Healthy Foods To Buy On A Budget
Andrea is an Alabama-based registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of the healthy food blogs, Beautiful Eats & Things, and Little Eats & Things and author of The Complete Book of Smoothies. Andrea has worked in several healthcare settings including clinical, public health and long-term care. Andrea believes in achieving optimal health by incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and making healthy eating fun! When she's not running after her two boys, she enjoys creating content to encourage self-love and promote body positivity.
healthy foods to buy on a budget
You might be surprised at what you can find at dollar stores. Many have a grocery aisle or two, plus a few small refrigerated units. Amid the numerous unhealthy choices like chips, cookies and candy, you can also find a few healthy foods. Products to pick up include:
Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body (70, 71, 72).
Climbing food prices can make grocery shopping especially challenging right now. If you want to keep to any reasonable budget, you may have to make some hard choices or buy alternative foods when shopping.
"(Bananas) get a bad rap for being high in sugar, but natural sugar in fruit is not a major concern for health," says Jenn LaVardera, a registered dietitian and wellness specialist in Southampton, New York. "Bananas contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium as well as antioxidants that support health. They also pack heart-healthy fiber. Typically under a dollar per pound, they are the best deal in the produce department," LaVardera says.
"Legumes are one of the foods that we really should be eating every day. They provide protein, fiber, and help to enhance the microbiome, which means it helps keep our gut healthy, and this helps build the immune system," VanBeber says. "Right now, a can of black beans is 78 cents at Walmart and 79 cents at Kroger."
Steffa Mantilla, who writes about paying off debt, living frugally and building wealth on her blog MoneyTamer.com, suggests going back to basics and making some foods from scratch with flour. "It's versatile because you can make breads, pancakes, biscuits and more," Mantilla says.
Meal ideas: Mantilla suggests making homemade pot pies, as opposed to the processed kind in the frozen foods section. "Pot pie dough is inexpensive to make and can be filled with whatever vegetables you have around the house," she says.
Oats are healthy, "hearty and with added spices can be delicious," Novotny says. "They're a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whole oats have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, which helps to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Plus, the fiber helps to slow glucose absorption, which is helpful for diabetics," she adds.
Meal ideas: Oatmeal, oatmeal cookies and oatmeal bars are just a few budget-friendly ideas. You could also make oat bread or use oats in a homemade granola recipe, or even search the internet for some oat-based dinner recipes, like a broccoli-cheddar oatmeal bake.
Don't ignore the center of the store. "I know everyone thinks you have to shop the perimeter of the grocery store for the best foods, but there are plenty of healthy and budget-friendly foods in the center aisles," White says.
When eaten in moderation, peanuts supply a dose of healthy fats and can reduce the risk of heart disease.Guasch-Ferré M, et al. (2017). Nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145952
Price: $0.75 for 4-ounces, $2.99 per pound Forgo fast-food nuggets: A small, fresh chicken breast is cheaper and filled with healthy, lean protein. Make your own gyro with tzatziki or try any of these other non-boring chicken ideas.
Pro tip: Buy dry beans for an even better deal. Boiling them at home may preserve more of their cancer-fighting antioxidants.Reverri E, et al. (2015). Black beans, fiber, and antioxidant capacity pilot study: Examination of whole foods vs. functional components on postprandial metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adults with metabolic syndrome Cook up some black bean soup or make a healthy black-bean taco.
Price: $1 per pound (in bulk)Oats are high in fiber, low in fat, and, like many whole grains, may even help lower cholesterol.Hollænder P, et al. (2015). Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26269373
Price: $0.10 per tea bag, $5 per boxThere are plenty of health benefits linked to tea, ranging from lowering risks of depression and strokes to reducing chances of getting certain liver diseases. It may even help you maintain a healthy weight.Koithan M, et al. (2010). Using herbal remedies to maintain optimal weight. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20802831/
A diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins is important for good health, especially if you have diabetes. Healthy eating is key to maintaining blood sugar levels in your target range. But the cost of nutritious foods can quickly add up.
Visit the ADCES website to learn more about diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services and how diabetes educators can help you create a meal plan that fits your health needs, tastes, and budget.
Fruit is one of the pricier produce selections, and fancy fruits like figs and off-season berries are too costly for everyday eating on a budget. Apples, however, are high in fiber and antioxidants, including quercetin and catechins, the same potent antioxidants found in green tea. Organic apples average around $2 a pound, depending on the season. Other nutrient-dense, economical fruits you can try include oranges, pears, bananas and grapes.
Rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C and K, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the produce aisle. And it does double duty as a cruciferous vegetable, with the same cancer-preventive compounds as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Less pricey than lettuce or spring greens, organic kale typically costs under $2 per bunch. Other leafy budget buys that will work for your budget and your nutrition include chard, spinach and collards, all of which have similar nutrient profiles.
Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to stock up on healthy foods while saving money on food. Items such as whole grains, rice, dried legumes, nuts, and seeds are just a few examples of healthy foods that have a longer shelf life. You may pay a little more up front, but your long-term savings will be well worth it!
Are you looking for ways to eat healthier but aren't sure how to get started? Did you know healthy eating may be better for your budget? Many Families are concerned about the rising cost of food. The good news is that eating healthy does not need to be expensive.
Research shows that when compared to specialty markets or general grocery stores, bulk supermarkets can help people save a significant chunk on grocery costs. Additionally, low-price bulk items are an important factor for some families to be able to afford a healthy diet.
Do you avoid some foods because they are hard to chew? People who have problems with their teeth or dentures often avoid eating meat, fruits, or vegetables and might miss out on important nutrients. If you are having trouble chewing, see your dentist to check for problems. If you wear dentures, the dentist can check the fit.
Some medicines can change how food tastes, make your mouth dry, or reduce your appetite. In turn, some foods can change how certain medicines work. You might have heard that grapefruit juice is a common culprit when used with any of several drugs. Chocolate, licorice, and alcohol are some others. Whenever your doctor prescribes a new drug for you, be sure to ask about any food-drug interactions.
Some older adults have allergies to certain foods, such as wheat, nuts, or dairy. Others may have dietary restrictions for religious, ethical, or personal reasons. Whatever your dietary needs are, it is still possible to choose healthy foods.
Avoiding dairy? Talk to your health care provider about how to get enough calcium and vitamin D. Even lactose-intolerant people might be able to have small amounts of milk when taken with food. There are also nondairy food sources of calcium, lactose-free milk and milk products, calcium- and vitamin D-fortified foods, and supplements.
Communities with limited affordable and healthy foods tend to have easier access to fast food restaurants. Not having easy access to fruits, vegetables, and important vitamins found in healthy foods can lead to health conditions like low iron levels and obesity.
A healthy diet can help prevent health conditions like asthma and emotional stress. Kids who eat well also tend to be more active. This can help them keep a healthy weight and avoid health problems linked to obesity.
SNAP helps families with their food budget so they can buy healthy food. Families can buy a variety of foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, and dairy products. You must apply in the state where you live and meet income rules. Find more information online at:
Frozen and canned fruit and vegetables are harvested at their peak of freshness. This means that you can use them when fresh produce is not available and still make healthy choices. It also helps you save time and money! 041b061a72