Reply to comment

If you are on both a budget and a diet, don’t fret. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the healthiest foods can be grown from home easily or, if you don’t’ have a garden, bought cheap from a farmers market.  Here are a few ideas for cheap and healthy ingredients to add to your shopping list:

1. Sweet potatoes @ $1.14 per pound. Sweet potatoes are extremely nutritious and can be added to many dishes to give them a sweet flavor. This type of potato contains a very high amount of fibre, phytonutrients, beta carotene and Vitamin E which is essential for healthy looking skin. Sweet potatoes have also been found to lower the risk of some types of cancer.  They can be eaten alone baked and salted or mashed as a tasty sweet side dish.

2. Swiss Chard @ $2.23 per bunch.  Maybe you have never tried it before, but you should. Everyone needs more leafy greens in their diet and Swiss chard is full of nutrients but doesn’t cost much.  Swiss chard is an excellent source of chlorophyll and may help prevent cancer. It also contains lutein which prevents muscle degeneration.  When bought fresh it can be sautéed with garlic and butter for a healthy side or added into pastas.

3. Beets @ $2.14 for four.  Don’t be scared away by their bright color. That same thing that gives beets their beet red color are disease fighting compounds called anthyocyanins.  Beets also contain vitamin C which is necessary for a healthy immune system and healthy eyes. 
 
Eat healthy and eat smart without breaking the bank. If possible, grow as much of your own food as possible. You will ensure that that food is fresh and pesticide free and the seeds are extremely cheap to buy. Even if you are in an apartment, you can still grow fresh herbs on your window sill or tomatoes and peppers in a small space if you have a balcony.