Eating Healthy on a Budget

Most people think eating healthy requires you to spend tons of money at your local health food store or Whole Foods Supermarket.  If you know what healthy foods to look for you can find them right at your local supermarket and not have to pay a fortune for them.

Lots of supermarkets have started to create their own brand of organic foods at reasonable prices. Stop & Shop has their own brand of organic food called simply organic and it cost about the same as the non-organic food you find at the supermarket. If you don’t have a Stop & Shop in your area you can still find healthy foods at your local supermarket. You don’t always have to eat organic to eat healthy. There are many wonderful healthy foods are your local supermarket shelf’s that are reasonably price. Here is a list of 10 foods that are healthy, economical and at your local supermarket.

• Eggs:  Eggs are so versatile. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Eggs are little capsules of strength and energy and there is always a sale on eggs at the supermarket. They are high in protein, vitamins B2, B5, B12, D and vitamin K. They also have a concentrated source of amino acids that help build muscles.
• Black Beans:  A bag of dried black beans cost about $2.00 - $2.75 and they last a long time. Beans are a healthy alternative to meat and it supplies your body with protein, they are low in fat and contain iron. Black beans are rich in nutrients and packed with vitamin B1, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and filled with soluble fiber.  They also are filling.
• Fresh Vegetables or Frozen:  Vegetables are always on sale whether fresh or frozen. If you don’t buy fresh get frozen. Never buy canned vegetables. Canned vegetables are filled with chemicals and preservatives.
• Whole Grain Pasta:  You can find whole grain pasta at your local supermarket for about $1.50 - $2.00. Whole grain pasta is filled with several minerals and micronutrients as well as vitamin B1 and thiamin. It contains energizing carbohydrates, protein and macronutrients.
• Oranges and Apples:  Best value when brought in a bag.  Oranges are known for their vitamin C but oranges also contain many other nutrients such as Vitamin B1, A, folate, calcium, potassium and fiber. Apples works wonders for both detox and digestion due to the pectin and fiber found in apples. Apples are also filled with vitamin C, K and flavonoids.
• Chicken legs and thighs:  You can always buy the family packs and they tend to be cheaper than chicken breast.  The family packs go a long way and they can be cooked in many different ways.
• Quinoa: You can buy Quinoa for about $4.00 - $4.50 and it can be cooked in so many different and tasty ways. Quinoa is a complete grain that is loaded with fiber, amino acids, calcium and protein.
• Seeds and nuts:  Seeds such as flax seeds which are packed with omega 3’s and my favorite, pumpkin seeds which are high in protein, tryptophan (helps you sleep) and pumpkin seeds are heart healthy.  Nuts brought in shells such as almond and walnuts, tend to be cheaper in price and are filled with nutrients and can be added to your salad and dishes.
• Greens:  You can buy greens for about $1.99 - $2.50 they are packed with nutrients and are soo good for you.
• Herbal teas:  At $2.75 a box, Celestial seasonings herbal fruit tea sampler can be made hot or cold.  As a cold drink, it’s a great healthy replacement to soda and it taste great! You can make a big pitcher with 2 tea bags and let it chill in the refrigerator. Children and adults love the flavor

These are just a few of the many healthy economical foods available in your local super market. Low price doesn't have to mean low quality.  Many of these nutritious foods can often be found in your local supermarket for a reasonable price, though prices vary depending on the season as well as where you live.  In today’s economy we all need to cut back on certain expenses, eating healthy shouldn’t be one of them.