When it comes to feeling (and looking) your best, making small changes and smart choices everyday is the key to wellness! But isn’t it expensive to eat healthy? I used to think so. However, I’ve recently seen the light and realized that eating healthy can also be cost effective!
When I’m running low on time and energy (and seriously, who isn’t in today’s fast-paced world), it’s easier to give into junk food temptations than to make smart nutritional choices. Pass me the potato chips, it’s been a rough day.
Unless the meal I’m trying to prepare is simple and efficient, I know I probably won’t make the effort. That’s why I’ve compiled a cheat sheet for you to consult while grocery shopping. Below you’ll find a helpful infographic that includes all the budget-friendly superfoods your body craves, and meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Enjoy!
Mom Was Right! Eat Your Breakfast
Some among us (myself included) aren’t morning people. Our early hours often consist of running around, frantically throwing on clothes in an attempt to get out the door.
Skipping breakfast might save you time, but it also leads to low blood sugar later. This can encourage you to overeat and binge on junk food. Bad stuff.
Want a light option? Try starting your day with greek yogurt! Add blueberries, chia seeds, and a small splash of organic maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener.
The greek yogurt provides a ton of protein and contains probiotics that help keep your digestive tract in check. The blueberries are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants for cancer-fighting benefits. Last but not least, a spoonful of chia seeds has more calcium in a tablespoon than a glass of milk! All of the aforementioned groceries are inexpensive and/or last a long time.
If you’re not into yogurt or chia seeds, try slivered almonds. Pair your refreshing breakfast with a cup of tea to prevent free-radicals from wreaking havoc, and you’re off to a wonderful start.
You don’t just have to eat yogurt either! In fact, many ladies (and gents) swear by yogurt as a beauty treatment. Seriously, slather some on your face or hair for a mask or a deep-conditioning solution. Click here and here for some recipes.
Healthy Lunch For Home or Office
One of my go-to mid-day meals is avocado toast! I’m sure you’ve seen it. It’s all over Pinterest, and there’s a reason why. It’s delicious!
During lunch, I toast a piece of whole-wheat bread (you can also do gluten-free if you have allergies), smear on some coconut oil (or butter), and chop up half an avocado.
You can cut the avocado into slices or spread it. I pair my avocado toast with the chilled quinoa or a bowl of lentil soup and have a filling, cheap, superfood lunch. The quinoa contains tons of magnesium and can ward off headaches, and the avocado is great for your hair, skin, and nails.
What’s For Dinner?
For dinner, try pairing a lean meat or fish with vegetables. Salmon is one of your best options! It contains Omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and Vitamins A, B, D, and E! If you can, opt for sustainable varieties.
Try pairing this with broccoli or asparagus. Broccoli contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, fiber and is high in Beta-carotene. Asparagus is a rich source of glutathione, a detoxifier that helps break down carcinogens and free radicals. Plus, it’s also loaded with essential vitamins.
As a bonus, we’ve included an infographic that will make shopping for healthy food extremely easy. Just save the image below and have it with you whenever you are at the store and find yourself in the cookie aisle:
What are your go-to healthy meals? Leave your recipes in the comments below!
