30 Healthy Foods That Don’t Break the Bank
There is a common misconception that getting healthy and choosing nutritious foods can be expensive. It’s not hard to see why this is a common belief. Many readily available, cheap fast food options are available on every corner.
Fortunately, affordable foods can be found at almost any grocery store. Plus, many of these foods have a long shelf-life, reducing the amount of food waste from spoilage. Stocking up your pantry with various canned and dried foods is a good way to save money and ensure you always have something healthy to eat on standby.
As a rule of thumb, look for whole grains, foods without preservatives, vegetables, fruits, and frozen foods. With frozen foods, it is best to stick with whole-food ingredients rather than prepared meals. Unfortunately, prepared frozen meals are often loaded with sodium and aren’t as budget-friendly.
Over time, you’ll find that eating healthy at home is actually much cheaper than grabbing those unhealthy fast food options! The key is planning ahead. Plan out the meals and snacks you’d like to have on hand and shop from that list. The key to saving money is not going to the grocery store without a list, which leaves you vulnerable to unnecessary impulse buys.
Here are some cheap and healthy foods you can stock up on.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables are great because you can keep them on hand without worrying about spoilage. You can stir-fry the veggies, steam them, or blend the fruit up into tasty smoothies.
Pork
Pork is a relatively cheap fresh meat option. Pork loins, chops, and roast areas are all good lean options.
Oranges
Oranges are another affordable fruit option. They are a great way to get your vitamin C.
Canned Beans
Canned beans have a long shelf life and are much quicker to prepare than the dried version. Beans are loaded with fiber and a good source of vegetable protein.
Whole Grain Pasta
Whole grain pasta is another food that will not go bad. It’s a very filling foundation for a healthy meal.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a cheap form of protein. Keep it on hand to pair with whole-grain crackers for a quick snack.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein and very versatile. Eat it with fruit for a healthy breakfast, or use it as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables will last forever, so you can keep an assortment on hand in your pantry.
Apples
Apples are cheap, portable, and make a great, filling snack when paired with a tablespoon of peanut butter.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a cheap vitamin-packed alternative to baked potatoes. They’re also great roasted.
Broccoli
Broccoli is cheap and a great source of vitamins. You can eat broccoli raw or toss it in a little oil, salt, and pepper and roast it in the oven!
Peanuts
For a nut, peanuts are relatively cheap. They contain nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein and a quick and easy meal option.
Carrots
Carrots are a fresh vegetable that lasts quite a while in the refrigerator. They are a great vitamin-packed snack for when you’re craving something crunchy.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another dry food that is easy to store in the pantry. It can be used in baking or as a warm and hearty breakfast.
Bananas
Bananas are a great portable snack that even comes in their own neat little package!
Dried Beans
Dried beans have a long shelf life and are great for keeping around to throw in soups and chilis.
Popcorn
Popcorn is an incredibly cheap and healthy snack as long as you avoid loading it down with butter.
Onions
Onions are affordable and add a ton of flavor to dishes. Chop them up and add them to a salad to really pack a flavorful punch.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is cheap and great for healthy sandwiches and toast. While it does spoil within a week or so, it can be stored in the freezer, unthawed, and toasted.
Chicken
Chicken is probably the number one go-to for a cheap high-protein meal. Eat it grilled, baked, or shredded.
Frozen Edamame
Steam and salt edamame for a quick snack. Edamame contains protein, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Cottage Cheese
Although it can be high in salt, cottage cheese is loaded with protein and makes a great snack by itself. It’s also great paired with fresh fruit or jam.
Dried Cranberries
Grab a handful of dried cranberries if you’re craving something cheap and sweet!
Brown Rice
Brown rice is incredibly cheap. It also lasts for ages in your pantry, making it a great food to keep on standby.
Baby Spinach
Ditch the iceberg lettuce and grab a bag of baby spinach for a vitamin-rich salad. Baby spinach tends to be cheaper than other bagged salad varieties.
Kale
Kale is a vitamin-packed superfood. You can sauté it to eat as a side or incorporate it into other dishes for added nutrients.
Quinoa
Quinoa is often classified as a superfood because it is a healthy whole grain that is also a great source of protein.
Dried Lentils
Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein. Since they are dried, you can store them indefinitely in an airtight container in your pantry.
Tofu
For meat and non-meat eaters alike, tofu is a great, cheap option for adding protein to your diet. It is extremely versatile and makes a great meat replacement.
