How to Give Your Child A Good Healthy Diet on a Budget

Healthy diet? Isn't that really expensive? That is what people generally think. But there are ways to cook on a budget that are still nutritious and healthy and will give your children a nice healthy start in life. Here are some ways to do that, shared by a reader.

Nothing is more precious to a person than good health. As parents, we are responsible for the health and well-being of our children as we want them to grow up to be healthy, well-balanced individuals. Giving your child the best start in life doesn't mean that you have to throw lots of expensive foods and activities at them. There are ways you can give your child food health on a budget, and here are some of them.

The Best Start

Give your baby the best start in life by breastfeeding if you can, as it is full of all the essential nutrients your baby needs, is instantly available, and, best of all, costs nothing. If you cannot breastfeed, do not fret as there are plenty of excellent value baby formulas available such as S-26 Alula, that will give your child a healthy start in life.

Older children will benefit from having a hearty breakfast every day, such as porridge oats. Oats are budget-friendly and will sustain your child for a prolonged period without the need for them to fill up on unhealthy snacks. Eggs are another great breakfast ingredient that is inexpensive and satisfying.

Shop Smart

Never go shopping on an empty stomach, as you will be tempted to over-buy and purchase expensive treats full of empty calories and nasties. Go shopping after a meal and work from a shopping list. Buy only what is on your list and look for deals or reduced items. You can buy reduced items and freeze them. Tinned fruit and vegetables can be cheaper than fresh, and they will keep longer and can be used to bulk up a meal when required. Ensure you choose the low sodium, low sugar varieties.

Plan

As well as using shopping lists, you can save money by meal-planning and batch cooking. Plan meals for each day of the week in advance, compile a shopping list, and buy the ingredients in bulk. Set aside some time to cook the recipes and then store them in freezer bags, label, and freeze. At the start of each day, take out a meal and leave it to defrost or put it in a slow cooker, so it is ready to eat by dinner time.

Bulk Up

Cook meals that are nutritious and filling. Some meats can be expensive, so opt for cheaper protein-rich foods such as eggs, beans, and legumes. Protein will satisfy your children's hunger and help them grow strong. Brown rice, faro, couscous, barley, oats, and wholemeal pasta are great ways to bulk up meals and will provide your family with plenty of energy without breaking the bank.

Leave No Waste

Ensure you use up every piece of food you buy. The average family wastes 20-30% of the food they buy. If you buy a whole chicken, use the meal in a variety of dishes and then boil the carcass to make a stock for soup. Use leftovers in a stir fry the next day.