Let’s face it – food and money are two things we all deal with every single day.
And if you’ve ever felt like eating healthy costs too much, you’re not alone.
In this month’s video, I sat down with my good friend and health coach, Ingrid Elise, to talk about how you can actually eat better and spend smarter. From grocery shopping to eating out, she shared a ton of practical ideas – and I provided insights into how these same principles apply to your finances.
👋 Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more supportive money tips and real-life budgeting advice.
Let’s Bust the Myth: Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
One of the biggest objections Ingrid hears from her clients is: “I can’t afford to eat healthy.”
And she gets it—eating well has a reputation for being expensive. But in most cases, that belief is more of a mindset than a fact. Between takeout, drive-thrus, and impulse snack buys, many of us are spending more on convenience than we realize.
Ingrid’s reminder: You can either invest in your health now—or pay for sickness later. That might look like time off work, expensive medications, or ongoing fatigue that impacts your life and productivity.
Smart Swaps for Eating Out (Without Blowing Your Budget or Health Goals)
If eating out is your weakness (raises hand 🙋♀️), this part is for you.
Ingrid shared how she still enjoys places like In-N-Out or McDonald’s—she just orders differently:
- A lettuce-wrapped burger instead of fries and soda
- A la carte eggs and bacon instead of a full combo meal
- Water or black coffee instead of sugary drinks
Small shifts like this help you stay on track without cutting out all the joy.
Don’t Love Cooking? Try This.
If the idea of cooking every night feels overwhelming, Ingrid’s got your back. She teaches her clients how to prep simple, healthy meals using five ingredients or less, many of which can be made in bulk and enjoyed multiple times throughout the week.
🍲 Her mantra: “Cook once, eat multiple times.”
You don’t need fancy tools or chef skills. You just need a few go-to meals, an air fryer or slow cooker, and a plan. (We’re working on a downloadable guide with some of Ingrid’s best meals—stay tuned!)
Grocery Store Wisdom: Plan Smart, Shop Smarter
You don’t have to shop at expensive stores to eat well. In fact, Ingrid swears by places like Grocery Outlet, Walmart, and Costco—especially for bulk basics like protein and frozen veggies.
Her biggest tip? Shop intentionally. Whether you use grocery pickup or just bring a list, being mindful about what goes in your cart helps you stick to your budget and avoid waste.
And remember—wasting food is wasting money. If you’re tossing out unused produce or expired snacks, you’re not saving anything.
Progress Over Perfection (In Food and Finances)
At the end of the day, eating healthy and managing your money both come down to building habits, not being perfect.
Start small. Make one change. Replace one meal. Look at what’s in your grocery cart. Every little step adds up.
Whether you’re trying to spend less, eat better, or simply feel more in control, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m here to support you with financial tools that actually fit your life, and Ingrid’s doing the same for your health.
Let’s build better habits together—one step at a time.
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