Eating better cheap while respecting the planet is it possible?
When we say eating better, we tend to think that it is expensive. However, there are small everyday tips to move towards a more sustainable and more environmentally friendly diet, without breaking the bank. But how to eat better at a low price? What to start with ? We guide you
COOK RAW PRODUCTS
The simplest foods (fruits and vegetables, cereals, eggs, etc.) are the best for baby. In addition, they will cost you less than processed foods from the store.
And if you happen to buy this kind of product from time to time, always remember to look at the labels or compare the nutri-score between different products. Avoid as much as possible products that contain sugar, salt and additives (E…) with a very long list of ingredients.
PREFER LOCAL AND SEASONAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
If you buy fruit and vegetables near you (from a farm, a small producer, etc.), this will mean that they are picked when ripe and therefore taste better and are richer in vitamins and minerals! Always be sure to wash and peel them well. And if you can buy them organic, even better.
INCREASE THE PROPORTION OF PULSES ON THE PLATE
Lentils, chickpeas, split peas, dried beans, broad beans… These are foods that are very rich in fiber and contain vegetable proteins. Today, the new recommendations indicate to consume it at least twice a week . And even in babies! Just cook them well and mix well . These super economical foods can replace the portion of meat/fish or eggs from time to time. But for that, the ideal is to associate them with a cereal such as in a vegetarian couscous (semolina + chickpeas with vegetables), chili con horn (red beans, corn, peppers) or lentil curry accompanied by rice.
You don’t usually eat these legumes? This is completely normal. The ideal is to introduce it little by little into your diet and that of the baby, opting from time to time for vegetarian recipes.
PREFER TAP WATER RATHER THAN BOTTLED WATER
In France, tap water is very regularly checked. It is subjected to multiple analyses, from its origin to the tap. In addition, this will reduce the amount of your shopping ticket.
Before giving tap water to your baby, it is best to start by making sure that the water in your municipality is safe to drink, by everyone. To find out, it’s very simple, just contact your town hall or your water supplier.
CHOOSE ORGANIC PRODUCTS IF POSSIBLE
Organic farming does not use chemicals, so it is much less polluting than conventional farming and therefore more respectful of our planet! In addition, it is beneficial for our health because we limit exposure to pesticides in our food! So, if you can, introduce an organic food or even more in your shopping basket. And to lower the bill, avoid meat and industrial processed products such as organic biscuits, which are the most expensive.
AVOID FOOD WASTE BY COOKING LEFTOVERS
Do you have any leftover pieces of cheese? Overripe bananas? Vegetable peelings? Hard bread? Know that it is possible to cook them so as not to make a mess. We give you a few tips:
At home
Don’t throw away the leftovers ! For example, use vegetable peelings in a soup or to make a broth. If you have overripe bananas, you can use them for a cake. If you have any pieces of cheese left, grate them into your dishes. And for hard bread, think of French toast! A tasty, economical and mess-free recipe!
Plan your meals : for that, write down recipe ideas and prepare your menus for the week!
Some alternatives to plastic food wraps exist as tissues.
Glass jars or boxes are super practical and safe for storing food.
As for kitchen utensils : try to opt for those made of stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic or glass.
To replace the kitchen towel, you can use old kitchen towels or old napkins that you can wash in the washing machine.
At the store
Think about foods with shorter best-before dates , and less expensive ones.
Avoid foods with lots of packaging. And if you find cheaper prices in bulk, even better for less waste!