Eating five portions of fruits and vegetables each day can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a budget. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help you stick to your five a day while also staying within your budget.
The first tip is to buy in bulk. Buying large quantities of fruits and vegetables in season can be much cheaper than buying small quantities of out of season produce. You can also look for sales and discounts at your local grocery store. Many stores offer discounts on produce that is nearing its expiration date.
Another way to save money on fruits and vegetables is to buy frozen or canned. Frozen and canned produce can be just as nutritious as fresh produce, and they can be much more cost-effective. In addition to being cheaper, buying frozen or canned produce also gives you the option to buy in bulk.
You can also save money on your five a day by growing your own. Growing fruits and vegetables in your own garden or on your balcony is a great way to save money and get fresh, nutritious produce. It may require some initial investment in terms of soil, pots, and seeds, but the cost savings you get from harvesting your own produce will quickly outweigh the initial costs.
Finally, you should consider joining a local produce co-op or a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. These programs are often cheaper than buying from the grocery store and they provide you with a variety of fresh, local produce.
Eating five a day on a budget is possible – you just need to be creative and take advantage of resources like bulk buying, frozen and canned produce, growing your own, and joining a local produce co-op.