There’s a common misconception that eating healthy costs a lot of money, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, it might save you money in the long run. South Africa has the highest rate of overweight and obesity.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 3,91 million schoolchildren in our country will be overweight or obese by 2025 if the current rate of obesity continues.
Budget Insurance examines how to keep kids healthy – on a budget – in light of these statistics.
Create a weekly meal plan
Look through recipe books and visit your favorite food blogs to come up with a meal plan that fits your family’s budget. Aim for a week’s worth of recipes that utilise all of the ingredients you purchase, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Take stock, make a list, and stick to it
Look through your fridge and pantry to see what ingredients you already have on hand for your weekly meal plan. If there are any items that are about to expire, incorporate them into your meal plan to reduce waste even more.
Research less expensive (but still healthy) alternatives
Review your most recent grocery trip till slip to identify the most expensive items and research less expensive (but still healthy) alternatives. Quinoa, for example, is all the rage, but it’s quite pricey, so use brown rice instead, or grapes instead of blueberries. This will assist you in sticking to your budget.
Have an in-store strategy
Once you’re in the store, stick to the aisles where you’ll find the items on your list. This will prevent you from adding unnecessary items to your shopping cart, which you will later look at and wonder, “Why on earth did I buy this?”
Compare prices frequently
Don’t just grab the first can or packet you see. Shops arrange their shelves with the most expensive items at eye level, so look above and below for the same item at a lower price. Also, don’t be fooled by brand names. The store’s own nameless brands are frequently much less expensive and of excellent quality. If your budget needs a revamp, start afresh with these free budgeting templates.
Always read nutritional labels
Some foods that appear to be healthy aren’t. Tinned soup, for example, may appear to be a quick and healthy meal, but many of them are high in sugar, fat, chemicals, and preservatives. Skip ready-made meals as well, as you have no control over the amount of salt, fat, sugar, or preservatives added and they are usually quite expensive.
Begin slowly
When people decide to ‘get healthy,’ they frequently make the mistake of purchasing large quantities of healthy food, the majority of which ends up going to waste. Instead, buy and prepare small amounts to see what your kids like best. Training your children’s palates to appreciate healthy food from an early age will help them develop a lifelong appetite for eating well.
Maintain and sustain normal eating patterns
The decrease in structured eating patterns is partly to blame for the rise in childhood obesity. Breakfast is essential for establishing these habits, which will help them maintain a healthy weight for the rest of their lives. Of course, what they eat is just as important as when they eat, so stay away from sugary cereals, fatty fried foods, and white bread.
Be inventive
You’ll be surprised at what a cucumber, carrots, and a few radishes can accomplish. Add some colour and creativity to your dishes with a few diced veggies. Click here for a little inspiration.
Keep healthy snacks on hand
Buying or making snacks in bulk and carrying them with you will ensure that you are always prepared for the inevitable, “I’m hungry” moment when you’re out and about. You won’t have to buy convenience food at exorbitant prices, and you’ll keep them occupied until they get home and can eat a proper, filling meal.
