Living healthy and eating organic can be pretty expensive if your not careful. I still shell out some money when it comes to healthier foods but there are also lots of ways to save money. Here are just some tips I have learned along the way:
1. Cut coupons. You may feel like an old person but this can seriously save you some major dough! I have found that many of my favorite brands offer coupons on their sites to print off. Some examples: Stonyfield, SO Delicious, Fage, Chobani, Organic Valley and Quaker just to name a few. I always save these coupons until the items go on sale at the grocery store to get an even better discount. It’s all about timing 
Sometimes it can be pretty difficult dealing with reluctant cashiers who don’t want to deal with coupons. Just stand your ground and be firm because coupons are part of the system and they need to acknowledge that. In my experience, most people are pretty understandable, especially during these times.
2. The Freezer is your friend! With only two of us here we can’t get through a lot of the food that we buy in one week. Breads and meats, for example, always end up in the freezer. This allows us to have the items in the house when we need them and we don’t worry about things going to waste. Other things I put in the freezer include yogurts (not Greek), coconut milk and pumpkin. The biggest tip I ever got was from a Real Simple article which suggested freezing liquid goods in ice trays, storing them in a ziplock once frozen and then pulling out only a few cubes at a time. I’ve done this with most of my liquid goods and it’s been extremely convenient!
3. Stock up when things are on sale. Only do this if things are really on sale, not just a couple of cents off. You will have things when you need them and you will be saving money in the long run. Trust me. Just make sure you preserve things well (aka FREEZE )
4. Use reusable bags. Stores are now giving small discounts for customers who bring in their own bags (typically 5-10 cents a bag). Plus, it’s good for the environment!
5. Always make a list. I usually fail at this step It’s really easy to find new organic/health products to try, but sometimes you have to restrain yourself. I suggest allowing yourself to try one new item each time you go into the grocery store. Just remember, most of these things will be there the next time for you to try.
6. Cook more meals at home. It’s cheaper than going out and it’s much healthier. We allow ourselves to eat out at least once a week. This doesn’t mean we aren’t flexible. Sometimes we’ll go out more than once if friends have something planned our I don’t want to cook . Most of the time, however, it’s a meal here at home. Plus, it’s much easier to control what you’re eating when you’re the one cooking!
7. Make a meal plan. Knowing what you are going to need for the week makes it easier to avoid unnecessary items when you go grocery shopping. It also allows you to keep stock of whats in your pantry. I love to try new things so I use the internet and cookbooks for inspiration.
8. Cancel your gym membership, but only if you are really self motivated! We canceled my membership this winter to cut back on costs. While having a facility that provides a lap pool and fitness classes was convenient, I found that I only ever used it during the winter when it was too nasty out to run. In the summer I was never there because I was outside all the time. I knew that I could get my exercise without the membership. First, our apartment complex has a small but acceptable workout room which includes treadmills, bikes, weights, elliptical, outdoor pool and a racquetball court for residents. A treadmill is a treadmill no matter where it is located! When I need some yoga or a fitness class to switch it up, I either use my Jillian Michael’s DVD or the instant watch DVD’s available through my Netflix subscription. Sometimes it’s good to switch it up! Lastly, now that the weather has improved, I get most of my exercise outside. Who want’s to be stuck indoors at a gym anyways when the sun is out and the weather is nice!
9. Workout Gear on the Cheap! You can find decent sports bras, tops and bottoms for lower prices at Target, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. Target and Kohl’s carry their own brands of workout gear that are cheaper but still perform well. I’ve gotten some great running tights, shorts and sports bras from Target at a reasonable price. As for name brand name items, I can usually find great stuff at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s for a much better price than the sports goods stores. I never shop at sports goods stores unless I need something super specific because I think they’re overpriced. Sure, there are some great specialty workout lines out there that have wonderful products. Their products are totally worth the money but I can’t shell out the big bucks right now so I make due with what I can get!
10. Grow your own food! Produce can be really expensive, especially if it’s organic. Starting a garden can be fun and cost effective! Even living in an apartment hasn’t prevented me from starting my own! I am attempting to grow some bell peppers and herbs this year on my patio. All you need is some seeds, dirt, water and sunlight! So grab some pots and get to work
I hope these tips are a bit helpful. I am certainly no expert but have found that these tips really have helped me. Good luck!
