Cheap and healthy – is it possible?! – Toronto Public Library Blog

In What Determines Health on Public Health Agency of Canada's website, income is listed as the top determinant. I am not arguing this is not true, my point is that you can afford to eat healthily even on a budget. If you eat healthily and exercise regularly, you are doing your best to support your health.

Since most of us live on a budget (if you don't, good for you), it's best to start with cutting out junk food (cookies, crackers, chips, processed food, sugary drinks, etc). Next is eating out less. By doing these two steps, you will have more money available for healthy food while your budget remains the same.

The rest is to shop and cook wisely:

Shopping
- Become a coupon clipper
- Make a grocery list before you go shopping and stick to it: it can prevent impulsive purchases
- Buy fresh whole foods locally and seasonally, or grow your own food if you can – which is even better
- Buy generic/store brands, they are generally cheaper than the name brands
- Buy in bulk
- Shop at discount stores or at farrmers' markets
Cooking
- Cook what you have already at home instead of buying more
- Cook in bulk
- Cook with a slow cooker: it makes tougher and cheaper cuts of meat tender, and saves time and electricity too
- Cook with herbs and spices: most of them are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamin B's and minerals. They can improve taste and help reduce salt, fat, and sugar added in your recipes
- Create new meals from your leftovers