Staying healthy on a budget?

terra_ferma

I agree that healthy food doesn't have to be expensive if you are prepared to put some effort.
Since having less money we eat much better, and I don't spend much time in the kitchen. I invested in a couple of kitchen gadgets that help if you are short of time (a vegetable chopper/slicer, and a digital cooker), but they are not necessary.

Yes health foods like quinoa and pomegranate are expensive, but not good value for money and definitely not needed if you eat a balanced diet.

I find that meat nowadays come from poorly treated, GMO fed animals, and as I can't afford organic meat I've decided to eat as little of it as possible.
Pulses (particularly from Indian shops, or supermarket's ethnic aisle) for example are cheap and a great alternative to meat, and you can cook delicious meals with them.
My OH's favourite meal used to be chicken curry, now it's sweet potatoes and chickpeas curry, it's just about having an open mind.

When I buy meat I tend to buy it when it's on special offer/yellow stickered and freeze it, then plan my meals around what I got, except chicken breasts which I buy about once a month on the best deal I can find.

PS forgot to say that for exercising the website sparkpeople has a lot of good information, all free (videos, advice, routines etc).

thegirlintheattic

I only spend £4 on exercise a week - for a class. I do walking, running and yoga which are all free.