Slash your grocery bill in half with these simple dietary guidelines!
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We all know how difficult it is to live on a tight budget. When it comes to saving money, retirees have it especially hard as they’re typically on a fixed income or collecting a pension.
Current conditions have made many start finding ways to make those dollars stretch further.
To that end, one study suggests that following the Australian Dietary Guidelines could save a family of four up to $160 per fortnight off their grocery bill!
Yes, you read that right—a healthier diet could result in fewer dollars spent. Before we explore how you can benefit from this, let’s first look at what the Australian Dietary Guidelines are and what they recommend.
What are the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
The guidelines are recommendations from the Australian government that outline the quantity and type of food most Australians should eat to promote good health and well-being.
The guidelines propose that we should eat a variety of nutritious foods from the main food groups, including:
What are Aussies currently eating?
Unfortunately, research suggests that Australians have a poor to moderately healthy diet. Only 7 per cent of Australians consume the recommended amount of vegetables, while the rest of the population falls short.
A recent study revealed that 55 per cent of Australians' total energy intake is from discretionary items like sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, and alcohol, which are not part of a food group and are typically high in kilojoules, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Warrnambool Study: Comparing the Costs of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Eating
To further explore this concept, researchers from the Health Promotion Team at South West Healthcare visited four supermarkets and takeout stores in Warrnambool, Victoria. They compared prices between two baskets—one that met the Dietary Guidelines and an alternative ‘typical Aussie diet’.
The Healthy Basket included:
The Unhealthy Basket included all of the above, as well as:
The results of this study revealed that following the Dietary Guidelines would save a family of four around $4,342 per year.
But is eating healthily affordable?
While the research suggests that following the Dietary Guidelines is cheaper than an unhealthy diet, affordability is still an issue for many households.
The study found that the Healthy Basket would require 25 per cent of a median household income, which is still a struggle for those already facing financial difficulties, like those reliant on welfare.
What are some tips for reducing food costs?
Living on a budget shouldn’t be a burden. Here are some useful tips for slashing your grocery bill and eating in a healthier way:
We wish everyone the best of luck in your health journey and your wallet-saving efforts! Do you have some tips and tricks for maximising your savings potential on groceries? Let us know in the comments below!
Current conditions have made many start finding ways to make those dollars stretch further.
To that end, one study suggests that following the Australian Dietary Guidelines could save a family of four up to $160 per fortnight off their grocery bill!
Yes, you read that right—a healthier diet could result in fewer dollars spent. Before we explore how you can benefit from this, let’s first look at what the Australian Dietary Guidelines are and what they recommend.
What are the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
On a budget? Study says that Australian Dietary Guidelines could save you $160! Image: Pexels
The guidelines are recommendations from the Australian government that outline the quantity and type of food most Australians should eat to promote good health and well-being.
The guidelines propose that we should eat a variety of nutritious foods from the main food groups, including:
- Vegetables and legumes
- Fruit
- Grains
- Lean meats and alternatives
- Dairy products
What are Aussies currently eating?
Unfortunately, research suggests that Australians have a poor to moderately healthy diet. Only 7 per cent of Australians consume the recommended amount of vegetables, while the rest of the population falls short.
A recent study revealed that 55 per cent of Australians' total energy intake is from discretionary items like sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, and alcohol, which are not part of a food group and are typically high in kilojoules, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest eating more fruit and vegetables! Image: Pexels
Warrnambool Study: Comparing the Costs of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Eating
To further explore this concept, researchers from the Health Promotion Team at South West Healthcare visited four supermarkets and takeout stores in Warrnambool, Victoria. They compared prices between two baskets—one that met the Dietary Guidelines and an alternative ‘typical Aussie diet’.
The Healthy Basket included:
- Fruit & Vegetables (made up 31% of the fortnightly shop)
- Grains & Cereals (oats, cornflakes, Weet-Bix, bread, etc.)
- Lean Meats & Alternatives (mince, steak, eggs, etc.)
- Dairy Products
- Oils & Spreads (olive oil, etc.)
The Unhealthy Basket included all of the above, as well as:
- Drinks (soft drink, etc.)
- Desserts & Snacks (chocolate bars, ice cream, potato chips, etc.)
- Processed Meats (sausages, ham, etc.)
- Convenience Meals
- Fast Food (pizza, hamburger, etc.)
- Alcohol
The results of this study revealed that following the Dietary Guidelines would save a family of four around $4,342 per year.
But is eating healthily affordable?
While the research suggests that following the Dietary Guidelines is cheaper than an unhealthy diet, affordability is still an issue for many households.
The study found that the Healthy Basket would require 25 per cent of a median household income, which is still a struggle for those already facing financial difficulties, like those reliant on welfare.
Living on a budget shouldn’t be a burden. Here are some useful tips for slashing your grocery bill and eating in a healthier way:
- Plan for some vegetarian meals each week to save money
- Buy items in bulk when they’re on special
- Make big batches of meals and freeze them
- Shop around for farmers markets or smaller grocers to get better prices on fresh produce
- Choose generic brands (they’re often cheaper)
We wish everyone the best of luck in your health journey and your wallet-saving efforts! Do you have some tips and tricks for maximising your savings potential on groceries? Let us know in the comments below!
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