First things first. Start by cooking more at home, because it hits two birds with one stone. Home cooked meals are both more nutritious and more affordable than getting takeout or eating in restaurants. And according to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst from DealNews, there are several simple steps you can take to eat (and buy) healthier ingredients when you’re on a budget, too. Here are her top recommendations. And if you want more than meat, dried beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and an easy way to bulk up soups and other dishes without spending more. While you’re at it, make eggs part of your regular grocery lists. They’re decently versatile, and not just in choosing between scrambled and fried: they make a great addition to salads, healthy snacks, and easy dinners, like omelets, frittatas, huevos rancheros, or quiche. RELATED: 22 Healthy High-Protein Recipes (That Taste 10 Times Better Than a Shake or Snack Bar) To save on the slightly pricey share fee, consider joining a CSA with friends or neighbors. You’ll likely be given a hefty haul of produce, so it’s smart to split with others if you can’t see yourself eating everything in a weekly box (food waste!). RELATED: 6 Genius Ways You Can Use Your Instant Pot for Meal Prep
