip the aisle of sugary soft drinks and energy drinks and make water the drink of choice. It’s healthy, hydrating and free.
