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
