Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices you have freezer room, the largest frozen bags Afforvable to offer the best value. Appreciate less expensive foods. Some find it best to cook for the entire week on weekends, while others like to cook one meal at a time.

Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices -

Additionally, onions provide small amounts of several nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium A small portion of onions can go a long way, and their versatility and flavor make them a great addition to any dish. Bagged spinach is quite healthy and almost always reasonably priced.

Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer 5. Also, spinach provides immune-boosting vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and manganese 12 , A study found that consumption of spinach lowered the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Like other leafy, green vegetables, spinach also contains beneficial plant compounds.

They have the ability to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage, which helps prevent chronic diseases Incorporating spinach into your diet is simple. You can add it to salads, casseroles and soups. It can also be blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost. Russet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients and typically available for a reasonable price.

Potatoes provide significant amounts of vitamins C, B6, and other nutrients. They also contain fiber , which supports digestion and appetite control 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 , Additionally, potato skins are rich in minerals, especially potassium. In fact, a medium-sized russet potato contains nearly twice the amount of potassium found in a banana 16 , There are several ways to add potatoes to your diet.

They taste great baked or boiled and make a fantastic side dish. Sweet potatoes are extremely healthy and one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy. They are particularly high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

Sweet potatoes also contain a decent amount of B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Studies show they may have anti-inflammatory effects, which help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes 21 , 23 , 24, You can pair sweet potatoes with just about any dish, and they are quite easy to prepare by steaming, baking or roasting.

Tomatoes are the most frequently consumed canned vegetable in the American diet. What really makes tomatoes shine is their vitamin C content. They also provide some B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K and many trace minerals 27 , Many of their health benefits are attributed to their lycopene content.

Lycopene is an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage and lower the risk of disease Canned tomatoes are a handy staple to have in your kitchen. They can easily be added to soups, casseroles and stews. If your budget is tight, carrots are a cheap and nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your diet.

Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which is responsible for their impressive vitamin A content. Furthermore, carrots contain a significant amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese Due to their high antioxidant content, eating carrots regularly may help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of stomach cancer 35 , You can reap the health benefits of carrots by enjoying them raw or cooked.

They make an excellent addition to salads and cooked dishes. High amounts of vitamin C are found in green cabbage, in addition to some B vitamins and trace minerals Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are unique because of their glucosinolate content.

Glucosinolates are antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to protect against certain types of cancer 38 , Some studies have also found that cabbage consumption may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes 40 , A versatile vegetable, cabbage is easy to add to your diet.

Compared to other winter squash varieties, butternut squash provides a higher amount of nutrients. There are several different ways to enjoy butternut squash. Brown rice is a fantastic, cheap food that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals.

It consists mostly of carbs , with 3. The health benefits of brown rice include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as promoting weight control 43 , 47 , 48 , Including brown rice in your diet is simple.

It is quite easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with just about any meal. It contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium Fiber promotes fullness and may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , The combination of fiber, vitamins and minerals in oatmeal may have the potential to reduce the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity 50 , 56 , 57 , In general, oats are enjoyed as a breakfast food.

You can combine them with fruit, milk, yogurt and several other ingredients for a healthy and delicious meal. Canned beans are budget friendly, in addition to being very nutritious. Beans contain a significant amount of fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium and potassium Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein.

There are Protein is beneficial for weight maintenance and muscle strength 60 , Consuming beans and other legumes is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is likely due to their ability to lower cholesterol and promote blood sugar control 62 , 63 , Beans can be incorporated into just about any dish.

They are commonly added to soups, salads and burritos. They also contain an impressive amount of protein and fiber, which is why they are so filling and helpful for weight control This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer Research also suggests that eating lentils is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important for preventing heart disease The use of lentils is similar to that of beans, and there are several ways that they can be incorporated into the diet, such as in salads and soups.

Edamame is a healthy food with a fairly low price. Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body 70 , 71 , Most often, edamame is prepared as a steamed side dish.

You can increase its flavor by adding seasonings of your choice. Quinoa is a complete source of protein , which means it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs. This sets it apart from other grains, which need to be paired with other foods to be considered complete protein sources.

Also, quinoa contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, manganese, zinc and several other trace minerals, all of which protect your cells from damage that often leads to disease The health-promoting properties of quinoa have been shown to promote brain health and may help prevent the development of heart disease 74 , Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice.

With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Additionally, bananas provide a decent amount of fiber, which may benefit digestive health, promote weight loss and protect against diabetes 20 , From the supermarket to the kitchen, here are some strategies to get the biggest nutrition bang for your buck.

It also means preventing impulse purchases that are caused by enticing food advertising or shopping on an empty stomach that makes everything look delicious! Food waste is another money drain when food spoils before it is prepared or eaten and is thrown out. Consider the following tips before heading to the market:.

A combination of fresh and processed foods can make up a healthful shopping list. For example, thanks to processing methods like freezing and canning, we can fill our freezers and stock our pantries with healthy staples like frozen fruits and vegetables, tinned fish, and canned beans.

That said, when choosing canned or frozen foods, select options that do not include extra sodium, sugar, or other additives. Here are some foods that are economical year-round and offer a wide range of nutrients including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals:.

Here are a few ideas:. Looking for more recipes? Explore our full bank of recipes for cooking at home, or check out these delicious chef-designed dishes from The Culinary Institute of America.

Most of these recipes align with HKHL Recipe Nutrition Goals The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice.

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Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? In the U. Additionally, there is a wide network of food pantries nationwide that provide access to some foods and beverages.

Produce Leafy greens kale , collards Whole heads lettuce or cabbage Broccoli Radishes Fresh carrots Fresh apples Fresh bananas Any fresh produce on sale Frozen unsweetened fruit Frozen or canned vegetables without added salt.

Whole grains and pastas Generic store-brand high-fiber cereals plain shredded wheat, bran Whole rolled oats Whole grains, dried brown rice , millet, barley, bulgur Whole grain pasta. Snacks Peanuts Dried popcorn kernels to cook in an air-popper String cheese. Low-sodium seasonings Sodium-free herbs cumin, curry, thyme, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and herb blends Canned reduced-sodium tomato paste Vinegars Olive oil and other liquid vegetable oils.

Veggie burgers Drain one can black beans and place into a large bowl. Mash the beans with a fork and add in 1 medium cooked sweet potato, ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 small diced carrot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients together with a spoon or your hands.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes and shape into patties.

Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices good news Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices, there are many ways you can save money Affordable catering services still eat whole foods. Nutrltious 1 day each week and on Nutditious day, plan your Fod for the upcoming week. Then, make a grocery list of everything you need to prepare those meals. Make sure to also scan your fridge and cabinets to see what you already have. You may have foods hidden in the back that can be used, or you may want to plan your meals around foods you need to use before they expire. This summary of the literature on Access to Foods Affordabpe Support Afforxable Dietary Patterns Cyoices a social determinant of health is a Freebie sample offers defined examination that Nutritioux Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices intended to be exhaustive and Cohices not address all dimensions of the issue. Please note: The terminology used in each summary is consistent with the respective references. For additional information on cross-cutting topics, please see the Food Insecurity literature summary. Here's a snapshot of the objectives related to topics covered in this literature summary. Browse all objectives. Here's a snapshot of the evidence-based resources related to topics covered in this literature summary.