Did you know that 33% of the people who pledge to a New Year’s resolution want to lose weight? Down one percent at 32% are people who just want to eat more healthily. It’s not uncommon, even aside from the bustle of January 1st commitments. Through personal experience, I have noticed that eating better is easy as pie (for lack of a better phrase), but shifts into a tailspin after the inaugural week. This can be for many reasons, but mostly from a lack of funds. Eating clean can be an outrageously expensive habit.
I know this may sound obvious, but until we take a look at our bank statements, we may not be aware that we’re doing it: dining out is a silent wallet-killer and an easy habit to pick up. Planning to cook at home can cut many of your eating problems in half! Cooking at home is a cheaper, healthier option that can keep you fuller longer and your wallet happier.
I’ve often walked through the grocery store on a healthy food mission. Have you ever tried those organic vegetable straws that are intended to replace potato chips? I have, and one bag is about the cost of two bags of potato chips. This is the paradox I’m speaking about: healthier food is at our disposal, but at what cost? Luckily, I have scoured the depths of the internet to find foods that hurt less at the checkout.
Eggs
While incredibly delicious, eggs are among the most nutritious. It is commonly known that eggs contain a lot of cholesterol, but studies show that they don’t unfavorably affect your blood cholesterol. In fact, eggs help raise your High Density Lipoprotein, or HDL, or “good cholesterol.”
Don’t know what to make with eggs?
Sweet Potato “Toast” with Poached Eggs
Almonds
Sometimes we need a kick of protein to send us along our day. Almonds are extra-filling and fibrous! These nuts also help reduce the risk of diabetes and aid in weight loss. Your New Year’s resolution can be kicked into gear with this inexpensive add-on!
What can you create with almonds?
Chicken
Burger King sells chicken nuggets at 10 for $1.49. I deeply recognize how difficult this is, especially if you hardly have free time to cook. Meal planning is a helpful solution to this problem, and chicken makes it possible. Chicken is a healthy, lean, cheap protein that can boost your immunity, relieve stress, and keep your bones strong.
Need chicken-spiration?
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
Lemon-Dill Chicken Meatball Soup
Beans
In my opinion, beans have a negative connotation. When I think of beans, I think of cheap restaurants and the refried beans I always forbid from my order. Beans are shockingly inexpensive and pack a ton of fiber, calcium, potassium, and more! There are a ton of different kinds of beans, so they can be made into almost anything.
What can you make with beans?
Spicy Sausage and White Bean Soup
Carrots
More often than not, I keep a bag of baby carrots in my work fridge in case of a mid-afternoon snack emergency. Either that, or I cut up raw carrots in the morning and eat them throughout the day. You haven’t lived until you have had raw carrots with light ranch or hummus! Carrots have a healthy amount of Vitamin A and antioxidants. Buying a big pack at the grocery store can last you for weeks!
Healthy Carrot Recipes
If you’re looking for more cheap foods so you can diet on a budget, click here; your New Year’s resolution will thank you.
-Madeline Kelly, Digital Communications Coordinator
