Eating Low Carb on a Budget – Yes, It’s Possible!
The cost of living is skyrocketing, and it’s making it harder than ever to make healthy choices. Many assume that eating healthy means breaking the bank, but that’s not entirely true – and it definitely doesn’t have to be the case with low carb eating. Low carb diets revolve around high protein and low carbs – a diet that’s equally satisfying and nutritious while being economical. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to eat a low carb diet on budget-friendly terms without compromising on taste or quality.
Eating low carb on a budget isn’t an impossible feat. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can make smarter choices that meet your health goals without breaking the bank. Plan your meals, save on meat, experiment with low-carb substitutes, shop in bulk, eat a heap of eggs and start cooking more at home. Soon you'll be saving money while maintaining your healthy eating habits.
1. Plan your meals
The first step to eating low carb within your budget is to plan your meals. Start by assessing what you already have in stock, and make a list of ingredients you need for your upcoming meals. Shop the sales and after you make your food list, plan your meals around what’s cost-effective to maximize your savings.
2. Save on meat
Meat is one of the most expensive components of a low carb diet, but it doesn’t mean you have to cut it out completely. It's possible to still enjoy your favourite juicy proteins without breaking the bank. Check out special deals or close-to expiration items, and don’t forget that most types freeze well so you can stock up while it’s cheap! Also worth considering is getting more affordable cuts such as mince which is way cheaper than their steak counterparts, and try making your own burgers; not only will they save money, but you can control exactly what goes into them.
3. Get creative with your substitutes
Rice, pasta, and bread may not be low carb or budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. There are plenty of low-carb substitutes available in the market like konjac noodles, riced cauliflower, and zucchini spirals. Experiment with these substitutes to discover a world of delicious options that are not only low carb but also wallet-friendly.
4. Shop in bulk
Buying major food and household items in bulk can seem cost-prohibitive, but it's a myth. Opting to shop at wholesale stores such as Costco, or by going for the bigger packs at Coles, Woolies and Love Low Carb can help cutting down costs thus enabling low carb eating on budget-friendly terms.
5. Try to cook more at home
Eating out can be an enjoyable experience but it’s undoubtedly unsustainable for a low-carb dieter who's also living on a budget. Home-cooked meals are more affordable than takeout or restaurant meals, and you have more control over the choice of ingredients in your dish. Therefore, try making your food at home more often and reserve eating out for special occasions.
6. Eggs, eggs, eggs
Another great value addition to the low carb diet are eggs. Not only are they packed with protein and nutrients, they are also super versatile and cheap. Eggs can be boiled or scrambled for breakfast or added to salads or sandwiches for lunch or dinner. They're also incredibly affordable - and you can even raise your own eggs! Adding eggs into your routine can help save money while providing a huge range of satisfying meals that fit into any low-carb lifestyle.
Eating low carb on a budget isn’t an impossible feat. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can make smarter choices that meet your health goals without breaking the bank. Plan your meals, save on meat, experiment with low-carb substitutes, shop in bulk, eat a heap of eggs and start cooking more at home. Soon you'll be saving money while maintaining your healthy eating habits.