I’ve often walked through the grocery store at the wish of my nutrition coach wondering why those raved about blueberries are so expensive. Who could imagine that those tiny, little, nutritionally sound superfruits could be so expensive? It’s partly because of the short season they are ripe in. These fruits decay much faster than the other produce you’ll find walking through your typical grocery store. Wonder why dragon fruits cost so much? The reality of the situation falls on the fact that people will pay more money for them. They’re an exotic fruit that’s new to the market and trending. Sometimes prices have nothing to do with the actual value of the fruit. It’s possible to still get the nutrition you need without the outrageous price. These inexpensive health foods might help the situation.
1. Kiwis
Not everyone loves bananas. The benefits of potassium are well proven. It is a an electrolyte that helps nerves function and muscles to contract. Bananas happen to be cheap and one of the highest sources of it. I know a lot of people who can’t stand that mushy texture. The electrolyte can also be found in high concentrations in avocados, red beets and aprocates. While none of these foods are outrageously expensive, it is still cheaper to buy kiwis. They are almost as rich in the substance. Kiwis are one of the most affordable tropical fruits on the market. Walmart sells 2 lbs of these sweet, little fruits for only $4. It even beats the price of cantaloupe.
2. Not Into Fruit? Try Beans
This food is famous for being one of the cheapest foods in the grocery store. Many do not realize how effective these little buggers are at promoting weight loss. Fiber is a carbohydrate that has little caloric value due to its hard to digest nature. The beans happen to be very filling. This allows people to go farther between meals. Plus, the only item that even comes close to being cheaper in the grocery store is ramen which has been shown to have no substance besides easy to digest carbohydrates. Beans lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in some people. For the poor vegan, adding rice makes this a complete protein.
3. Okay, Let’s Look At One More Fruit! Pineapple!
That beautiful, sweet, tart, citrus taste always means a nutritionally sound fruit with lots of antioxidants. Vitamin C can obviously be found in any sort of orange or its many cousins. Perhaps you’re getting tired of the old, tried and true source? Buying a pineapple can be a great way to mix it up. There is as much as 700% of the vitamin C you’ll need throughout the day in a single pineapple. Eating a whole pineapple can also be a meal replacement. It carries around 500 calories, 5 grams of protein and 13g of dietary fiber. Typically, a whole pineapple typically costs around $3.
4. Of Course, Carrots!
Carrots are one of the cheapest vegetables you can find. You can buy a whole bag of baby carrots for just about $1 in most grocery stores. Many love the taste because they are crisp and sweet. A lot of fruits tend to be a good source of vitamin C; but, there’s another antioxidant that’s often forgotten. Vitamin A carries different benefits than C. Yes it’s true, vitamin A is great for eye health! Some can’t stop munching far after they’ve reached their daily calorie limit. A medium sized carrot only carries around 25 calories. These calories are often lost in digestion because it takes more than one calorie of energy to counterbalance the vegetable. The 2 grams in a medium carrot can add up if you really start noshing on them. This leaves a full sensation that can help you lose weight.
5. Life Couldn’t Be Complete Without One Meat! Tilapia!
Tilapia is the cheapest fish fillet on the market. This fish is more nutritionally sound than people often think. You can get 26% of your needed Cobalamin for the day. This mineral helps the body burn fat. It’s often found in eggs, which are a worse alternative because they are higher in fat. One fillet also gives you 23 grams of protein! That’s more than half you’ll need that day.
Health Doesn’t Have To Depend On Budget
As long as you can get to a grocery store, or have your vegetables brought to your door, you can eat a healthy diet that’s rich in all the nutrients you need. This doesn’t depend on price if you know how to shop. Be sure to get the most out of your budget by considering all the cheaper alternatives that are just as nutritionally sound as their more expensive counterparts.
