Splurge and save: How to shop the produce aisle

Stop spreading the myth: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthy. In fact, produce is often the cheapest stuff in the grocery store–and it will actually fill you up. Just compare a $2 big bag of carrots with a $2 mini bag of Doritos. The Doritos will be gone in minutes (seconds, even) and only leave you thirsty. You can munch on the carrots for days.

Here are some inside tricks on how to save the most money on the produce aisle. Splurge, save and treat your body to something great.

Shop in season. Ayurvedic health promotes eating in season, with the idea that our bodies have naturally evolved to thrive best with what is in season. Eating in season also can save you big bucks. Eat what is easy to grow when it’s priced lowest, and craft your meal plans around this.

Avoid the grocery store; shop at home. Try ordering from a grocery delivery service, such as Walmart Grocery (free delivery the first time, and earn money every time you refer a friend). This way, you can shop when it’s most convenient for you (not when your belly is grumbling right after a workout) and avoid impulse buys that really add up. Walmart Grocery even sells organic produce. Make a shopping list and stick to it.

Enlist the foodie experts. Food delivery companies like Omaha Steaks don’t just sell, well, steaks. Omaha Steaks also offers a tasty selection of mixed veggies, $17.99, above, that pair perfectly with your main dish. Save money at Omaha Steaks by taking advantage of Cash Back, coupons and ShopGold Rewards.

Don’t be afraid to freeze. Only need half a banana for your morning smoothie? Freeze the other half. Frozen veggies and fruits often are much cheaper than fresh–especially cauliflower, broccoli and berries. See a great deal on produce that you use often? Stock up when it’s on sale and freeze what you don’t use.

Reward yourself with a beautiful fruit basket. After a week of healthy eating or exercising, instead of splurging on a night out at a restaurant, which can be pricey and less healthy than cooking at home, order yourself a fruit basket. We love the Classic Orchard gift basket from Harry and David, $49.95, above. It’s comparable to a night out for dinner, except you can eat this all week.

Make your own. With how-to guides on Pinterest and food blogs, it’s never been easier to pick up the habit of gardening. This spring, resolve to grow a few of your own veggies, or, at the very least, grow your own fresh herbs. You can do it right in your kitchen windowsill and it doesn’t take up much space.

Educate yourself. Did you know you can take an unused green onion bulb and simply place it in a glass of water and it will grow? You never need to buy green onions again–and this green thumb trick is foolproof. Read up to learn more about herbs and veggies, and your knowledge can save you money, too.