It’s no surprise that inflation is causing prices to rise around the world and that means it’s costing more to feed your family. Don’t let rising costs stop you from enjoying the healthy, gourmet recipes your family deserves! We have some helpful tips and tricks that can help you stay on budget while maintaining a healthy diet and enjoying a variety of tasty food.
Eating healthy on a budget can seem like a challenge at first, but with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious food without breaking the bank.
The first step to eating well on a budget is to plan your meals for the week and make a complete grocery list. When you sit down to plan your menu for the next seven days, think carefully about all the ways to make your meals go further and check out some Pure Flavor® kitchen-tested recipes for inspiration. For example, look for recipes like Cloud 9® Bacon Carbonara or Tomato & Olive Chicken Thighs that combine gourmet fresh ingredients and low-cost staple foods like pasta and rice. In fact, make a double batch to take for lunch the next day. These recipes are a great example of how one fresh, gourmet ingredient can take a simple recipe to the next level.
If you’re on a budget, you need to be selective about which foods you buy at the grocery store. Always start your shopping trip with the most important items on your list: fresh ingredients. It’s a good idea to start with the perimeter of the supermarket because that’s usually where all the fresh food can be found, which can help you stay on track more easily.
The quality of produce you choose makes a big difference. You want to look for fresh, firm, and colorful ingredients that will last a long time in your fridge or on your counter. When it comes to fresh produce, look for the little logo that says “Greenhouse Grown.”
One of the key benefits of sustainable greenhouse growing is that it reduces food miles, meaning your produce doesn’t have to travel as far to get to your plate. This not only helps the environment, but it also means that you’re getting fresher, more flavorful produce. In addition, since greenhouses are controlled for temperature and light, you can enjoy fresh options all year round, rather than being limited to what’s in season.
To enjoy more fresh food without waste, choose products that can be enjoyed both as healthy snacks and fresh ingredients in a wide variety of different gourmet recipes. Pure Flavor® Cloud 9® Bite-Sized Fruity Tomatoes are a great addition to simple salads and sandwiches, but they can also be used in mouthwatering dishes like pasta, soups, and stews. Plus, they’re exactly the kind of sweet, healthy snack that kids love, so they’re guaranteed to satisfy every craving!
One helpful trick to eating healthy and gourmet on a budget is to make use of slow-cooking recipes. They are another great way to make the most of your ingredients as they allow you to use cheaper cuts of meat or beans and still end up with a flavorful, gourmet meal when paired with fresh vegetables. Not only are slow-cooking meals easy and healthy, but with the right recipe, like Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, they can bring a touch of gourmet cuisine into your kitchen too!
Eating healthy on a budget is possible with a little planning, creativity, and incorporating Pure Flavor® greenhouse-grown vegetables. These tips and recipes will help you to add more fruits and veggies to your meals, enjoy delicious and nutritious food, and create healthy habits that are easy on a budget.
For some more fresh ideas, check out the latest healthy recipes here and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.
