Many people on tight budgets forego healthy food because they think it is expensive. While some organic choices and produce can cost more than some processed foods, the truth is that there are many good ways to eat healthy but cheaply.
Substitutes
Instead of buying inexpensive white bread (it is cheaper than whole grain) learn how to make your own wheat bread. A bread maker can be picked up at Target or even a thrift store. Just add the ingredients and let the machine do the work.
Hot dogs are cheap, but they are loaded with nitrates, preservatives, fats and other not so great things. If you need a cheap and quick substitute for the kids, make your own chicken nuggets by cutting up chicken breasts that are on sale and then breading and baking them. They freeze well.
Ramen noodles are often seen as the poster cheap food. But the sodium, MSG and lack of any nutrition can wreck havoc on your health. Noodles are cheap, so pair them with your own cut up vegetables and chicken stock for a healthier version. See more information about soup below.
Cheap Food
Brown rice is a very inexpensive food. It is filling and has a lot of fiber. You can buy brown rice in bulk, and cook and freeze a large amount of it for pennies. It is fast and easy to make.
Sweet potatoes pack a lot of nutrition in them, and yet they are pretty inexpensive. They too have a lot of good fiber.
Homemade broth soup is so cheap! The least expensive (and the tastiest) way to make it is by having your own stock. But a good chicken stock can be substituted for a little more money. Add carrots, cooked chicken and egg noodles. I can make a whole vat of this from scratch that would provide three meals for my family, and the whole thing costs me under $5.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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