With grocery prices soaring, sticking to your budget without sacrificing your health has never been more important.I recently went to a restaurant in Denver where the Cobb salad was close to $20, while the burger and fries cost around $15. The price difference between more or less nutritious foods is evident almost everywhere you go, and the current economy is making it more and more expensive to grocery shop in general, let alone to eat healthily.

Nutrition plays a significant role in your physical and mental health as it can lower your risk of heart disease, strengthen your immune system, build muscle, improve focus and more. A healthy diet can look many different ways, and there’s nothing wrong with the occasional burger. The key is to eat a diverse and well-rounded diet, with plenty of produce such as fruits and veggies — and those are some of the trickiest food groups to get enough of if you’re short on time and money. 

That said, it’s important to make sure you get the nutrients you need to maintain a healthier body and mind. The tips below will help you shop and eat smart so you can be healthy without having to spend an arm and a leg. 

Plan meals where you anticipate leftovers 

Plan your meals ahead of time so you can consolidate the number of items you need to purchase at the grocery store. Apps like Mealime or Paprika can help take some of the mental work out of meal planning.

Make a grocery list and stick to it

Make a grocery list keeping prices in mind, so you know you’re sticking to your budget. When in doubt on the price of an item, overestimate or use a price comparison app to double check, like Flipp or Grocery King. Give yourself an extra $20 or so for flexibility in case you see a few extra necessities you might not have thought of.