Save Money on Healthy Foods

When you're trying to eat on the cheap, it's extremely tempting to swing by a fast food restaurant and buy items off their value menu instead of buying your own groceries and making a healthy meal. Be assured, though, that any money you save on food now, you may spend a couple times over on doctors' bills later down the line. I think we all know there are a lot of benefits to eating healthy, so I will not bore you with details. Instead, I want to help send you down the right track by listing a couple of inexpensive healthy foods that should always be on your grocery list. Replace a couple of the unhealthy processed foods you currently buy with some of the foods below and you will be able to stock up on the right kind of groceries without breaking your budget.

Bananas: Not only are bananas inexpensive, but they're in season all year round. Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber and vitamin B6. They can help you regulate your blood pressure, ease menstrual cramps, and give you the energy your body needs to keep you going. Buy them in bulk when they are on sale and freeze what you can't eat to make low-fat banana bread or a breakfast smoothie. Here's a great banana bread recipe from one of our very own CoolSavings Community members!

Beans: This delicious, healthy and inexpensive food will give you more bang for your buck than almost anything else you can buy. It doesn't matter what kind of beans you get—well, not refried of course—they are chock full of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Beans can help you lower your cholesterol, regulate your digestive tract and provide an extra boost of energy for your brain and muscles. Use beans in a variety of healthy dishes such as soups, chili, salads or on their own as a tasty side dish.

Eggs: The "incredible edible egg" is a great inexpensive source of protein. Eggs are also rich in choline, a nutrient that is critical to brain function. They are also a delicious nutrient dense low-calorie food that should be a part of everyone's diet. Do not limit using eggs only for breakfast, they can also be incorporated to a variety of lunch and dinner recipes such as sandwiches, salads and pasta.

Peanut Butter: Peanut butter, and nuts in general, are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fat. When eaten in moderation, it can actually help you lower your cholesterol. Try spreading peanut butter on a whole grain bagel or some bread for an affordable breakfast or lunch. Peanut butter also works great with apples, celery, crackers and bananas for a healthy snack even the kids will enjoy.

Carrots: Incorporating carrots into your diet can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer as well as promote good vision. Carrots make a great snack, but you can also try shredding them and adding them to a salad or sandwich for extra crunch and a boost of beta carotene, fiber, anti-oxidants and vitamins. They also make a great side dish and work well with a wide variety of yummy recipes.

Whole Grain Bread: You probably already buy bread every week, so just make the switch to whole grain bread. It may cost a bit more, but it will also keep you satisfied much longer. Whole grains haven't had their bran and germ removed by milling, which makes them better sources of fiber. Try to choose a bread that is enriched with other vitamins and minerals to get the most bang for your buck.

Canned Tuna: Fish is good for your heart and brain, but it can easily rack up your grocery bill. Cans of chunk light tuna are less expensive than albacore and deliver just as much omega-3 with less potentially harmful mercury. Canned chunk light tuna works well in sandwiches, pastas and is delicious tossed on top of a salad.

Oatmeal: Old-fashioned, slow cooking oats are a far better choice then instant oatmeal and usually a lot cheaper too. Instant oatmeal is still a healthy choice if you are not fond of the taste of old-fashioned oats. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating oatmeal on a regular basis can help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and help shrink your waistline. Mix in some fruits, cinnamon or even peanut butter for a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

Hopefully adding some of these inexpensive, nutritious items to your grocery list with help you eat healthy while helping you keep your grocery bill down. Visit CoolSavings for other grocery savings such as money saving tips and printable grocery coupons.

Do you have any other tips for saving money on healthy foods or any easy recipes that incorporate the foods listed above? Share with us!