One of the biggest issues that accompany making the switch to healthier alternative foods is the concern about money. People tend to think that making a switch to alternative foods is an expensive one. This, oftentimes, leads people to reconsider their decision.
However, the gossip about alternative foods being expensive is only a myth. In fact, switching to alternative foods can help save more than you do now. We understand that when alternatives for popular foods are suggested, they are often expensive ones. So in this blog post, we will be listing down foods that don’t break the bank and are also easily available.
Oats
Oats are a popular and easily sourced breakfast meal. It is a wonderful whole grain that is rich in nutritional value. They are a great source of manganese, phosphorus, biotin, vitamin B1, and fiber. Oats can be consumed in the form of oatmeal, and even replace your regular refined white flour. If you are someone who loves baking, oat flour can be an inexpensive replacement for refined white flour. They can be used as the base ingredient in baked goods and bread. Our suggestion is to purchase steel-cut oats since they are high in fiber and low in glycemic index. This makes them an amazing food for patients with high blood sugar levels or diabetes.
Fresh fruit
Before you argue that fruit is not necessarily budget-friendly, hear us out. While some fruits are ridiculously expensive, there are also ones that are easy on your wallet. Fruits that are locally grown are much cheaper than imported ones that do not grow in your region. We understand that a lot of fruits seem very tempting, but they aren’t the best choice when on a budget. Fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are the best fruits to go for in India. These fruits are available in almost all Indian regions and carry plenty of nutritional value. It's best if you go for seasonal fruits when they are in season rather than when they’re not. You will avoid consuming unhealthy additives and save more money in the process.
Lentils
Lentils win the prize when it comes to alternative foods that are inexpensive yet rich in nutritional value. To add to it all, they are also the most easily available food item on this list. They’re rich in fiber, folate, protein, iron, potassium, and other essential minerals. Their ease of cooking makes them even more lovable. Opposed to what you may have heard, lentils do not require pre-soaking and can be cooked directly into a stew. They're also a great replacement for protein in place of meat. Need we say more?
Fresh vegetables
Much like fresh fruit, fresh vegetables are another inexpensive alternative food. Some vegetables aren’t local to your region but carry great nutritional value so it makes sense to splurge on these at times. However, remember that all local vegetables in your region are likely to carry equally impressive nutritional value as well. So we suggest you opt for locally sourced fresh vegetables whenever possible. And like fresh fruits, consuming vegetables more often when they are in season also helps to cut costs.
So there you have it. While we get that making a switch is hard, it doesn’t have to be so on your expenses. We hope this blog has helped you understand a little bit more about how you can save while eating healthier alternatives.