Cheap Healthy food ideas?

dana82 · 22-Dec-04, 04:26 PM

Everything I like to eat that is healthy is so expensive! Does anyone have any ideas?

abarlament · 22-Dec-04, 04:41 PM

It doesn't have to be expensive.

Carbs
Oats
Beans
Rice

Protein
Cottage Cheese
Powder
Eggs
Tuna
Beef/Chicken

Fats
PB
Cod Liver oil

Then whatever spices/flavorings you like.

sooner_ed · 22-Dec-04, 06:04 PM

Tell us some of the things you buy that are expensive and maybe there are some alternatives you haven't thought of.

Cort · 22-Dec-04, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abarlament

It doesn't have to be expensive.

Carbs
Oats
Beans
Rice

Protein
Cottage Cheese
Powder
Eggs
Tuna
Beef/Chicken

Fats
PB
Cod Liver oil

Then whatever spices/flavorings you like.

Ditto. Meat will really be the most expensive thing, and even then its not that bad. Veggies are always cheap...etc. A lot of it becomes expensive when/if you start buying the readily prepared items, rather than preparing it yourself.

dana82 · 23-Dec-04, 10:20 AM

Okay this is what I like to eat:

Carbs:
Helathy cereals
Lots of fruit; strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapples, plums, bananas
Stoney field organic yogurt
whole wheat or bran bread
lentils
lettuce
corn
redwine vinegar
balsalmic vinegar

Proteins:
Chicken cutlet
eggwhites
turkey cutlet

Fat:
olive oil
PB

sooner_ed · 23-Dec-04, 10:29 AM

Fruits can be expensive depending on if they're in season. I eat a lot of fruit as well. The fruit I eat is either in season so it is cheaper or I catch it on sale. Right now, grapefruit is in season so I'm eating more grapefuit. I catch apples on sale for as little as 50 cents a pound. Anything with organic in the name tends to be expensive and I see you enjoy organic yogurt. Healthy cereals can get quite expensive if you eat a lot. That's why I stick with mostly oatmeal. It's cheaper.
But you're right, sometimes it appears that eating healthy can be expensive but we need to keep in mind that what is expensive for one person may not be for another. I would just suggest becoming a good shopper and catch sales and learn to eat certain things in season when it is cheaper.

**Lady C** · 23-Dec-04, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana82

Okay this is what I like to eat:

Carbs:
Helathy cereals - make your own granola - I have a recipe that makes two BIG bags of it
Lots of fruit; strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapples, plums, bananas - Buy it out of season frozen, makes great shakes.
Stoney field organic yogurt - 1 quart tub per week is not bad
whole wheat or bran bread
lentils
lettuce
corn
redwine vinegar
balsalmic vinegar

All of the other stuff is real cheap

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana82

Proteins:
Chicken cutlet
eggwhites - Buy the whole egg it is cheaper. I eat the whole thing anymore because my cholesteral is real low it is not an issue.
turkey cutlet

Buy the chicken and turkey in bulk and freeze it in single serving bags. We shop ony a couple times a month for meat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dana82

Fat:
olive oil
PB

Buy in bulk where you can. Still not expensive per se

I have added some comments in red above

Compare all of that to eating out or at fast food places. You will find a homemade sandwich is much cheaper than even a Subway. Also you know exactly what is in it too.

dana82 · 23-Dec-04, 12:39 PM

Thanks guys! I never thought about the yogurt in quart size. I guess I could get the meat at bj's.

Also is it bad to have olive oil and cheese on the same day?

**Lady C** · 23-Dec-04, 12:46 PM

It doesn't matter what you eat when. What matters is the overall intake.

Cheese mixed with a grain is actually a complete protein (ex: homemade mac and cheese). Just be careful with cheese sauses they are heavily laden with bad fats.

furball · 01-Jan-05, 06:36 PM

You can make your own healthy snacks rather than buy then redi-made...I always make french toast with egg whites when dieting....it is pretty darn good and quite healthy if you use the right type of bread (whole wheat)...

Dana · 07-Jan-05, 02:17 AM

I don't know where you buy your groceries, but I used to get mine at Giant Eagle and everything was so expensive! Now I go to the local food co-op and the prices are so much cheaper. If you don't already go to one, try to find one in your area. They usually give you extra discounts if you volunteer too. Sometimes you can find coupons for specific products online and you can print them and take them to most food stores. I get some at www.mambosprouts.com. All in all though, if you are going to spend your money on anything, there isn't really anything more important than your own health and nutrition because if you don't have your health, you will soon have nothing. Food is the medicine of life.

furball · 13-Jan-05, 07:12 PM

I hate Giant Eagle....they are way expensive...I actually get most of the groceries from a Super Wal-Mart and buy a ton in bulk from Sam's club...If you are in Pittsburgh have you ever heard of Pechin's...its in between Connelsville and Uniontown, and you won't believe their prices...I think the first time we went a full shopping cart came to $80....It is amazing just a little dumpy...