If you have ever complained that eating right costs too much money…thing again. Papa Joe Aviance lost over 250 pounds by doing his grocery shopping in one spot: the 99 cent store.
When Aviance saw himself in a music video at over 400 pounds he knew it was time for a change, but he was strapped for cash. His friends suggested he check out his local 99 cent store and he was shocked at the cheap and healthy food discoveries.
Oatmeal, raisins, nuts, bananas, apples, oranges, bell peppers, spinach, salad dressing, tuna fish, eggs… I was shocked. I was blown away. It was a huge savings. I literally spent no more than $50 a week on food.”
Since then he has stuck to a strict 99 Cent Diet and he has continued to drop the pounds by eating right and adding a walking regimen to his routine—another inexpensive tool for a dieter on a budget.
See more of Aviance’s story here:
Besides heading to the 99 cent store, here are other ways you can cut calories and costs:
1. Use Online Tools
Good health advice can be very expensive, but you can help yourself along your weight loss journey by using tools like SparkPeople. SparkPeople helps you plan your menu based on your daily caloric intake and it is completely FREE. Once you have your eating plan down it will be easier to shop on your budget.
2. Use the Grocery Store Flyers
A treasure chest of good deals can be found by reading the grocery store flyers. Getting even a few of your favorite items on a discount every week will help you save a lot of money over time. You can always freeze whatever is on sale to be used at a later time.
3. Don’t Fear the Frozen Section
We are all about fresh fruits and vegetables, but sometimes they cost a pretty penny unless a certain item is in season. When your favorite fruit or vegetable is in the off-season head to the freezer aisle. The frozen varieties are just as nutritious and will save you a lot. And, always avoid the pre-cut or prepared foods. They will definitely cost you more.
4. Eat Less Meat
You don’t have to give up your lean meats completely but supplementing your meat with other sources of protein or additional fruits and vegetables. Dried beans and other protein grains like quinoa can be bought in bulk and are very inexpensive.
Do you have any tips to diet on a budget? We would love to hear about them below.
Feature image via
[…] per pound, so eating well on a budget the way Papa Joe does isn’t that far-fetched an idea. Bite Size Wellness notes that plant-based protein sources like quinoa and beans are less expensive when purchased in […]