10 Healthiest Foods Under $2
If you’re like most people trying to find ways to stay healthy, sticking to a manageable budget is the ideal goal. You might find yourself attempting to maintain a smart financial plan, but by the end of the week realize that somehow you slipped overspending once again. Then the pattern repeats itself: you promise yourself you’ll start anew in the next week and do your best to come up with yet another food budget plan you’re certain will be more effective. Not to worry, this article contains some of the healthiest food items you can find under find $2. Who would’ve thought health could be so affordable?
The following list makes your quest to conquer your spending challenges an easier more manageable task.
Remember, you can and are reaching all your goals with smart planning and perseverance.
1. Bananas
“The banana is called the “the fruit of the wise.” It contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body… No other fruit contain more digestible carbohydrates than bananas. This is advantageous because, the body burns off calories from carbohydrate more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein.”
Source
Bananas have to be number one on my list. I eat them voraciously.
Not only are bananas high in fiber and potassium, they come in their own package making them a convenient, nutritional snack. They also help fill you up so that you eat less throughout the day. They are truly a win-win food item to enjoy.
2. Apples
Yes, yes, an “apple a day” truly makes a difference they say.
Not only are apples also exceptionally easy to pack in your sack lunch, they are quite conveniently sold all over town. Stop at a 7-eleven, the local grocery store, or even find them at your favorite restaurant stop. In addition, these wonderful snacks are full of Vitamin C and pectin, a fiber that has been found effective in reducing cholesterol levels.
A Healthy Tip:
Adding fruit before each meal is a strategic way to not only save money, it can also help keep you fit and healthy. Starting a meal with fruit helps you get all the vitamins your body needs as well as keep you from eating as much during mealtime.
3. Celery
I stand behind celery wholeheartedly. Through research I have found that among many other great benefits:
“Celery is a vegetable that contains about 95% water. While many people might think that celery may not contain very much nutritional value due to the fact that it is such a light food, it in fact is an incredibly valuable food. Within just one cup of celery you can find 2 grams of fiber, 34 grams of foliate, approximately 19 calories and about 0.16 grams of fat. You can actually end up burning more calories eating celery than your body will take on consuming it.” To read more about the benefits of celery.
4. Watermelon
While a whole watermelon is typically more than $2’s, per serving the cost of this delectable treat is not more than about thirty cents. Not only does this melon consist of approximately 90% water, it is overflowing with potassium, Vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene that has been found to fend off cancer.
Healthy food items like watermelons not only help you fulfill your body’s need for water, it is sweet treat that will help keep you functioning at your peak levels.
A Healthy Tip:
On average, about 85% of the population is walking around dehydrated hardly getting close to the recommended 8-10 glasses of water a day. Studies have shown that oftentimes when the body is craving something sweet, it is actually thirsty and needs water.
5. Beets
Beets are a wonderful nonfat vegetable. They are packed with iron, folate and plenty of antioxidants. They come with their own sweet, delectable flavoring making them a perfect addition to salads.
6. Broccoli
Eat this superfood raw or steamed to make sure you get the most of its great nutrients. Not only does broccoli contain fiber, folate, potassium, Vitamin A and C, you can also enjoy the addition of calcium with its exceptional properties. Oh yes, and last but not least, it is packed with phytonutrients which have been found to potentially prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
It’s easy on the wallet and does wonders for your health. These reasons alone make it a surefire addition to your shopping list. To enhance your well being, be sure to include it in your diet on a regular basis.
7. Spinach
Studies show, the darker the color, the richer the minerals when it comes to some of your favorite vegetables. Next time you take a trip to your supermarket make sure to pick up a healthy dark green bunch of spinach leaves. This special vegetable is overflowing with trace minerals, Vitamin C and iron.
Even better, spinach can be found all year long for less than $2. Make a few salads, steam a scrumptious side dish and enjoy a healthier, trimmer you!
8. Kale
Kale is another smart choice when you are reaching for dark, leafy greens. Like spinach, this important vegetable is also packed with Vitamin C, but it also contains calcium and carotenoids which are natural fat soluble pigments that have been found to prevent cancer.
A Healthy Tip:
Substituting fat free salad dressings can save a more on your pocket and waistline than most may think. While many people think they are eating healthy by opting for veggies and leafy greens, if these items are drowning in fatty toppings, they will no doubt affect your total calorie count at the end of the day.
Often people don’t realize that the amount of salad dressing used on average is equivalent to the fat and calorie content found in a greasy hamburger. Make smarter choices! There are many fat free dressings that are just as tasty. Or become creative and make your own dressings. Personally, I love to use fresh salsa on my salads. Not only are you getting tomatoes, onions, green onions, etc. it is tasty a natural nonfat choice.
9. Butternut Squash
This vegetable is a little less than a dollar a pound when in season; a welcome food choice for those on a tight budget and for those with health on the mind.
Butternut squash is known for its sweet and savory flavor. This addition to your diet, not only makes food more colorful and interesting, it contains Vitamin A and C and also a healthy dose of fiber.
Last, but certainly not least:
10. Sweet Potatoes
“CSPI (The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington D.C.) ranked the sweet potato number one in nutrition of all vegetables”
Not only do sweet potatoes live up to their name with their delicious flavor, they are a wonderful source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, copper, Vitamin B6, iron, manganese, iron and potassium.
A Healthy Tip:
According to studies, foods high in Vitamin A have been found to effectively combat the negative effects of exposure to second hand smoke. Add them to your diet, steer clear of those who light up around you and you are sure to significantly increase your overall health!
To read more about invaluable ways to improve your health:
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- Healthy Lifestyle: Lose Weight, Feel Great!
- Borba: It’s How the Celebrities Stay Beautiful From the Inside Out
- Honey for Your Health, But Does Location Matter?
- Salt Candles: Natural Health Enhancers & Air Purifiers
- Vitamin Water: The Hottest New Health Trend
- Green Tea: Lose Weight and Improve Your Health
Liked it
Mark Borg | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Nice article, I’m gonna try those sweet potatoes
Tel Asiado | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the reminder Liane. Great list. I’ve copied them, and will get sweet potato and spinach tomorrow.
nobert soloria bermosa | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Cheap but healthy and nutritious foods
Glynis Smy | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
I love all these foods and try to eat as many as I can. I loved learning more about them, thanks Liane.
Jeoffrey Meister | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Nice article, Liane. I eat most of these foods you mentioned; I’ll have to try some of the others. Thanx.
Christine Ramsay | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
A very useful article Lianne. I do try to eat a lot of these foods but I have not tried Kale or butternut squash yet.
Thank you for the advice.
Christine
ur guide | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
very informative article…….thanks.
Reilley | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Great stuff, well presented, good job. Now give us a way to make kale taste good.
Morgana | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
I’m a big fruit eater, eat bananas both green(boiled) and yellow, I use celery in my salads and I add it so season my food when cooking, I also eat beets regularly. Thank you for clarifying that sweet potato is a vegetable, I didn’t think it was a fruit and didn’t think is was a vegetable so I didn’t know where to place it. I often worried about my diet but it seems that I’m doing a good job since I eat most of the foods you mentioned above on a regular basis.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Comprehensive and neat. Well done! Take care!
Paula Mitchell Bentley | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Interesting and informative. Great job as always Liane! This article is also very timely considering the global economic downturn that has everyone concerned about budgets.
Karen | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the great article. I’ve also found a great healthy dark chocolate that has acai & blue berries, is diabetic friendly and gluten free. It is helping many with weight loss as well. Anyone interested can take a look at http://www.simplypurebliss.com. It is unbelievable!
payge | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
loved the article….lets me know what to look for if i needed to….very well written and time consuming,,,,but well worth it.
goodselfme | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Composed with great info and nice pics too. Thank you my friend.
Will Gray | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Great article and great advice! Love those pics and butternut squash! Thanks!
Johaubannah | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Full of Vitamins and Minerals. Great.
Bo Jack Russo | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Yes,a very good article,I eat a lot of spinach and Broccoli myself
James DeVere | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
How bad it recession in America if people cannot afford fruit and vegetables?!
Some ideas – Shop at markets – the veges are fresher and better priced. Seasonal vege and fruit are a good way to get freshness and value . j
Ashley Ann | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the great article! Eating healthier is definately #1 on my 2009 resolution list.
Inna Tysoe | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Good article.
Inna
Majic | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
Where I grew up sweet potatoes are in abundance. They grow everywhere! As a kid we had this crazy game wherein we dig up a basketful of these fine tubers, boil them thru the campfire, munch till the last bit, then make a bet on who farts the most! hahaha! In the Philippines we call it “kamote” and we also cook the young leaves for food!
Thanks for a good read!
Adam Henry Sears | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
I like this one a lot, Liane, it’s great, has lots of info. on easy foods to get. Thanks.
Darlene McFarlane | Dec 27, 2008 | Reply
I like and eat all but beets. I know I should eat them more often that I do…I know better and I have no excuse. Maybe this would make a good New Years resolution.
Very helpful article.
Frederick Zammit | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Nice Article and very informative.
MMV Abad | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Great info. I’ll probably won’t eat spinach but the rest would be delicious.
Timothy Drayton Russell | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Nicely done Liane. I come from the land of bananas. Grew up on a banana plantation in Guatemala; fun fact. Granny would have them and cooked plantains w/ beans, good stuff. Oatmeal was also a constant while growing up in Central America but now it continues here. Stay healthy and I would like to see more on how to keep the eyes healthy as all this writing and reading on the computer must take a lot out of them. I have been looking into Lutein and here’s my preliminary research note:
An orange xanthophyll C40H56O2 occurring in plants, animal fat, egg yolk, and the corpus luteum
Oh, and by the way, all aforementioned was/is relatively cheap, possibly under the $2 margin.
Sincerely,
Tim
A Jom | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
I love this article.
Jessica Rowe | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Great read and topic. eating healthy is hard becuase food cost so much as it is, now i know what to focus on, good think my family likes more all of these.
NA Staffieri | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, Liane. I actually love eating all of these except those Beets! Nine out of ten isn’t so bad, right?
evviesands | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Though I hate beets and watermelon, It’s a great list. What about carrots? BTW, great tip eating fruit as a starter rather than as dessert. I’ll try that one.
proto | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
OMG awesome guide love it Liane!
trishia | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Helpful article! I love fruits and veggies.I might mention that celery is great mouth freshner if you can’t get to your toothbrush and mouthwash.
eddiego65 | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Very informative piece. Thanks for sharing!
rileyd | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
very informative, loved it.
Chris Stonecipher | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
I love bananas and apples. I have noticed that my energy levels have improved with the addition of these fruit mixed with my oatmeal in the morning. Thanks again for sharing this informative and wonderful article. Happy New Year.
johnny yuma | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
I noticed someone above said they probably won’t eat spinach. A good way to eat spinach is by mixing it with scrambled eggs. Improves te taste greatly and still gives a person the vitamins and things that one needs from it.
Maybe your next blog should be on diffeent ways to fix all these things. I know that some of them I will never eat by themselves but mght if I knew better ways to fix them.
A great blog that you have here my friend.
Johnny Yuma
TommyP | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
MMM… Food for thought! Hope your Christmas was great! Bye 4 now!!
myria | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
Nicely done. Very informative, I will have to go do some shoppiing!!
TommyP | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
MMM… Food for thought! Hope your Christmas was great! Bye 4 now!!
hfj | Dec 31, 2008 | Reply
I love everything on your list, except maybe the squash. If we included these into our diets each day, we would be healthier and happier. nice write.
Estie | Jan 1, 2009 | Reply
This article couldn’t have come at a better time. My daughter and I are just putting together a new excercise plan and looking to create new healthy eating habits.
Thanks for the great advice!
dautsey | Jan 2, 2009 | Reply
Great article, I would add strawberries to that as well and carrots
denus | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
amazing liane, very clever.
great read.
cheers as always,
denus
nutuba | Jan 16, 2009 | Reply
Liane, this is a wonderful article. Your writing is so clear, concise, and enjoyable to read. Nicely done.
M Ashley | Jan 18, 2009 | Reply
I enjoy salsa on my salads, too. Yummy. I am off to the store now….
Poetic Enigma | Jan 18, 2009 | Reply
Great article, lots of great tips
and there are some definate good
healthy foods here