Low Cost Healthy Foods??

Hello All:

I would love any and all suggestions about great low calorie foods that don't cost alot of money.  I'm on a very tight budges so would love any ideas on how to eat better for less.

Also, would love the lead on some good soy (meat-like) products that taste good and don't cost alot. 

Thanks!

Lentils, rice, dry beans, peanut butter.

Eggs are very reasonably priced for the meals you can get out of them. 

Do you have an Aldi near where you live?  They have their own brand of low-fat foods called Fit and Active.  I like their yogurts and frozen entrees.  They also have a great selection of canned and fresh fruits and veggies for way less than grocery store prices.  Trader Joes is also a good place to go to buy healthy foods at low prices.  They are not as low-cost as Aldi, but their prices are better than the grocery store. 

fruits are usually low price. not the prepackaged ones but i bought about 8 bananas the other day and it came to like $2

Cheapest low-cal foods are seasonal/local fruit and vegetables (rather than imported) .... beans, lentils, eggs... rice,  pasta, potatoes,  noodles, porridge oats, grains.... My weekly shop is mostly those foods with some canned tomatoes, yoghurts, frozen peas etc., thrown in and I spend a lot less than others I know.   Home-made food is instantly cheaper, healthier and generally lower calorie than packaged, processed foods.   I prefer to make burgers with crushed cooked beans rather than buy soy products which tend to be very expensive and full of additives.  Porridge oats are much cheaper and much lower in calories than fancy sugary breakfast cereals. 

Good tip... make humble low-cal ingredients taste fantastic by investing in a good range of herbs and spices.   A spoonful of chilli powder here or some curry spices there makes a big difference.

Thanks for the suggestions.  I will check out the foods at Aldi's as I do have one near me.

gi-jane- Do you have a recipe for your burgers?  Thanks.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

http://www.calorie-count.com/recipe/11244.htm l

Spicy Beanburger Pittas ....  (4oz is the uncooked dry weight of kidney beans.... use 8oz canned drained beans to save time)

Thanks gi!

I made that recipe for supper tonight.  So I'd add... don't expect the patty mixture to hold its shape raw quite the same as a commercial burger.  But once it starts cooking the egg firms the whole thing up nicely.

If you have the 99 cent store in your area you can buy a lot.  I've been able to buy a package of 10 count Pita bread, american cheese, carrots, and strawberries all at $.99. 

With the pita bread and american cheese, you can add in veggies or eggs and have a filling meal that is around 300 calories.  With that little meal you get your protein, carbs and calcium.  Good luck.