Most people are trying to be more careful with their cash these days, and while you may need to put your spending habits on a diet, it isn’t necessary to sacrifice the quality of your eating habits overall.

Here are 8 ways you can save money and still follow a healthy eating plan:

#1 Plan to eat healthy 
Menu planning is the number one way to save money on your food shopping bill. When you don’t have a menu plan you’ll be more likely to haphazardly purchase items at the supermarket, and this is when expensive items are bought that you really don’t need, or want.

But, by having a menu plan, food shopping will be a breeze – you’ll know exactly what you need to buy, and it’ll save time because you won’t need to shop every other day.

By thinking about your menu before you shop, you’ll also be able to plan of few budget meals, or to use the weekly supermarket specials to save even more money.

#2 Cook vegetarian meals 
Eating a least one vegetarian meal each week is a great way of getting extra veggies into your diet, and also saving on the cost of meat.

But remember to choose healthy recipes – a vegetarian diet doesn’t automatically equal healthy. Go for recipes with lots of beans, peas, lentils, and veggies, and not too much cheese or creamy sauces.

#3 Shop locally and seasonally 
If you choose produce that is grown locally you won’t be paying to transport it across the country, and the food will be much more nutritious having travelled only a short distance. You will also be supporting your local economy, which is an added bonus.

Try to choose fruits and vegetables that are in season, as these will be cheaper.

#4 Don’t buy impulsively 
When you get to the grocery store stick to the items on your shopping list, rather than making unplanned purchases that catch your eye.

#5 Buy own brand products 
Generic brands are sometimes maligned for being lower in quality, but before you make your decision, check out the labels, you may find they contain the same, or sometimes more nutritious ingredients to the equivalent named brand, and obviously they’ll be a lot cheaper.

#6 Buy produce when on offer 
Look out for special offers particularly on the lean meats, chicken and fish that you use regularly, as this is a great way to save a considerable amount. When you get home from the store you can re-portion into the required servings and freeze for later.

#7 Bake your own treat foods 
Try baking your own bread, cookies, cakes, and desserts for special treats, rather than choosing supermarket produce. 
Home baked goods are much more nutritious than the store bought alternative, and you’ll save money by baking in your own home.

You can make your recipes healthier by substituting the ingredients to improve the nutritional value. Try baking in bulk if you’re stuck for time, and then freezing for later, so that you’re prepared with a supply of nutritious snacks, minus the preservatives, fat, sugar and other nasties.

#8 Cook healthy meals in bulk 
Try to set aside a day each month to cook large portions of your family favourites, such as soups, stews, or casseroles. You can then re-portion into smaller servings, pop in the freezer, and they’ll be ready for those nights when you don’t want to cook.

Cooking in this way is also more cost effective because when you purchase larger packs of staples and meats, you can often get a really good deal.