So you want to start the keto diet, but you are unsure if it will fit within your budget? You are not alone! Here is how to keto on a budget meal plan, yes it is possible!
But first, what is keto?
We have full keto related articles that explain Keto in much more detail, such as:
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- How to start the keto diet
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- How the Keto Diet can support Fertility
- 10 Ways to Check for Ketosis
As you can see, we are believers in the Keto Diet and have seen some great results.
Keto, in a nut shell, is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate diet. The health benefits on keto are incredible.
How to Keto on a budget meal plan
There are three key areas to the keto diet – Fat, Protein, Carbohydrates. It is very possible to do this on a large budget or a small budget.
This is our guide on How to Keto on a budget Meal Plan.
Hint One: Buy as needed
Prior to the Keto Diet, I would buy my food every week on the same day, despite if I needed food or not. It was a routine.
To Keto on a budget, I recommend buying food as required. What you will find is things like vegetables you may need more often that dairy or fats.
Each week, withdraw your food budget cash and keep it in a safe place. As you get low of certain foods or if you need fresh vegetables, visit the store and only buy what you require.
Yes, this will be a test of your discipline (stay away from the candy!!), make a list and stick to it!
Grab our free printable meal planning sheet here:
Hint Two: Buy only what is required
Make a shopping list and stick to it! It is so easy to blow the budget when you buy willy-nilly up and down the isles loading your cart up!
Make a list and stick to it.
The other key to buying only what is required, is knowing what is in the house already.
Prior to leaving the house to complete your food shop, take inventory of what you currently already have. This way you will avoid buying items that you don’t actually need.
Hint Three: Spend money on important things
There are some things that are really valuable in the Keto Diet. These are the ‘staple’ items.
This is where you should be spending your money. The staple items are like your non-negotiable items.
Don’t spend your money on pricey ‘Keto Bars’ and ‘Keto’ branded foods. Go back to natural foods and spend money where it counts.
For example, my essentials that get purchased first are:
- fresh vegetables
- organic meats
- high quality fats i.e. coconut oil
- eggs
Then if the budget allows, you can move into other items e.g. a pack of bacon or your favorite cheese.
Hint Four: Plan, plan plan
Meal planning will allow you to know exactly what meals you will be making for the week and what ingredients you will need.
Through meal planning you can significantly save money due to the fact you are only buying what you need.
Another huge benefit is that you cut down on food waste! There is nothing worse than being on a budget and having to throw spoiled food away.
This is money down the drain!
Ordering your food online can support you to stay within your budget!
I’ve also recently discovered that Amazon has a Prime Pantry Service. This Amazon Prime Pantry Service allows your groceries and household products to be delivered to your house.
They provide low prices and deals/coupons.
Very, very handy for us busy folk!
Some of you may get free shipping which is a huge bonus!
They also have Amazon Fresh which allows you to order all your fresh foods – including meat and vegetables! An amazing service, delivered to your door.
I order my food online and it saves me a lot of time! It also allows me to track my shopping cart so I stay within my budget.
Hint Five: Cheap Fats
Fats are an absolute must for the Keto Diet. You cannot do the Keto Diet without adding fat into your diet.
So how do you do this on a budget?
First of all, shop around and know the expected prices vs specials.
You may be able to find things cheaper in your local food markets, but here are some that can be delivered to you in bulk:
Coconut Oil – This is a perfect example of shopping around – this is a 54 ounce jar of Coconut Oil, which is a good price or this Coconut Oil is a gallon!
Bulk MCT Oil is another good option for fats.
Eggs! Eat eggs, as the double with both protein and fat! Lots of bang for your buck!
I realize that some budgets may not stretch to this, however if you can buy a ‘once off’ and savor it, then it will be very worth while.
Hint Six: Homemade is always cheaper
Your grandmother got it right, homemade is cheaper and to be honest, it also tastes a lot better!
You can save a lot of money by making your own foods at home rather than eating out.
Another great tip is to freeze your left overs so that there is not waste. Plus it will save you spending on another meal next time. Never under utilize your freezer!
Having your kitchen set up for healthy cooking is very important.
There are some essential tools that can really help you cook delicious simple meals at home.
I always use my stick blender tool, it is super handy! It chops my vegetables, blends, blitz, whisk, you name it!
It is so my go to tool! I’m currently trying out a new one that also has a food processor attachment! (mind blown!)
A good crock pot is also important, especially through winter! You can cook much cheaper cuts of meat, which is a great saving!
Related:10 Keto Kitchen Essentials
Hint Seven: Cook Smarter
Thinking about what you are cooking seasonally is a very smart way of cooking. Foods that are ‘in season’ (grown locally at this time of year) are naturally going to be a lot cheaper.
This is also a very natural way of eating of our bodies. Up to only recently we could only eat what we grew organically within the seasons.
Think about your grandparents, they are likely to have eaten seasonally.
Thinking about what will be left once you have cooked your meal and thinking about how to reuse any waste.
For example, using the ‘scraps’ of your vegetables and a chicken carcass from your roasted chicken to make bone broth.
Think about how you can use every part of the food, rather than having waste. This way you get the most out of your budget.
Hint Eight: Storing produce
There is nothing worse than finally going to use a food item that you have purchased, only to see that it has gone to waste!
How you store your produce is so important. Some foods are best kept in the fridge, some are not.
How to Keto on a Budget Meal Plan – is it possible?
Yes, you can certainly do keto on a budget meal plan! These tips have hopefully inspired you to go ahead and keto!
Remember to go and check out our related Keto Articles to build a deeper understanding of how the Keto Lifestyle can change your life!
