How Much Money Does It Cost to Eat Healthy on a Daily Basis?

Eating healthy can seem daunting, especially when commercials and advertisements always shove greasy, sugary foods in front of us. However, it is less expensive to eat healthy each day than to indulge in unhealthy foods. The cost of a healthy diet comes down to time management and strategic planning rather than financial sacrifice.

True Cost of a Healthy Diet

Healthy eating is about making intentional choices and planning ahead. For instance, a salad kit in Maine at Walmart serves four people and is around $3. Quinoa, a nutritious grain, costs approximately $5, which you can pair with instant oatmeal for an affordable and healthy breakfast. However, these meals are just for one meal and not a week's worth.

Time vs. Money in Healthy Eating

While eating unhealthy can be quicker, the cost of healthy food comes down to time rather than money. If you have 24 hours each day, why not spend an extra 20 minutes each meal planning your meals to maximize nutrition and health?

Tracking Your Monthly Food Spend

The exact cost of a healthy diet depends on where you live and your starting point. To track your spending, follow these steps:

Check your previous month's spending on unhealthy meals. If you don't have an exact total, multiply your estimate by 1.25 to get an approximate amount. Divide the amount by 30 to find your 'Daily Food Spending Allowance' (DFSA). This is the maximum you can spend in a day for all food items you consume. Start keeping a record of what you eat every day, even if you don't calculate the exact cost daily. Pay for as many food items as possible using a credit card to maintain a record. Total your weekly grocery spend and do the same for the month. At the end of the month, total up the amount of food spend. Compare your current month's spending with the previous month. Any savings reflect your intentional approach to eating healthy.

Eliminating Unnecessary Expenses

To further reduce your daily food spending:

Eliminate unnecessary items from your shopping list. Soda, cookies, crackers, processed foods, fruit drinks, and alcohol are some of the most obvious things to cut down. Try eating out less often than usual. Bringing a packed lunch can significantly lower your DFSA. Continue these habits until you reach 50% of your original DFSA.

Concluding Thoughts

No matter how much you reduce your daily food spending, take a moment to admire your healthier, more intentional approach to eating. A healthier lifestyle is not just about saving money but also improving your overall well-being.