After a recent shopping trip, I overheard a woman saying she has slowed down on eating healthier because COVID has impacted her income and healthy food is way too expensive. I was a little stunned, but I also could empathize with her confession. I have been there, in the grocery store deciding what healthy foods to buy without being broke until payday.
On the journey to your ideal weight, it is very important to eat foods that promote a healthier lifestyle but, how do you do that on a budget. Eating healthy does not have to break the bank. You can eat deliciously nutritious foods for less than $1 and this list will show you how.
44 Foods Under $1
1. Black beans, $0.30 cents per ½ cup serving, about $1 per can
These unassuming beans pack a ton of fiber and have a solid amount of calcium, fiber, potassium, and folic acid. Pro-tip: Buy the dry beans for an even better nutritious and money deal — boiling beans at home may preserve more of their cancer-fighting antioxidants. Cook up some black bean soup, or make a healthy black-bean dip.
2. Eggs, $0.19 per egg, about $2 per dozen
When in need of some protein, eggs are a quick, delicious, fix. Scramble with veggies for a filling breakfast, add to homemade fried brown rice, or make a frittata!
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3. Almonds, $0.60 for a 1oz serving (20-25 nuts), about $5 per 8oz bag
Rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber, these super-nuts could reduce the risk of diabetes and decrease body weight. (Sorry, Almond Joys don’t count.) Munch on 'em during the day, or add to a bowl of cereal or oatmeal for extra healthy fats and protein.
4. Peanuts, $0.50 for a 1oz serving (25-30 nuts), about $4 per 8oz bag
Take me out to the ball game on the cheap. Sure, peanut butter might be a danger food, but in its natural form, these legumes are a healthy treat. When eating in moderation, peanuts supply a dose of healthy fats and can reduce the risk of heart disease. When in any chicken and veggie dish, they add a great Asian-inspired flare!
5. Garbanzo beans, $0.30 per ½ cup serving, about $1 per can
These little beans pack a serious amount of fiber. Add to a salad, roast them with curry powder, or make your own hummus.
6. Lentils, $0.12 per ½ cup serving, about $1 per pound (dry, in bulk)
With more protein per pound than beef, lentils are a filling food rich with antioxidants (and quite tasty, too). Here are seven ways to make lentil soup, along with a killer recipe for vegetarian lentil tacos!
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7. Oats, $0.13 per serving, about $1 per pound (in bulk)
Take a tip from Mr. Ed. Oats are high in fiber, low in fat, and may even help lower cholesterol. What’s not to love? Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal, substitute it for flour in cookies, or even use it as breadcrumbs.
8. Pinto beans, $0.30 cents per ½ cup serving, about $1 per can
The health factor of refried beans at a Mexican restaurant may be questionable, so mash them up at home. These beans are full of protein and fiber and are a delicious addition to any homemade burrito — breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
9. Tofu, $0.50 cents per 4oz serving, about $2 per pound
High in protein and low in fat, tofu is a delicious source of protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, soy in moderation may help reduce cholesterol and the risk of breast cancer. Pan-fry tofu with veggies in the next stir-fry, or even add the silken variety to a fruit smoothie.
10. Pumpkin seeds, $0.50 per 1oz serving, about $5 per pound
Move over birds, these seeds are for us humans (and not just on Halloween)! Filled with essential vitamins and minerals, along with protein and iron, sprinkle these in a salad or roast with spices for a healthy, crunchy treat.
11. Chicken breasts, $0.75 per 4 oz serving, about $2.99 per pound
Forgo the McChicken on the dollar menu — a small fresh chicken breast is $0.25 cheaper and filled with healthy, lean protein. Grill 'em, bake 'em, or enjoy sliced in a whole-wheat wrap with veggies.
12. Canned salmon, $0.75 per serving, about $1.50 per can
No need to splurge on a salmon filet to enjoy this Omega-3-packed seafood. Grab the canned version for some protein power without dishing out the big bucks. Whip up some homemade salmon burgers or chowder with a twist.
13. Canned tuna, $0.75 cents, about $1.50 per can
Not only is tuna fish cheap, but it’s an easy way to get Omega-3s (which could make us brilliant). Mix with Greek yogurt and chopped veggies for a healthier tuna salad.
14. Whey protein, $0.75 cents per scoop, about $40 per 3 lb container
Need an extra dose of protein? Add whey protein to a smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal, or sneak it into the next batch of brownies.
Dairy
15. Yogurt, about $1 per 6 oz cup
Skip the bagel and pick up a quick treat that’s filled with protein and calcium! Enjoy for breakfast with some granola, or as a post-workout snack. Just beware of flavors loaded with extra sugar, and remember that low-fat varieties will be lower in calories (if you're counting). Extra points for choosing superfood Greek yogurt — though it can be more expensive, so waiting for it to go on sale is a smart move!
16. Low-Fat Milk, $0.25 cents per cup, about $4 per gallon
Got milk? One calcium-filled glass can help keep teeth strong and even help keep off those excess pounds. Add a splash to a fruit smoothie, or enjoy in a bowl of oats or cereal.
17. Cottage cheese, $0.88 per 1/2 cup serving, about $3.50 per 16 oz container
It's time to put looks aside. This clumpy, mild cheese is surprisingly high in protein and tastes great in both sweet and savory dishes. Like yogurt and most other dairy products, cottage cheese typically comes in full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free varieties — choose whichever fits best into your diet. Try it topped with sliced pineapple and berries for a sweet protein-packed treat, or make it savory in a creamy pasta sauce.
Whole Grains
18. Whole-grain pasta, $0.37 cents per ½ cup serving, about $3 per box
Move over, white stuff; the whole wheat version of pasta is full of fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and may help lower the risk of heart disease. Enjoy its nutty flavor with stir-fried veggies and hearty marinara sauce.
19. Brown rice, $0.18 per ¼ cup serving, about $2 per pound
Listen to our manifesto: Choose brown rice over white (especially at Chipotle). The whole-grain version is full o’ fiber and may cut the risk of diabetes.
20. Popcorn, $0.30 per ½ cup serving, about $1 per pound for plain kernels
Snack attack? Pick a low-calorie snack that’s also a good source of fiber. Pop kernels in the kitchen and add spices. Movie theater popcorn ain't got nothin’ on this!
21. Quinoa, $0.60 per ¼ cup serving, about $4 per box
It may be hard to pronounce (that’s keen-wah), but it’s easy to prepare and packs a nutritious punch. Filled with protein and fiber, this superfood also contains nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t produce on their own.
Fruit
24. Bananas, $0.20 to $0.50 per banana, about $0.60 per pound or $2 per bunch
It’s time to go bananas for… bananas. Filled with fiber and potassium, these 100-calorie “snack packs” may even help with that hangover. Enjoy sliced with peanut butter, or impress friends with banana ice cream!
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25. Kiwi, about $0.50 per kiwi
Fun fact: Kiwis are actually berries and are filled with vitamin C and fiber. Slice it up in that next fruit salad or enjoy it straight up with a spoon.
26. Cantaloupe, $0.50 per ½ cup serving, about $3 per small melon
C is for cantaloupe and vitamin C.Filled with antioxidants, cantaloupe is cheap and makes a perfect spring or summer treat! Feeling creative? Freeze chunks of this sweet fruit for an extra-special warm weather snack.
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27. Watermelon, $0.30 per 1 cup serving, $5 per melon
This feisty superfood may have Viagra-like effects, but it’s also guaranteed to be filled with vitamin C — a cancer-fighting antioxidant that helps strengthen immunity and promote bone health. Slice 'em up and enjoy (or make a watermelon daiquiri).
28. Pears, $0.85 each, about $1.75 per pound (depending on variety)
It’s not just an apple a day that may keep the doc away; white fleshy pears may help prevent strokes. They’re also full o’ fiber. Keep things mixed up and try the Barlett, Bosc, and Anjou varieties.
29. Oranges, $0.96 each, about $1.25 per pound (in a family-sized pack)
Oranges aren’t just about their vitamin C. This citrus fruit is also filled with fiber, folate, and potassium. Skip the glass and go with the whole fruit to surpass the excess sugar and get a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Veggies
30. Garlic, about $0.51 per bulb
It doesn’t only put a stink on our breath. Garlic has some smarty-pants benefits, helping enhance memory. It’s also full of antioxidants to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Add to a pan of veggies or tomato sauce to spice up the flavor, or roast it in the oven for a sweeter flavor.
31. Canned pumpkin, $0.75 per ½ cup serving, about $2.50 per 15oz can
No need to go pickin’ to reap the benefits of the pumpkin patch. A pumpkin’s orange color is thanks to carotenoids, a plant pigment with powerful antioxidant properties. Head to the kitchen and whip up some pumpkin pasta sauce or even pumpkin hummus.
32. Canned tomatoes (Diced), $0.50 per ½ cup serving, about $1.80 per 14.8 oz can
To really get a bang for that buck, go the canned route. Canned tomatoes are perfect for homemade sauces and stews. Tomatoes also contain exceptional amounts of the antioxidant lycopene that remains in the flesh even after cooking and canning. Just keep on the lookout for cans with no sodium added.
33. Onions, $0.94 each, about $1.18 per pound
Quit crying — onions pack a surprisingly nutritious punch, including a hefty dose of antioxidants. Sautée and add to an omelet, or stack on a sandwich for extra flavor.
34. Sweet potatoes, $0.91 each, about $1.14 per pound
The white ones may be a danger food, but this time around, the sweet stuff is the way to go. It tips the scale with its high levels of vitamin A , contains beta-carotene (which may help prevent cancer and protect us from the sun), and also helps keep that skin silky smooth.
35. Winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc.), $0.80 per ½ cup serving, about $1.50 a pound
Squash isn’t only an awesome racquet sport. It’s also a versatile veggie filled with vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Skip the bowl and roast a squash and fill it with other hearty goodness!
36. Kale, $0.50 per cup (raw, chopped), about $2 per bunch
Popeye was missing out. Kale is the antioxidant king among all fruits and veggies. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium (phew!). Plus... kale chips.
37. Broccoli, $0.50 per ½ cup serving, $2 per bunch
Need another reason to go green? Broccoli has remarkably high levels of folate and vitamin C, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
38. Beets, $0.35 each, about $1 per pound
These purple gems are filled with betalains, which may help prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases. They are also packed with folate, fiber, and vitamins galore, making them one of the best health bargains around. Chop 'em, roast 'em, or add them to a berry smoothie!
39. Spinach, $0.50 per cup (raw), about $2 per bunch
These unassuming greens are unbeleafable. They’re nutrient-dense with vitamin A, K, and calcium. Try sautéing them with mushrooms or subbing them for iceberg lettuce in the next lunchtime salad.
40. Carrots, $0.50 each, about $2 per pound
Those rabbits are on to something. Carrots provide a nutritious crunch with their fill of vitamin A. They’re perfect for dipping into hummus or taste great roasted with other root veggies and a drizzle of olive oil.
41. Edamame, $0.50 per ½ cup serving, $3 per 10oz package (frozen)
This star legume is filled with fiber and protein and makes a great afternoon snack. Skip the chips and enjoy it with a touch of salt for a quick, nutritious treat.
Drinks
42. Coffee, $0.40 per 16 oz cup (brewed), about $10 per pound
Not only is it amazing for you, but brewing coffee at home can save some real dolla dolla bills. This morning pick-me-up also contains antioxidants to help protect the heart and is a great pre-workout fuel to help increase endurance. Not thirsty? This kitchen staple doubles as the key ingredient for a variety of other household chores, too!
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43. Tea, $0.10 per tea bag, about $5 a box (varies based on type)
The varying health benefits of tea are a-plenty, ranging from their antioxidant powers to helping you maintain a healthy weight. Skip the sugary stuff and try brewing iced tea at home, and opt for green if you are looking to maximize antioxidant intake.
44. Water, free. (Well, kind of.)
Head to the nearest faucet — our bodies depend on it. Water keeps us hydrated (shocking), flushes out toxins in the body, and helps when trying to lose a few pesky pounds.
