Is Produce Expensive? Not Always!
By Donna Stark
Whether you are a college student living on your own, a parent raising a family, or a retired senior enjoying your time off, ensuring you are getting enough quality nutrition from fruits and vegetables may seem challenging if you are living on a tight budget. But it doesn't have to be, and with the helpful tips below on how to add more produce to your meals, you will see how easy it really is to give everyone what they need. Are you ready to go shopping and save some money? Add these to your list and let's go!
Inexpensive Fruits and Vegetables
Sure, some varieties of produce will be more expensive than others, but there are a few options that always stand on their own with quality nutrition and a great price. Try to incorporate the following items into your weekly meal planning to take advantage of all the benefits they offer.
- Greens - Boxes of fresh greens are inexpensive, readily available at most stores, and an easy way to add more fiber, iron, and vitamins to your diet. Toss a handful into your morning smoothies, top your sandwiches, and create delicious side dishes for your main meals with them.
- Avocados - Whether you spread it on your morning toast, blend it into a smoothie, or smash it with some tomatoes for homemade guacamole, you can never go wrong by picking up some avocados on your shopping trip. Avocados contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals and are considered one of the best heart-healthy fats you can consume!
- Bananas - Bananas are one of the easiest grab-and-go snacks there is while also being incredibly affordable! Bananas are loaded with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Peel and eat them as they are or bake them into yummy desserts. Everyone loves the flavor of bananas!
- Sweet potatoes - Sweet potatoes may become your favorite thing to eat once you see how inexpensive and versatile they are. You can roast, mash, steam, and bake these nutritious vegetables at every meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with them!
- Berries - Take advantage of the times when the packages of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are on sale by freezing them when you get home. Berries are a nutrient powerhouse. They are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. There is also nothing sweeter to snack on than a handful of your favorite type, so stock up and enjoy!
More Produce for a Healthier Diet
Adding more produce to your diet doesn't mean you need to take out a second mortgage on your home. There are plenty of inexpensive options you can choose to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. You just need to look for them!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.