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How to do Keto Cheap?
Keto has become a popular diet in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a high-fat, low-carb diet that has been shown to lead to weight loss, increased energy levels, and improved overall health. However, many people believe that keto is an expensive diet, with the cost of high-quality meats and specialty keto foods adding up quickly. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to do keto cheaply and still reap all the benefits.
Method 1: Plan Your Meals and Shop Strategically
One of the best ways to ensure you’re doing keto on a budget is to plan your meals and shop strategically. Each week, take some time to plan out your meals and snacks for the next week. Make a list of the ingredients you need and stick to it when you’re at the grocery store.
Here are some tips for shopping keto-friendly and cheaply:
– Buy in bulk: Consider buying meat, cheese, and nuts in bulk. This will likely give you a better price per pound and ensure you always have keto-friendly foods on hand.
– Shop sales: Check your local grocery store’s weekly ads for deals on meats, veggies, and other low-carb foods.
– Buy frozen: Frozen veggies and meats can be just as nutritious (and sometimes more so) as fresh, and often come at a lower price point. Plus, you can store them in your freezer to use later.
– Don’t be afraid of generic: Many generic or store-brand versions of keto-friendly foods are just as good (if not better!) than their name-brand counterparts. Give them a try and see how you like them.
– Cook and eat at home: Eating out can quickly drive up the cost of any diet, including keto. Cooking and eating at home ensures you’re in control of what you’re eating and how much you’re spending.
Method 2: Stick to Basic Keto Foods
Another way to save money on keto is to stick to the basics. Rather than purchasing expensive “keto-friendly” products or snacks, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that are naturally low in carbs. This means sticking to foods like:
– Meat: Chicken, beef, pork, and other meats are all keto-friendly and typically less expensive than specialty keto meats like grass-fed beef.
– Eggs: Eggs are inexpensive, versatile, and a great source of protein and healthy fats.
– Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and other non-starchy veggies are low in carbs and packed with nutrients.
– Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and other nuts and seeds are great sources of healthy fats and protein.
– Dairy: Cheese, butter, and cream are all keto-friendly and relatively inexpensive.
Not only are these foods budget-friendly, but they’re also easy to find at your local grocery store. Bonus: many of them can be used in a variety of ways to create delicious keto meals and snacks.
Method 3: Meal Prep
Finally, meal prepping is a great way to save time and money on keto. Spend a few hours each week prepping meals and snacks so that you always have something on hand when hunger strikes. Not only will this save you money by reducing the amount of food you waste, but it will also ensure that you’re staying on track with your keto goals.
Here are some tips for meal prepping on a budget:
– Buy in bulk: As mentioned earlier, buying in bulk can be a great cost-saving strategy. When meal prepping, consider making large batches of keto-friendly soups, stews, or casseroles that can be frozen for later use.
– Repurpose leftovers: Don’t let leftover meat or veggies go to waste. Instead, use them in salads, omelets, or other meals throughout the week.
– Make your own snacks: Rather than buying expensive keto snacks at the store, make your own using low-cost ingredients like nuts and seeds.
– Cook in bulk: Cooking large batches of meat or veggies can save you time and money. Use them in multiple meals throughout the week to maximize their potential.
Conclusion
As you can see, doing keto on a budget is totally possible. By planning your meals and shopping strategically, sticking to basic keto foods, and meal prepping, you can reap all the benefits of a keto diet without breaking the bank. Plus, by focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you’ll likely see improvements in your health and well-being, in addition to your budget. Give these tips a try and see how easy and affordable keto can be!