A healthy diet doesn't have to be expensive. Students and people who just aren't rich can't afford a lavish lifestyle and fancy food - but that doesn't mean you have to go without. Here are some tips that will enable you to spend very little while still eating properly.  

 - Buy inexpensive foods in bulk that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pastas and brown rice.  
 - Beans and lentils can be combined with leftover foods and added to dishes to make bigger, healthier dishes.  
 - Buy whole meal, rye or multigrain breads and freeze it for sandwiches during the week. People tend to throw away bread when it gets stale. Don't let it get stale, and you'll get more value for your money.  
 - Slow cooking with crock pots allows you to use cheaper cuts of meat and meals in bulk.  
 - Make meals in bulk and freeze leftovers for later on in the week.  
 - Soft drinks are an expensive drink. Water is much cheaper.  
 - Keep your eye on supermarket specials. Tuesdays tend to be the day they put out specials on essential foods.  
 - Buy fruits and vegetables from those cheap fruit and vege shops. NOT from supermarkets.  
 - Don't buy fruit and vegetables that you won't eat in the next few days - otherwise you'll end up throwing it out.  
 - Don't go to the shops hungry, you're more likely to buy on impulse.  
 - Buy home brands, not expensive brands.  
 - Buy your fruit and vegetables while they're in season. When they aren't in season, they're more expensive.  
 - Don't buy grated cheese - grate it yourself.  
 - Buy essential foods like fruit, vegetables, bread and dairy products before even considering the nonessentials.  
 - Plan your weekly meals in advance, that way you won't wonder what to eat at the last minute and splash out on take away.  
 - Instead of expensive meat cuts, try canned meat to get your protein. Not spam.. Things like tuna.  
 - Frozen vegetables will last longer, and can be cheaper than fresh.  
 - Pack your lunch, don't buy it.  
 - Every day put a dollar or two aside in a jar. In emergencies when a bill catches you by surprise, you'll have money in the emergency jar for food.  
 - Portion control. Eating more than you need means buying more.

Post edited at 1:28 am on Mar. 16, 2010 by roflfuckyou

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you couldn't tell it to his face

 - Get your family involved. Your parents may be the ones who buy the weekly food, so talking to them about buying healthier food for you and possibly the family will be easier for you and could potentially improve the health of your family.  
 - If you don't have a lot of time to buy food, try ordering it online. You don't have to use that excuse to buy fast food anymore.  
 - If you're short on time for preparing food, make it earlier in bulk and freeze some. Soups and patties can be frozen for up to 3 months, and all you have to do is heat them up.  
 - Avoid snacking in front of the TV, it can distract you and make you hungrier.  
 - Don't starve yourself if you go out with friends; buy healthier options. You can always work it off later.  
 - Choose meats that are low in fat, and trim any visible fat off the cut.  
 - Talk to your doctor before starting your lifestyle overhaul. They may have some handy tips and they'll also be able to check out if you're deficient in anything.

Post edited at 1:29 am on Mar. 16, 2010 by roflfuckyou

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you couldn't tell it to his face