Hey Coach Darren Vol. 34

Hi there,

Welcome back to ‘Hey Coach Darren’ – the weekly column where I’ll be sharing my top three tips on a different topic each week, inspired by real-life scenarios from our current members (and you)!

It’s a common misconception that eating healthily is synonymous with expensive grocery bills. However, with smart planning and some strategic forethought, you can enjoy nutritious meals without straining your wallet.

But although the above is true, admittedly, inflation is making many things more expensive than normal. That’s why this topic that was brought up by a FitTRAC member who shared the following question:

“Hey Coach Darren, with the current inflation, I’ve noticed my grocery bills increasing significantly, and it’s making me quite wary of my spending habits. I’m on a tight budget but committed to eating healthier. And it seems like healthier food options are often more expensive than processed or fast food.

How can I ensure I’m not overspending but still getting the nutrients I need? Are there specific budget-friendly health foods or shopping strategies you recommend? Also, could you share some tips on meal prepping on a budget to make this sustainable in the long run? Thank you Coach Darren!”

Staying healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are some clever strategies you can use to stretch your dollar while nourishing your body. Here are my top three tips for eating healthy on a budget:
Master the Art of Meal Planning and Shop Smart: Planning your meals in advance can be a game-changer for both your health and your budget. Start by creating a weekly meal plan. Decide what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the week. Take a look at what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer to reduce food waste.

Once you’ve planned your meals, make a shopping list and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases by only buying what you need. Planning not only helps you eat healthier, but it also prevents you from overspending on items you won’t use.

Focus on buying whole foods – these are often cheaper in bulk and more nutritious than processed foods. Look for sales and discounts, and don’t shy away from generic brands as they’re often just as good as name brands.

Embrace DIY and Cook at Home: Eating out or ordering takeout can quickly add up in terms of both cost and calories. Instead, embrace the art of cooking at home. Preparing your meals allows you to have full control over the ingredients, portions, and cooking methods. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment with new recipes and flavors.

To make it even more budget-friendly, consider batch cooking. Cook larger quantities of food and freeze portions for later. This not only saves you time but also ensures you always have a healthy meal option available, reducing the temptation to eat out.

Buy Seasonal and Local Produce: Purchasing fruits and vegetables in their season can save costs and enhance your meals with flavor and nutrition. Explore local farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs for fresh, affordable produce. Buying locally not only supports community businesses but can also be more economical.
Budget-friendly, healthy eating is entirely achievable with a little planning and creativity. By mastering meal planning, buying smart, and embracing home cooking, you can nourish your body while keeping your wallet happy.

Stay tuned for next week’s ‘Hey Coach Darren’ where I’ll be sharing more valuable tips to help you become happier, healthier, and stronger.

Stronger Together,
Coach Darren

P.S. Do you need help with your health and fitness? Just hit ‘Learn more’ and I’ll be sure to give you some tips in an upcoming ‘Hey Coach Darren’ blog post.