We’re constantly bombarded by healthy superfoods, recipes, and fitness inspiration on our social media feeds. I don’t know about you, but one thing I can’t stand is clicking on a recipe that contains over 15 ingredients, some of which you may have never even heard of.
Moments like these that make healthy eating seem overwhelming and makes us want to retreat back to wanting to eat like we have the palette of a first grader.
But fear not! This week, here are you some budget-friendly superfoods to add to your grocery list that will keep your health goals tangible.
1. Plain Greek Yogurt
You can sub greek yogurt for sour cream. Top it with berries, granola and agave for a protein forward breakfast or as a component in the best ranch(For the ranch: combine 1 cup of plain greek yogurt, ½ cup of light mayo, and an ambitious shake or 2 of Trader Joe’s ranch seasoning mix). Greek yogurt has high protein, no sugar, and is low in calories. Don’t knock it until you try it. For real. You can usually find a larger tub for less than $5.
2. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green powerhouse mild enough in flavor to not make you feel like a rabbit. I use this as a base for salad, wilt some, and put a turkey burger over it (or throw it in some egg muffins). Many also like to throw a handful in their protein shakes or smoothies. When combined with fruit, you can barely taste the spinach. And it’s one of the cheaper greens to buy. While baby spinach costs more, it’s not different than regular leaf spinach (less than $3 a bag).
3. Agave
If you have a sweet tooth like me, try adding agave into your routine. You can use it to sweeten the greek yogurt mentioned above, put it in your coffee, or substitute agave instead of syrup on pancakes, waffles. You can also use it to sweeten any baked goods. Agave is thinner than honey and a little goes a long way. You can usually find some in the aisle near syrup for less than $7.
4. Berries
Berries are superfoods that are naturally high in antioxidants as well as lower in glycemic index (meaning they don’t wreak havoc on your blood sugar). A lot of grocery stores put berries on sale around 3 pints for $10, and they usually allow you to mix and match. If you don’t want them fresh or worry you won’t use them all before they spoil, frozen berries work just fine – just peep at the ingredients and make sure they’re only berries and nothing added.
5. Cottage Cheese
You can add this high in protein, creamy friend (not foe) to your avocado toast, mixed with fruit or even mixed into your taco meat to give it a higher flavored protein kick. I once made “queso” with blended cottage cheese and taco seasoning mix – what a game-changer! You can find a million different cottage cheese recipes on social media, so you’re bound to find one you like. I personally love the Good brand, and you usually can get a tub for less than $6.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are also versatile superfoods you can use in many different dishes. I’ve seen people roast them and sub them for “toast.” Personally, I love to steam them and make taco bowls paired with ground turkey and black beans. I serve chili over them or roast them and add them to a kale salad. You can usually buy them for less than $2 a pound, and they often come in large sizes that you can get 2-3 meals out of one potato if you pair it with other items.
Making simple changes to your meal planning and incorporating healthier foods will help you feel good about your body and what you put into it. You’re also less likely to crash after meals when they’re not loaded with starches, additives, and sugars.
What’s your favorite cheap superfood? Let us know in the comments below!
