A common misconception that stops many from living a healthy lifestyle is that eating healthy is expensive. With a broader perspective and the right research under your belt, you’ll discover just how false this idea truly is. Eating healthy doesn’t mean emptying your wallet on fresh-pressed juices, exotic spices, or pricy protein powders.

Instead, it means stocking up on foods that give you nutritious bang for your buck, a little thinking ahead, and large dishes that’ll last you for days. Eating healthy on a budget basically whittles down to two uber-important words: meal planning. By scheduling and preparing your meals ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what to reach for at the grocery store and won’t be tempted to cave and waste your dollars on junk.