In today's economy, maintaining a healthy diet while managing expenses can indeed be challenging. At Coastal Primary Care, we understand the importance of nutritious eating for overall health, and we're here to show you that it's possible to eat well without breaking the bank.
Recent data indicates that the cost of a healthy diet has been increasing globally. In Latin America and the Caribbean, for example, the cost of a healthy diet per person per day rose from $3.62 in 2017 to $4.56 in 2022[2]. However, with proper planning and smart shopping strategies, nutritious meals can still be both affordable and delicious.
Strategic meal planning can help reduce food costs while ensuring nutritional balance:
Seasonal produce often offers better value for your money:
Consider these nutrient-rich, cost-effective protein options:
Start your day with affordable, nutritious options:
Understanding food security is crucial for maintaining healthy eating habits. The USDA produces four food plans at different cost levels: the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans[5]. These plans can help guide budget-friendly meal planning.
Consider consulting with healthcare providers if you have specific dietary restrictions, need help managing chronic conditions through diet, want personalized nutrition advice, or need assistance accessing food assistance programs.
At Coastal Primary Care, we're committed to helping you achieve optimal health through proper nutrition. Remember, eating healthily on a budget is possible with careful planning and smart choices.
It's worth noting that recent data shows a decline in both healthy and enjoyable eating. In the United States, the percentage of people who felt they ate mostly healthy foods dropped from 83% in 2022 to 71% in 2023[8]. This underscores the importance of finding ways to make healthy eating both affordable and enjoyable.
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9967271/
[2] https://media.market.us/health-conscious-consumer-statistics/
[3] https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-usda-budget-summary.pdf
[4] https://odphp.health.gov/news/202403/tools-help-consumers-eat-healthy-budget
[5] https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/cnpp/usda-food-plans
[6] https://frac.org/research/resource-library/leave-behind-fy-2025-budget-appropriations
[7] https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/healthy-diets-remain-unaffordable-for-a-third-of-the-world-s-population/en
[8] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/health/healthy-enjoyable-eating-gallup-wellness/index.html
