Many of us worry about improving both our finances and our fitness. When it comes to what we eat, it can feel like those two goals are in conflict: we have to choose either affordability or good nutrition. However, eating healthy doesn’t have to break the budget. In fact, fitness and finances have a lot in common. Some of the best habits you can develop will actually help you in both areas, including planning ahead before spending money, comparison shopping, and avoiding impulse buys. Here are some tips to help you eat healthier without putting your budget in jeopardy: 

“Planning ahead and educating yourself on healthy, affordable options can help you achieve both your fitness and financial goals.”

Be Careful with SubscriptionsSubscription-based meal delivery kits have exploded in popularity in recent years, in part due to social media marketing. Chances are, you know someone who is already using a service like Hello Fresh or Factor. There is certainly nothing wrong with this, but you should weigh the pros and cons before taking on a new monthly financial commitment. 

Yes, delivery kits are convenient, but here’s a chance your “healthy” meal kit isn’t all that healthy. It might be loaded with salt, for example, or require microwaving. 

On top of that, the price per serving (not per meal) can range anywhere from $4 to $20 or more, according to CNET’s comparison of meal delivery services, and each meal might consist of two to three servings. Depending on your subscription, that might not compete with the cost of home-cooked meals, especially if you batch cook. 

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to plan healthy meals, try searching for an online meal-planning guide that’s catered to specific nutritional needs. Sites like YouTube can also be great for nutritional tips and budget-friendly cooking demos, but you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your advice from qualified professionals. 

• Save money on trips to the store
• Save time on meal prep
• Promotional discounts might be available
• Learn to cook new dishes
• Can add variety to your diet
• Cost per meal may be higher than buying groceries
• The food might not actually be healthy
• Cost per meal can skyrocket after initial promotion ends