Healthy eating might seem completely off the table, with prices of pretty much everything going up.
While it’s no secret that foods like olive oil and nuts are extremely beneficial for your health, these healthy staples can often be taxing on your wallet.
Fortunately, Dr Michael Mosley has recommended simple tips that could help you “save money” and stay healthy at the same time.
It might seem cheaper and easier to revert to processed and durable food, but the doctor offered advice that can help you get healthy foods while increasing their shelf life.
Olive oil
Brimming with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil has been linked to lower risk of heart disease, some cancers and even dementia.
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Despite the favourable health benefits contained within a single bottle, this type of oil might not be your first choice due to its high price.
However, Dr Mosley recommended opting for larger bottles, as this could guarantee a similar price for double the quantity.
“Do keep them, where possible, in a cupboard and out of direct sunlight,” he added.
Nuts and seeds
Packed with protein, healthy fats, fibres, vitamins and minerals, nuts and seeds can offer a protective shield against conditions, ranging from heart disease to diabetes.
However, the health benefits of these small foods often come with a hefty price.
Dr Mosley said: “Make sure to look at the price per kilogram, rather than the price of each bag – packaging can be very deceiving.
“Again, try to keep out of direct sunlight.”
Legumes and beans
Beans and legumes contain disease-fighting antioxidants and fibre, making them a great candidate for keeping blood sugar and high cholesterol in check while boosting your levels of good gut bacteria.
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Although you can often get beans in a tin for under one pound, Dr Mosley shared you could go even cheaper.
He said: “Rather than buying them by the tin or in small packages, see if you can get them in larger quantities. They last a long time.”
Dried herbs and spices
From anti-inflammatory turmeric to glucose-lowering cinnamon, dried herbs and spices offer more than a kick of flavour for your meals.
Dr Mosley said: “These last for a very long time, so you might consider buying them in larger bags and using a funnel to top up reusable jars.
“If you have green fingers, you might even consider growing some herbs in your garden or on a window sill.”
Other tips
Apart from getting healthy ingredients for the best prices possible, the doctor also recommended making a shopping list before you go out so you can commit to a healthy lifestyle as well as your allowance.
Another budget-friendly approach includes buying frozen fruits and vegetables. He added: “[They] are frozen soon after being picked, to retain the goodness.
“These can be a much cheaper option than fresh, and buying this way also reduces food waste.”
If you need further inspiration, Dr Mosley and his wife, Dr Clare Bailey have collaborated on several cookbooks with nutritious and budget-friendly recipes, with The Ultimate Fast 800 Recipe Book due to come out this July.
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