11 Low Cost Foods That Promote Good Health

We've all been in situations where money is tight. Unfortunately, our human bodies require food. And, to run well it requires good food, with high levels of nutrition. These foods will help save your budget, and your health.

1. Peanut or Almond Butter is loaded with good fats and lots of calories. It's also cheap, and more importantly delicious.

2. Whole Grains are grains that haven't been processed as heavily as refined grains. They're much more nutritious, have a good amount of protein, and pack more flavor.

3. Romaine Lettuce is often overlooked for other types. But, it's a leafy green vegetable, but contains more amino acids than iceberg.

4. Dried Beans are amazing. If you have ignored them in favor of canned, you may want to change your habits. They are more work to prepare than their canned comrades, but they are cheap, very cheap, and have a shelf life that can't be beat. Five pounds of dried beans will cost about around $20 USD, and contain a great amount of fiber, protein, and iron.

5. Rice and beans are an ancient combination [citation needed]. The beans are a great source of protein, and rice has the carbs. Don't forget the whole grains. White rice may be tasty, but brown and wild rice put it to shame with their nutritional benefits. But, truth be told they arent as fun to eat, so use lots of herbs, spices, and other aromatics when cooking.

6. Cabbage is available year round in many forms. The common cabbage has a lot of vitamin C, as well as Vitamin A and is a great source of calcium.

7. Potatoes rock. There are many varities to choose from, and in most places they can be purchased year round. They're a wonderful source of amino acids, fiber, and vitamin C. It just so happens that poratoes, along with beind one of the cheapest items on this list, are also the most delicious.

8. Edamame comes frozen, or fresh. Most prefer theirs frozen for convenience, as the fresh beans have a short shelf life, and cost a bit more. Edamame are baby soybeans, and are hands down the best source of protein and diverse amino acids you can find. They're also packed with protein and iron.

9. Nuts, specifically almonds, are a surprisingly good source of calcium and good fats. While not as cheap as other foods on the list, they're still affordable. $20 will get about 2 pounds of raw almonds wholesale. And only buy raw if you can find them.

10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil may not be the cheapest of the oils, but it's the most flavor filled and contains loads of healthy fats.

11. Switch to tea. There are many teas to choose from. No tea is bad for you, but drink different types. I prefer white, green, black, and some herbal teas (such as peppermint).

Most people don't think seasonal when they buy their fruits and vegetables. A diet needs diversity in order to be complete. Find out where your food comes from, and what is seasonal to that place. Most people in the US get their food from California. By shopping seasonally, you'll save a lot of money, and increase the diversity of foods consumed.

I'd also like to share the best piece of dietary advice I can give: cook it yourself. Even if you don't know how, or have the right equipment. Buying a cheap set of pots and pans, and following some tutorials on the internet may not seem glamorous, but it will help you learn to cook.

More importantly, you'll actually know what goes in to your food. If you're getting it from a can, or out of a box, try to make it yourself next time. You won't believe the money you'll save from doing this.