Eat Healthy and Lose Weight on a Budget – 10 Foods

Who isn’t trying to stretch a dollar these days? That doesn’t mean blowing your diet on Big Macs and macaroni and cheese. These 10 healthy foods will help you lose weight, get healthy, and stay on budget.

1. Apples – Apples are packed with fiber and anti-oxidants. Fresh apples are available all year round. Even 7-Eleven stocks apples, so no excuses when you’re on the go.

2. Natural Peanut Butter – No not the processed, sugary kind the real deal. Spread it on whole wheat bread, add it to smoothies, or use it as a dip for raw veggies.

3. Bananas – Loaded with potassium and fiber, bananas satisfy your sweet tooth too.

4. Carrots – Raw carrots are a true superfood with Vitamin A, anti-oxidants, and fiber. Carrots dipped in hummus make a great appetizer.

5. Whole-grain pasta – Tons more fiber and nutrients than the white kind made from overly processed flour, whole wheat pasta has a hearty, nutty flavor.

6. Broccoli – Did you know a serving of broccoli has more vitamin C than a glass of orange juice? Fiber, vitamin A, and anti-oxidants are other benefits of broccoli.

7. Grapes – Frozen grapes make a great snack or dessert. I’m sure you’ve heard the studies that found red wine beneficial for your heart. Skip the alcohol (and it’s calories) and eat red grapes instead.

8. Canned beans – Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans they’re all good. Rinsed and drained, they are a perfect to add heft to salads. Throw them in soups and stews for extra protein and fiber.

9. Almonds – Almonds are a cheap and satisfying healthy snack. They have vitamin E, protein, and healthy fat. Sliced almonds are great on salads, or add chopped almonds to soy yogurt.

10. Onions – Onions are an inexpensive way to add flavor and nutrients to many recipes. Studies have shown onions (like garlic) have myriad health benefits, including preventing some cancers.