Eating well on a budget can be challenging, especially if you can’t get to the store often or if you only cook for one. Meal planning can help you achieve both your budget and dietary goals.

Check out these steps to make it easier:

Make a Meal Plan

  • Write down your meals – Plan what you want for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks ahead of time.
  • See what you already have – Save money and reduce food waste.
  • Love your leftovers – Make at least one larger meal with enough servings for leftovers or freezing.

Make a List

  • Build as you go – Write things down as you identify recipes for the week, or when pantry staples run out.
  • Organize by store section – This can shave down time and energy while shopping.
  • Savings – Check store flyers and coupons for sales and deals.

Keep Building Skills

  • Set goals – Don’t be afraid to try out new recipes or cooking methods.
  • Make note of successes – Did your meal plan and shopping list work well? Save copies of both to use another time!

Make it Easy

  • Double-duty ingredients – Leftover ingredients from other meals can be used as shortcuts. For example, leftover rice can be stir fried with frozen vegetables and an egg for fried rice or added to a soup.
  • Potlucks – Worried that leftovers might go bad before you can eat them? Consider throwing a potluck, inviting friends over, or sharing with a neighbor.
  • Keep it simple – Healthy meals don’t have to be hard to make, and simpler meals are often easier to follow.

Source: www.myplate.gov

The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea

Tea stands out as one of the healthiest beverage options in the world because it is associated with numerous health advantages like reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Additionally, plain tea serves as a wise choice for hydration. Especially for those looking for an alternative to water.

Keep reading to discover the various types of tea and their numerous health benefits as we boil down the best types to brew for better health.

  • Black Tea – Such as Earl Grey and Chai, contain many powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. It is best served earlier in the day when it’s less likely to disrupt your sleep.
  • Green Tea – Considered a “superfood” thanks to its sky-high antioxidant content. It has been linked to many potential health benefits including:
    • Improving brain functioning
    • Lowering blood pressure
    • Balancing blood sugar
    • Improving bone strength
  • Herbal Tea – Looking for the antioxidant benefits of tea without the caffeine?

Try these below:

  • Chamomile – Improves sleep and relaxation, and reduces stress.
  • Rooibos – Improves blood pressure and circulation, boosts good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol, keeps hair strong and skin healthy.
  • Peppermint – Can soothe an upset stomach and offer pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.
  • Ginger – Can treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Source: www.silversneakers.com