Healthy Food Can Be Really Expensive — Here's How I Lost Weight on a Budget

Planning out your menu ahead of time means you'll only buy the ingredients you need and won't spend money on things you won't use. Plus, you'll ensure that you have the most essential nutrients on every plate — including protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which can help keep cravings at bay. And if there's anything specific you want to eliminate from your diet (like refined sugar or dairy), meal planning can help with those goals, too.