A Balanced Diet: Low-Calorie, Nutritious, and Affordable Options

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making choices that are low in calories but high in nutrition is essential. This article explores some affordable and nutritious food options that can form part of your daily menu. From oats and Greek yogurt to veggies and fruits, and protein sources like fish and chicken, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Low-Calorie, Nutritious Foods

Here's a list of some foods that are low in calories but packed with nutrients:

Oats Greek Yogurt Soup Berries Eggs Popcorn Chia Seeds Fish Baked Beans Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Chicken Courgette

Affordable and Nutritious Options

To make these options more affordable, you can buy them at farmers' markets or at discount stores. Here are some meal ideas that are both affordable and nutritious:

Breakfast

Breakfast is a crucial meal, and with these options, you can ensure that you start your day right:

Grilled eggs with veggies, whole fruit, and milk or yogurt (if not eating eggs)

Lunch or Dinner

For lunch or dinner, you can include some legumes, which can be very affordable and nutritious:

1.25 cups of cooked legumes with 1/2 to 1 cup of brown rice and chopped veggies served with lime juice and olive oil.

Probiotic Snacks

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods can enhance gut health. One of the easiest ways to do this is by making your own fermented foods, like lacto-fermented cauliflower:

Lacto-Fermented Cauliflower

This can be a perfect healthy side dish or a convenient snack:

Cauliflower 1 head Garlic 1 head Bell Pepper 1/2 Jalapeno 2 Sea Salt 2 tsp Water 4 cups (chlorine-free) Fermented Vegetables Juice 1/4 cup (or use 1 tbsp sea salt / 2 cups chlorine-free water)

Here's a simple process:

Prepare the ingredients as listed above. Add the cauliflower, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapenos to a large jar. Season with sea salt and enough chlorine-free water to cover the veggies. Add a small amount of fermented vegetable juice to promote the fermentation process. Place a cabbage leaf on top to weigh down the veggies and ferment for 3-5 days.

Waiting for this process to complete, the food is enriched with beneficial bacteria, B vitamins, Omega 3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes, making it a great addition to any diet.

Conclusion

By incorporating these affordable and nutritious options, you can maintain a balanced and healthy diet without breaking the bank. From vegetables and fruits to protein-rich sources, choosing wisely can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.