You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat well. Check out these secrets to eating well on a small budget.

If you’ve been reading my recent posts you know that I’ve been spending more on food lately. As our financial situation has improved, so has our food budget.

This hasn’t always been the case! I know what it’s like to only have a small budget for groceries. I’ve been there. When I first decided to stay home with Robert, we had no idea how we were going to make ends meet. The first thing we did to save money was to decrease our grocery budget. It’s tough, but you really can eat well on a small budget.

I’m using my own experience, and that of a few people I know, to bring you the secrets to eating well on a small budget. Even if you aren’t broke, these are some great tips!

Secrets to Eating Well on a Small Budget:

Eat less meat

You don’t have to become a vegetarian, but cutting down your meat consumption can drastically reduce your grocery bill. A little meat can go a long way if you pair it with rice or quinoa.

Embrace beans and other non-animal proteins

Try to go meatless 1-2 nights a week and you’ll see your grocery budget decrease. Stick with beans and tofu for your meatless nights.

Buy flavorful oils and spices from stores like Home Goods and T.J. Maxx

It doesn’t take a lot of money to add flavor to your dishes. A few drops of good oil, or a sprinkle of spices go a long way towards adding much needed flavor. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot if you buy it from a discount store!

Check out farmers markets

Farmers often have great prices on produce. I recommend going towards the end of the market when farmers are motivated to sell their produce for less. They’d rather sell it discounted than it go bad before the next market.

Make the most of your leftovers- make soups, pizza, fried rice

Don’t toss your leftovers! Be creative and find ways to repurpose them. I love making soups, pizza, and fried rice out of my leftovers. Quiche is a good way too!

Make soup

Soup can be very inexpensive, filling and lasts a long time. Make a big pot of chili or gumbo and freeze half for later.

Buy produce in season

In-season produce is always the cheapest! Don’t try to make strawberry shortcake in winter or butternut squash soup in summer. You can do it, but it won’t be cost effective or nearly as tasty as it would be in season.

Waste less food

The less you waste, the more you have available to eat. Try looking in your fridge and pantry before going out to eat or buying new food at the grocery store. It can actually be fun to get creative with food you already have!

Make your own condiments and salad dressing

It’s tempting to save time and buy ready made condiments and salad dressing. Don’t waste your money! Buy olive oil, different vinegars, mayonnaise, and several mustards to make your own aoilis and dressings. A quick Google search can help you make anything!

What’s your favorite way to eat well on a small budget?