We spend hours online, looking for a diet that will help us shed off that “tyre” around our waist. But often before we can even get started, we hit speed bumps that put us off. Many of these diets have ingredients we’ve never heard of, with ridiculous prices. And we suddenly feel as if this “dieting thing” just isn’t for us.

That’s where I come in, call me “Captain Budget”! Here are some tips I’ve learned on how to eat healthily without breaking the bank. If it’s not already in your cupboard, it will definitely be at your local supermarket.

Breakfast
People often say that this is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it’s the most overlooked too. Life can feel so busy that skipping breakfast becomes a daily habit. But, eating in the morning helps boost your metabolism, keeping you alert and giving you the energy you need to get a good start to your day.

For breakfast, start with a porridge (think oats, Weet bix or similar) that doesn’t have a lot of added sugar but is filled with the nutrients your body needs. Complement this with a glass of water. You’ll soon start to feel the difference in energy.

Lunch/midday snacks
Lunch is the time to top up your body’s depleting energy levels with light snacks and healthy foods. Be careful not to leave it too late and to then overindulge on whatever your pocket can afford, and then feel groggy and hungry again in a few short hours.

On the menu: Think fresh and healthy. Eat fruit (apples, bananas, mangos, pears – all of these can be bought for a similar price to a bag of chips); get some protein (think chicken, beef, fish); and perhaps try some eggs (2 boiled eggs for lunch provide great nutrition).

Eat these at your lunch time or as little snacks in the day. And exchange anything processed or sugary or salty with something fresh, tasty and delicious. The lunch aspect is flexible with the main purpose of feeding your body in small doses so that it doesn’t feel drained or overfilled.

Supper
After a long day at work we want to indulge in rich home cooked meals. Arguably, this is what puts most of us off our diets. But so long as it’s home cooked, not too oily, contains lots of fresh vegetables and some protein, go ahead and eat. Just remember to not eat too late or your body won’t have a chance to digest.

Here are a few tips:
1. Lunch can be at any time after breakfast, not necessarily midday or after 1pm.
2. After finishing your meal drink a cup of tea or coffee, it helps speed up digestion.
3. Avoid eating too late in the day! The later it is, the harder it is for your body to break down the food.
4. Don’t go and lie down after eating, take a light 5-minute walk instead. Your body and your future will appreciate it.
5. Say “NO” to fast foods, and “YES” to fresh produce!

Start listening to your body, it will tell you all you need to know about what you are feeding it.

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Tell us: What tips do you have for healthy eating?