Stay focused, get creative, and trust that you CAN save money and eat healthy. First of all, I want to clarify that this grocery budget was for two people, and it was several years ago.

Saving money and eating healthy is not a competition. Just do your best with what you have. They made all the difference, and they will help you save the most money possible in this season. Eating on this tight a budget was hard, but sometimes life is hard and we can do hard things.

We worked hard, got out of that season, and were eventually able to increase our grocery budget. We still keep it pretty tight for how well we eat and how many meals we eat at home nearly all of them. But during those really tight years, we approached our budget like a challenge, not like a burden.

Attitude makes all the difference. This was not the season to eat what we were craving. This was not the season for steak or even hamburgers. Rather, we made a list a frugal recipes we could afford to eat regularly, and we stuck to those. So I tried a lot of things, substituted a lot of ingredients, and made decent food.

It worked for us. I had grown up on a homestead where we raised our own chickens, goats, and grew a huge organic garden every year.

Real food was important to me because I knew how much better we felt when we ate well. But mostly, we ate oatmeal. I learned how to flavor it in all kinds of ways here.

Toasted oatmeal is really good too! Read more about how to buy fruits and vegetables on a budget here. We focused a lot on meatless or mostly meatless meals.

Read more about how we made meatless meals our family loved here. I would buy a whole chicken, cook it in the slow cooker, then take all the meat off and use that in several meals fried rice, parmesan pasta, salad, etc. Ground meat, like beef, turkey, and chicken, is great for making a quick and easy meal.

You can make soups, casseroles, hamburger patties, and tacos with ground meat. Ground meat isn't the most inexpensive meat, especially depending on how lean you want it, but it's a good thing to buy in a bulk package and freeze for later.

And because it's so versatile, you can almost always replace one ground meat with what's on sale — like ground beef for ground turkey. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh veggies, and they last much longer. And because you can buy a bag of mixed vegetables, there are so many ways to add veggies to your meal.

You can add frozen spinach to quiche, mixed vegetables to fried rice, and corn to tortilla soup. Or you can heat up your favorite veggies and eat them as a side dish. Use limited data to select advertising.

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Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Kitchen Tips How To Buying. By Bailey Fink. Bailey Fink.

Bailey Fink is a devout home cook and assistant editor at Allrecipes. She has written over stories covering everything from cooking methods and storage techniques to grocery shopping on a budget, how-to guides, product reviews, and important food-related news.

Allrecipes' editorial guidelines. Was this page helpful? Frozen fruits and veggies are cost-effective and can be just as good as fresh, since they are picked at their peak to be frozen; they still contain all the good nutrients. Having frozen produce on hand in your freezer is also important because it means you can add fruits and veggies to every meal.

Dried beans are cheap and a great way to feed large groups of people and have plenty of leftovers. They can be cooked in a slow cooker and any extras can be frozen and then defrosted for a quick future meal. While dried beans are cheaper than canned beans, canned beans are also very budget-friendly, especially when compared to meat proteins.

And of course they are always great when you add spices and enjoy them as protein-rich side dish. Purchasing preserved tomatoes can save you time and money and lets you add bursts of flavor to a dish at any time.

You can get crushed, whole, diced, and paste in cans, tubes, and boxes. If tomatoes are not in season, or even if they are, buying them canned is perfect for a quick spaghetti sauce or for stirring into chilis or soups.

Rice, farro, quinoa, and dried pasta are easy to inexpensively buy in bulk and can usually be stored for quite awhile. Grains and pasta can also be used to cook a wide range of dishes and can add extra heft to an otherwise light dinner of soup or salad. Since there are dozens of grain and pasta types, you can always mix things up and prevent getting into any dinner ruts.

To up your fiber intake, choose whole grain varieties with the help of our Whole Grain Guide here:. Learn more about this food group and how to make whole grains a healthy part of your diet.

Potatoes often get a bad rap due to infamous french fries and chips. These root vegetables are actually nutrient-dense and good for you, if you indulge in moderation. Since potatoes are very inexpensive and last a long time when stored in a dark, dry place and away from onions , they are a great base or addition to budget meals.

Rotisserie Chickens are great for multiple meal breakdowns. Canned Tuna & Chicken also go a long way. Rice & various beans are versatile. Also With these, you can make: quesadillas, tacos, bean burritos, shredded chicken nachos, turkey burgers, turkey stir fry, rice and beans, oatmeal+ Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers

Affordable food essentials - Canned and frozen foods, seasonal fresh produce, long-shelf items such as grains, and frugal meats are among the cheapest foods to buy when Rotisserie Chickens are great for multiple meal breakdowns. Canned Tuna & Chicken also go a long way. Rice & various beans are versatile. Also With these, you can make: quesadillas, tacos, bean burritos, shredded chicken nachos, turkey burgers, turkey stir fry, rice and beans, oatmeal+ Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers

This includes a number of low carb, vegan, and gluten-free meals to consider on a weekly basis. While not USDA-certified, this company does aim to ship organic ingredients whenever possible. In the event that an ingredient doesn't meet the brand's quality standards, it may be replaced with conventional ingredients.

Why we chose Fresh N Lean: Fresh N Lean is a great meal delivery service to turn to for budget-friendly, fully prepared meals -- especially if you order enough meals to earn free shipping each week.

Do you like healthy fruit smoothies for breakfast? What about harvest grain bowls or soups for lunch? If you started salivating at the mention of even one of those options, then Daily Harvest is the meal delivery service for you. With a menu packed full of whole fruits and vegetables, Daily Harvest is great for finding the perfect meal for breakfast or lunch.

There are more than 20 unique, flavorful, and nutritionally-packed smoothies to choose from including the dragon fruit and lychee smoothie, pineapple and Matcha, and our personal favorite : the strawberry and peach smoothie.

Don't worry, there are plenty of dinner options to consider here as well. Daily Harvest's menu includes hearty soups, forager bowls, flatbreads, and pasta recipes -- so there's truly something for everyone here.

Deliveries are put together one item at a time, so you have the freedom to build your own meal plan each week. Pick anywhere from nine to 24 items each week. Why we highlighted Daily Harvest: Despite smoothie prices that are higher than you expect, Daily Harvest is still a top contender for healthy meals and treats on a budget, especially if you're interested in the variety of breakfast and lunch options here.

Admit it: It's a bit of a flex to have a delicious, homemade meal ready and waiting multiple nights throughout the week. It takes time and a bit of planning to pull this off, especially if you're cooking for a busy family. And that's not even factoring in high prices that come with eating out.

If you live in New York City, for example, your food budget would likely benefit from a change to meal kit delivery. But wait -- we already know your next question: "With so many meal kits out there, how do I pick the best one?

Choosing the right meal kit for you comes down to a few things. In addition to hunting down the lowest prices per serving, you should always keep an eye out for added discounts. First-time customers can typically find some level of savings right from the plan selection page.

Instead of signing up for the first appealing price you see, shop around a bit to make sure there aren't other better deals waiting for you elsewhere. Take into account factors such as portion sizes, number of meals per week, and any additional fees for shipping or customization.

That note about shipping fees is worth mentioning again. It's not always easy to see how much a meal kit service charges for shipping until you get into the plan selection process.

In order to make the best selections possible, it's important to pull out all the stops when reviewing meal kit delivery services. We considered a number of factors when choosing the best meal kits for affordability and the biggest ones were:.

Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy. If your kitchen or laundry room needs an upgrade, you can save huge money during Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale that's happening right now.

Major appliances, laptops, tablets, smartwatches -- you'll likely find a good deal at Best Buy this weekend. Don't miss out on our top five picks for the Nintendo Switch games you can enjoy on your console today.

A Stanley reusable water bottle is the hottest accessory of , and the new color release is going fast. Presidents' Day is this weekend, but deals on tech, home goods and more have already arrived at Walmart.

It's super simple -- and once you try a meal kit delivery service, you may never go back. If you've been thinking about giving your three- to year old their own tablet, Amazon's kid-friendly options are on sale.

Kenneth DeHart, who was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a sheriff's deputy and the wounding of another during a traffic stop last week in eastern Tennessee, has been apprehended, authorities said. Stocks slumped after government data showed that U.

inflation in January remained stubbornly high, dousing investor hopes. It's the third time Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with Paul Whelan, who has been detained in Russia since As this year's NFL championship game sets a ratings record, here's a look at television's other record-breaking broadcasts.

A man has been arrested in connection with the Jan. Flight attendants for major U. airlines are holding rallies at airports around the country to push for higher pay. Former "Monty Python" star Eric Idle said people "always assume we're loaded.

Consumer prices in January rose 3. The special election to fill the remainder of former Rep. George Santos' term is being seen as a bellwether for both parties for November.

Officials are currently targeting late February or early March for Hur's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, three people familiar with the matter said. Officials said it's possible a stray cat that "regularly hunted small mammals" had the Alaskapox virus on its claws when it scratched the man.

Jon Burnett was one of Pittsburgh's favorite on-air personalities for 36 years. What to know about the plague, its symptoms and treatment options, after Oregon reported its first case since Air quality is worsening across much of the U.

Cheese related recalls spurred by listeria outbreak expands to foods sold by Amazon, Costco, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's and Walmart. An official said he knew immediately that the hiker "had found something special. The native U.

reptile belongs to the largest freshwater turtle species in the world and has jaws that "can snap through bone. The gang was protected by a network of motorcycle taxis and minors who acted as lookouts, officials said. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went out for a night on the town after the Super Bowl — along with Swift's parents.

Elle King admitted to being "hammered" during a birthday tribute for Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry. But Parton said to "forgive that and forget it. In an era dominated by digital dating, a growing number of singles are turning their backs on apps in favor of the time-honored tradition of matchmaking—a practice deeply rooted in various cultures for centuries.

More people on dating apps are being targeted by scammers using bots and artificial intelligence, according to experts. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that Chinese hackers have positioned themselves to wreak havoc on U. CBS News cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs joins to assess the threat.

The Biden campaign says it's "incorporating a sophisticated security protocol" around use of TikTok. Some Gen Z workers are posting video of themselves being laid off in search of "likes," feedback and revenge. Google has rolled out the full version of its next-generation AI chatbot, Gemini.

It gives users the ability to have conversations with the tech giant's most powerful AI model to date. Gizmodo reporter Maxwell Zeff joined CBS News to discuss the product. Humans are to blame, the report says. Satellite imagery from recent months shows Antarctica's A23a gradually heading north toward open water after breaking free from the ocean floor last November.

Iceberg researcher Dr. Andrew Meijers joins CBS News to discuss. Michael Mann sued after two conservative writers liked his work to acts of infamous child molester Jerry Sandusky.

The warmest January on record was confirmed right after the world experienced its hottest year ever observed. New gun safety measures are taking effect Tuesday in Michigan with changes to universal background checks, storage requirements and "red flag" laws.

Jordyn Hermani, a politics and culture reporter for MLive, joined CBS News to discuss the new laws. The year-old church leader is facing five charges, including for having rock and liquid forms of meth and driving without valid insurance, according to an arrest report.

Portland police said that Haynes, 70, was in police custody at a local hospital as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Janette Becraft. The third commercial station flight chartered by Houston-based Axiom Space ends with picture-perfect Atlantic Ocean splashdown. Now that we've got a list of healthy, budget-friendly foods to keep on hand, let's explore a few more ways to help you save even more money on your grocery bill.

Most people don't realize this, but the ingredients in store-brand products are usually similar to brand-name products. So, instead of paying extra money for well-known brands, look for generic or store-brand products instead.

Before you head to the grocery store, take inventory of everything that you have on hand. You may be surprised to find a few extra cans of chickpeas, or some leftover broccoli that may be on the verge of going bad.

To help avoid food waste and save a little money, try to make recipes with these items first. Get creative with what you have. Nonperishable items, such as grains, rice, nuts and beans, are typically cheaper when purchased in bulk or larger containers.

Even though a larger container of rice will be more expensive, look for the unit price when you shop. That will tell you how much you're paying per pound or ounce so you can compare packages and get the best deal. When you bring bulk items home, distribute them into smaller portions to help with storage, then use them as needed.

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season can help keep the price down. Sometimes, but not always, shopping for local produce at your farmers' market can be more affordable. To help fresh produce last longer, some fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, peaches and onions, can be frozen.

You can try washing and storing them in a freezer bag, and placing them in the freezer until you're ready to use them. When fruits and veggies aren't in season, stock up on nutritious frozen produce.

Meal prepping is a great way to save money. Planning your meals can help prevent those unnecessary grocery trips during the week. Meal prepping doesn't have to be hard. It can be as simple as preparing a big batch of soup on the weekend, and portioning it out to last throughout the week.

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Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Healthy Eating. Andrea Mathis, M. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines. Reviewed by Dietitian Elizabeth Ward is a registered dietitian and award-winning nutrition communicator and writer.

Reviewed by Dietitian Elizabeth Ward, M. In This Article View All. In This Article. Canned Tomatoes. Peanut Butter. Canned Beans. Frozen Berries. Canned Tuna. 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 , You can enjoy bananas as a quick snack food.

They also taste great combined with peanut butter or yogurt. They are prized for their vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, antioxidants and lots of other nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and potassium Consuming oranges and other fruits on a regular basis has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, thus lowering the risk of several conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity 80 , It is simple to add oranges to your diet.

They are fairly convenient and can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or mixed with yogurt, salads and smoothies. Berries are nutrition superstars and reasonably priced when you purchase them frozen. Their incredible antioxidant content makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat.

In fact, berries are considered to be one of the best sources of natural antioxidants To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly.

They make for a delicious snack or healthy dessert and can be added to smoothies and salads. One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , They are an easy, convenient food to add to your diet and commonly consumed as a snack or chopped into a salad.

One of its notable characteristics is its low calorie content. There are only 53 calories in one cup of cantaloupe, making it a weight loss friendly food 92 , Like other orange vegetables and fruits, cantaloupe contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has powerful health benefits such as cancer and heart disease prevention They are also high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants, all of which work together to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease Canned fish has many health benefits and is significantly cheaper than fresh seafood.

Additionally, fish provides a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, which may boost immune system health and protect against cancer You can pair canned fish with salads, sandwiches, crackers and avocado or use it in several dishes, such as seafood cakes and stir-fries.

Affordable food essentials - Canned and frozen foods, seasonal fresh produce, long-shelf items such as grains, and frugal meats are among the cheapest foods to buy when Rotisserie Chickens are great for multiple meal breakdowns. Canned Tuna & Chicken also go a long way. Rice & various beans are versatile. Also With these, you can make: quesadillas, tacos, bean burritos, shredded chicken nachos, turkey burgers, turkey stir fry, rice and beans, oatmeal+ Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers

One medium apple contains two grams of fiber, which is mostly responsible for the positive effects that apples have been shown to have on serum cholesterol levels 89 , Moreover, apples provide some vitamin C, B vitamins and trace minerals, as well as several antioxidants.

Eating them regularly may help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases 85 , 89 , They are an easy, convenient food to add to your diet and commonly consumed as a snack or chopped into a salad.

One of its notable characteristics is its low calorie content. There are only 53 calories in one cup of cantaloupe, making it a weight loss friendly food 92 , Like other orange vegetables and fruits, cantaloupe contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, which has powerful health benefits such as cancer and heart disease prevention They are also high in fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants, all of which work together to protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease Canned fish has many health benefits and is significantly cheaper than fresh seafood.

Additionally, fish provides a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, which may boost immune system health and protect against cancer You can pair canned fish with salads, sandwiches, crackers and avocado or use it in several dishes, such as seafood cakes and stir-fries.

In only three ounces of ground pork, there are 22 grams of protein, in addition to a significant amount of B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron and selenium In half a chicken breast, there are 28 grams of high-quality protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs , Chicken breast also contains high amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium Including chicken breast in a healthy, balanced diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

It may also protect against the risk of cancer Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, providing In addition, it contains a variety of other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are known for playing an important role in bone health You can enjoy cottage cheese as a delicious snack.

It tastes great when combined with fruit and is often added to salads. In only one cup grams of yogurt, there are 8. Furthermore, some yogurts are good sources of probiotics , which are healthy bacteria that may benefit digestive health , Yogurt tastes great when combined with fruit or nuts, or it can be added to smoothies.

It can also be made into a sauce and combined with cooked dishes. One cup grams of whole milk provides a significant amount of protein, calcium, B vitamins and phosphorus. Consuming milk and other dairy products on a regular basis may help prevent several chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers , , , The 29 foods listed in this article are both cheap and healthy, making them a great addition to your diet.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Numerous foods are marketed as healthy but contain hidden ingredients. Here are 14 "health foods" that aren't as nutritious as you thought.

While some sources of protein are expensive, there are also many affordable high protein foods. Here is a list of 17 healthy protein sources that…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health. Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more.

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While there are many FDA-approved emulsifiers, European associations have marked them as being of possible concern. Let's look deeper:.

Researchers have found that a daily multivitamin supplement was linked with slowed cognitive aging and improved memory.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 28 Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap.

Medically reviewed by Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT — By Brianna Elliott, RD — Updated on February 28, The bottom line. Meal prep: Non-boring salad. How we reviewed this article: History. Feb 28, Written By Brianna Elliott. Medically Reviewed By Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT.

Aug 20, Written By Brianna Elliott. Share this article. Read this next. By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. It may be different for you depending on the time of year and your location. Applesauce is a great inexpensive snack to keep on hand. You can get a large container for cheap and it feeds a lot of mouths.

Stay away from the squeeze pouches if you are on a budget. Although they are very convenient, they are much more expensive per ounce than the large jars. Remember that convenience costs money. A bag of carrots is incredibly cheap and an essential vegetable to keep on hand.

It is the base for many soups and sauces. It also is a cheap side dish and a great snack. Onions are another cheap grocery staple to always have in the pantry. They add flavor to just about every dish. I find a bag of onions to be more economical than loose.

I buy a 10 lb bag of potatoes every two weeks. Not only are they a favorite at my house, they are incredibly cheap and versatile. When prioritizing what foods to buy with my grocery budget, potatoes are at the top of my list.

READ: 16 ways to use leftover baked potatoes. Although they aren't as cheap as white potatoes, sweet potatoes are still inexpensive. I love baking them, stuffing them with bbq, making sweet potato fries, or using them in a hash.

There's a reason peasant food included cabbage and lots of it. It's so cheap and there is so much you can do with it. Put it in vegetable soup , boil it , make an Italian ground beef and cabbage skillet , use it in a cabbage roll casserole , sauté it, or make a slaw. One cabbage can stretch for a couple of meals and it is packed with nutrition.

They are one of the most economical vegetables in the grocery store and great for snacking or using in salads. A bunch of celery is also a great versatile vegetable to buy.

Use it in soups, casseroles, or stir fry. It is also a cheap snack to cut up at the beginning of the week to use for dipping in homemade sour cream dip or slathering in peanut butter. If you have ever had a garden, you know how squash grows like crazy from one single plant. That is one reason it is so cheap in the store.

Squash is excellent in the summer sautéd, fried, grilled, in a stir fry, or in a casserole. Zucchini is an excellent cheap nutritious vegetable in the summer. Sauté it, fry it, make stuffed zucchini boats ,. Corn in the summer is dirt cheap. In the summer when fresh corn is not readily available and inexpensive, frozen corn is very cheap as well.

Frozen peas should be a staple of every kitchen. Throw them in a pasta, put them in a soup, fried rice, or as an inexpensive side dish. I love frozen peas! Fresh broccoli is fairly inexpensive, but frozen broccoli is even cheaper. The best part is that the broccoli is also already chopped for you which makes it super convenient.

Roast it, use it in a stir fry, or make broccoli cheddar soup. Frozen green beans are an absolute staple in my home. While canned green beans are also cheap, I prefer the crisp and freshness of the long thin frozen green beans. Use them as a side dish like garlic green beans , in a soup, a stir fry, or Cowboy casserole.

Frozen mixed vegetables are great to have on hand for casseroles, stir fry, fried rice, or a quick and easy side dish. Spinach is an excellent versatile green. You can eat it as a salad, in a soup, blended in a smoothie, sautéd with eggs, or on top of a sandwich.

I often sing the praises of how economical a whole chicken is. Watch my video and read my post on how I get multiple meals from one chicken. It is a great way to stretch your food. Not only do you get the meat, you also get the bones to make broth!

As far as beef goes, ground will be your most budget friendly option. To get the best price, wait for it to go on sale and stock up on the sale price. Chicken thighs are one of my favorite meats. They don't dry out as easily as breasts and they are more flavorful in my opinion.

Try my grilled chicken thighs or sheet pan herb roasted chicken thighs with vegetables. Out of all of the cuts of chicken, drumsticks are probably the cheapest. They are also very kid friendly. Try my oven baked bbq chicken legs for a great cheap meal.

Pork is often less expensive than beef and is very delicious. My goal is to keep a balanced approach to our eating, health, and grocery budget. How to Build a Budget-Friendly Pantry with Healthy Food.

How Much Shoud You be Spending on Goceries? Budget-Friendly Menu Plan. Real Food Cheap. Simple and straightforward meal planning. My husband and I are preparing for a cross country road trip.

He is 67 and I am Also, we will shed a few pounds. Your email address will not be published. Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

You can also subscribe without commenting. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. We kept our menu super flexible. We cooked from scratch. You Might Also Like:. How to Build a Budget-Friendly Pantry with Healthy Food How Much Shoud You be Spending on Goceries?

Bea on March 5, at am. Thank you! This detailed post is very helpful and inspiring! Steph on March 7, at pm. Thanks for the comment! fiona on December 26, at am.

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