There are lots of cheap healthy foods that won’t break the bank, and you can easily pick them up during your next trip to the grocery store. Eating healthy does not always mean that you have to spend your entire paycheck. If you can find some basic staples for your refrigerator and pantry that are inexpensive and good for you, then you can make the most out of your grocery shopping experience.
1. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a great purchase because you can use it with just about any meal as a side or accompanying chicken, fish or beef. Rice is one of the most versatile foods you can buy, and very affordable. Brown rice is healthier to consume than white rice because when white rice is made, it gets stripped of all of its nutrients such as vitamins B, B6 and iron. Brown rice is a whole grain food that you can pick up for a little over $2.
2. Multi-Grain/Whole Wheat Pasta
There is so much you could do with pasta in addition to all of the great health benefits from eating multi-grain or whole-grain pasta. Cooking pasta is extremely simple and there are many different types, such as spaghetti, angel hair, farfalle, linguine, tetrazzini, lasagna and more. You can make a great tasting meal while getting all the benefits of whole grains. Multi-grain or whole grain pasta usually sells for less than $2, so it is affordable on any budget.
3. Frozen Vegetables
If you stroll into your grocery store’s frozen food section, you will find a wide array of frozen vegetables all for around or under $2. The great thing about frozen vegetables is that they are still great tasting, healthy and can last in your freezer much longer than fresh vegetables. This will decrease the amount of food and money wasted with potential rotten vegetables in your crisper drawer. You usually have the choice of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas, mixed vegetable blends and much more. Frozen vegetables can accompany any dish as a side and are great for having a well-rounded, nutritional meal.
4. Potatoes
One of the best foods you can buy on a budget is potatoes. Because there are so many ways you can cook potatoes, they prove to be an asset to the kitchen. You can make baked potatoes, French fries, hash browns, mashed potatoes, potato chowder and many other dishes. Another great thing about potatoes is that they are actually pretty filling. In addition to their almost infinite recipe potential, potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, B6, potassium, manganese and copper. You can buy potatoes for under $3.
5. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is another great food that is healthy and inexpensive. Tuna is also very versatile and gives you the opportunity to be creative with your recipes. You can make traditional tuna salads or tuna tetrazzini. Canned tuna is a wonderful source of omega-3 essential fatty acid, protein, vitamins B1 and B6, and selenium. There are different types and brands of canned tuna but you can usually buy a can of tuna for less than a dollar.
