At this point most of us can agree on the importance of a healthy diet. Whats the point of saving money everyday if your too sick or unhealthy to enjoy it? There are many ways to save money on food and eat healthy, but just like everything else it takes time and a commitment. Get started with these 7 ways to save money everyday while maintaining a healthy diet.

1. Buy seasonal produce

Veggies are always a great addition to your diet, but if you’re spending $2 for a bell pepper or $3 for an avocado, it might be a good time to rethink your produce buying strategy. Most vegetables are grown seasonally, and because so you’ll usually get the best deals during those times. Here is a great list of when many fruits and vegetables are in season. Save money on food and eat healthy by purchasing these vegetables during season.

2. Use coupons

Don’t just pick out coupons for Frito Lays chips, that would not be healthy. Stay focused on coupons that discount the price of fruits and vegetables, water, grains, breads, and other healthy foods in order to save money on food and eat healthy.

3. Pack a Lunch

Unfortunately restaurant food in America is about as unhealthy as it gets. Have you ever wondered why it tastes so good? It’s definitely not because all the  nutritious value. Actually, its the exact opposite. When something tastes to good to be true, it’s usually because it’s loaded with fats, sugars, and other unhealthy products. If your trying to save money on food and eat healthy, you can avoid this glutenous cycle by keeping healthy foods from home around while your driving, at the office, and everywhere else.

4. Bulk Up

Of course you can’t “bulk up” on products that spoil, but that shouldn’t stop you from buying pasta, rice, and other non-perishables in large quantities. Healthy grains are the foundation of a well balanced diet, plus they rarely go bad which will minimize the amount of food you waste.

5. Buy Storebrand

Stop spending extra money on brand named products. Most of the time their generic, store brand counterparts are just as nutritious but cost a fraction of the price. Make sure to read ingredients before switching to store brand, but I think you’ll find that most of the time the only difference is the name on the package and the price.

6. Grow a Garden

This can take a little set up and upkeep, but the taste of home grown produce is well worth it. You might think you need a ton of space to grow a garden, but it’s becoming easier than ever to grow food in tight quarters. If you need some help getting started, check out growveg.com’s helpful article about growing your own food in close quarters.

7. Save Leftovers

Have you ever considered all the money you waste throwing out your leftovers? Probably more than you care to know. If what you made the night before was healthy and delicious, fire it up again the next day for lunch. Not only are you saving yourself the time and hassle of cooking, but you’re putting healthy, sustainable food in your body.