Is healthy eating expensive? Eating healthy can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with a few simple tricks, healthy eating can become both affordable and delicious.
This blog post is about how healthy eating isn’t as expensive as you might think and provides you with five cheap, healthy meals that you will love. From easy and budget-friendly meal ideas to recipes that are packed full of nutrition, this blog has everything you need to get started on your healthy eating journey!
Read also: Healthy Eating is Expensive
Is Healthy Eating Expensive
Is eating healthy really more expensive? If you asked this question a few years ago, the answer would have been an unequivocal no. Today, however, healthy eating can actually be more expensive than unhealthy eating.
The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a cost analysis of 27 studies in 2013 and discovered that healthy eating costs $1.50 more per day on average. The research, on the other hand, looked at the cost per calorie. Brownies, for example, cost less than carrots by 200 calories per brownie.
Why is healthy eating expensive? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of healthy food varies depending on location and specific ingredients. However, some high-quality healthy foods can be expensive if they are not frequently available in grocery stores. For example, fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables can cost a bit more than processed foods.
In addition, healthy meat options may be pricier than those that are high in artery-clogging saturated fat. However, there are many ways to get the same nutrients without spending a lot of money on groceries.
The 5 Cheap, Healthy Meals You’ll Love
It can be tough to stick to a healthy diet on a tight budget, but that doesn’t have to be the case. These five cheap, healthy meals will cost you less than $5 per person, so you can indulge in your favorite foods without breaking the bank.
All of them are packed with healthy ingredients and require no special preparations or cooking skills. Plus, they all taste great, so you won’t even miss the sugar or unhealthy additives.
Here are five cheap, healthy meals you will love:
- Homemade Veggie Burgers: This vegan burger recipe is simple to make and can be tailored to your own dietary restrictions or preferred taste preferences. You will only need three ingredients (flour, salt, and vegetable oil) to create the perfect patty. This meal can be prepped in advance and has a whopping 20 grams of protein.
- Quinoa Burritos: These quinoa burritos are so good you will never miss the meat! They are made with black beans, corn, quinoa, salsa verde (a healthy green sauce), and cheese for extra flavor. You will only need 10 minutes of cooking time for these delicious tacos- meaning they can be on the table in no time at all.
- Spicy Veggie Bowls: This healthy bowl recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients such as roasted cauliflower, red bell peppers, and onions. It is flavored with cumin and chili powder for a warming kick. The dish can be enjoyed cold or hot, making it perfect for any time of day.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Butternut squash soup is a seasonal favorite that will warm you up on chilly days. This flavorful soup is made using just six simple ingredients- including butternut squash, vegetable broth, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper- which means it can be made in minutes.
- Spinach and Feta Wraps: These healthy wraps are a perfect afternoon snack or meal option. They are filled with flavorful spinach and cheese, making them satisfying and savory. They can be easily prepared by wrapping up spinach leaves with whole-wheat tortillas, then topping them with your favorite toppings (such as avocado or crumbled feta).
- Spicy Curry Lentils: This healthy curry lentil dish is a delicious and nutritious way to warm up on a cold day. It is made with lentils, fresh ginger, turmeric, and garlic- all of which give it a wonderfully spiced flavor. The dish can be served as a side or the main course- depending on how hungry you are!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Healthy
There are many health benefits to eating healthy. Eating a healthy diet can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. It can also improve your brain function and decrease your risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis.
However, eating a healthy diet is not always expensive. In fact, you may actually save money by eating healthier food options than convenience foods that are high in calories and sugar.
Healthy eating options can include foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein sources. Some of the best healthy food choices are often popular with both health buffs and cheap eaters alike.
For example, roasted butternut squash is a delicious healthy option that can be made quickly using just six simple ingredients. Similarly, spinach and feta wraps are filling snacks or meals that are easy to prepare at home.
In addition to being nutritious, these food options also tend to be cost-effective in terms of calories and nutrients per dollar spent.
How To Shop For Healthy Foods And Avoid Unhealthy Ones
The cost of healthy eating can vary depending on your location and how you choose to shop for food. However, many healthy foods are affordable when purchased in bulk or prepared from scratch.
Additionally, there are a number of ways to avoid unhealthy foods without spending too much money. Here are six tips for shopping for healthy food:
Look For Local Produce And Grocery Items Near You
Local produce is typically cheaper than store-bought items and often has more flavor due to being picked fresh. If you have the time, try growing some of your own vegetables!
Grocery stores located near athletic fields or other active areas are also a good source of healthy food options.
Buy In Bulk And Preparing Healthy Foods Yourself
Buying healthy foods in bulk can be cost-effective, especially if you have the space to store them. Making your own healthy meals from scratch is another cost-effective option that allows you to control the ingredients and proportions of calories and nutrients.
Check The Nutrition Facts Label Before Buying snacks or sugary beverages
Many junk foods contain unhealthy additives such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats that can pack a calorie and sugar punch. It’s important to read the nutrition facts label before buying unhealthy snacks or sugary beverages.
Avoid Processed Foods And Snacks High In Sugar And Carbohydrates
Many processed foods are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain over time. Instead, try snacking on healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread/bagels, or low-fat yogurt/granola bars.
Be Mindful Of The Number Of Unhealthy calories You Consume Daily
Unhealthy calories come from not just junk food, but also from unhealthy fats and calories in foods like full-fat dairy, sweets/desserts, and salty snacks. The best way to track your calorie intake is by using a healthy diet tracking app or food journal.
Talk To A Dietitian Or nutritionist About Healthy Eating Options
If you want to explore more specific dietary options or find ways to reduce unhealthy calories, even more, talk to a dietitian or nutritionist about healthy eating options that fit your individual needs and goals.
Tips On How To Enjoy Your Healthy Eating Experience
It can be tempting to go for unhealthy food when you’re on a budget, but that’s not necessary. In fact, there are many healthy, cheap meals you can enjoy.
One of the best ways to get started is by cooking your own meals from scratch. These can be simple and healthy, or you can experiment with some of the easy and affordable recipes available online.
If you don’t have time to cook a full meal, consider one of the quick and easy healthy meal delivery services available in your area.
These services make it easy to get healthy food without spending a fortune. So, whether you’re on a budget or just looking for a more affordable way to eat healthily, these tips will help you get started.
Conclusion
So, you’re thinking about eating healthy but you’re not sure if it’s really worth it? Fear not! By following these five healthy meals that are both cheap and delicious, you’ll be on your way to a healthy eating habit that won’t break the bank.
Not to mention, the health benefits of eating healthy are endless. So what are you waiting for? Dig in!
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