Healthy Foods For Any Budget
I don’t know about you all, but a trip to the grocery store puts me in a major funk these days. The prices on some basic items such as bread and milk are just unreasonable compared to what they were just a year ago. I can’t imagine what families with growing children are going through. Forget about shopping much at my favorite store, Whole Foods.
We won’t even talk about the cost of meat. I’m a hearty carnivore and fish lover but now it’s a treat to have a piece of steak, pork chops or salmon.
In my quest for alternatives, I’ve started going to farmers markets for fresh produce and fruit and Amish markets for meats and fresh juices. It’s been a good thing as I’ve been rediscovering what fresh food really is.
It’s never been cheap to eat healthy, but this is even more true in this economy. I fear that if we continue on this way, the obesity epidemic will get even more out of control. McDonald’s Dollar Menu hasn’t been affected by the economy.
Tell us about some of your cost-saving solutions for healthy eating in the comments.
Get some ideas from this article, The 20 Healthiest Foods Under $1
1. Oats
High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol. And they sure are cheap—a dollar will buy you more than a week’s worth of hearty breakfasts.
Serving suggestions: Sprinkle with nuts and fruit in the morning, make oatmeal cookies for dessert.
2. Eggs
You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems.
Serving suggestions: Huevos rancheros for breakfast, egg salad sandwiches for lunch, and frittatas for dinner.
3. Kale
This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. Like most greens, it is usually a dollar a bunch.
Serving suggestions: Chop up some kale and add to your favorite stir-fry; try German-Style Kale or traditional Irish Colcannon.
It’s not exactly under a buck, but salsa, black beans, and a sprinkling of reduced-fat cheddar cheese on brown rice or a small potato is good cheap eatin’
I'm a fan of bananas because they taste good and they're always under 40 cents a pound. I know, this falls under fresh fruits and vegetables which you've already covered but it's still a favorite.Hmm, other than that I can't readily think of something healthy that's actually $1. That's a sad state of affairs.
What about sweet potatoes? They're cheap and super healthy!http://www.theironyou.com/2011/04/sweet-potato-hollywoods-stars-favorite.html