Inflation is rising in the world. Prices of eatables have increased and are increasingly going out of reach of the common person.
But nonetheless, fruits and vegetables are a must in our daily diet.
How to buy the best for the least money? Top nutritionist Susie Burrell provides tips on how to purchase foods to suit our pockets. Which are the budget-friendly and healthy options in this category?
Susie Burrell and her advice on grocery shopping
One of the top nutritionists from Australia, Susie Burrell is aware of the difficulties that the middle class and poor sections of the society are facing due to the rising prices of fresh produce.
Increasingly, it is becoming difficult to purchase healthy vegetables and fruits within the household budget. The requirements now cross the limits due to the current high cost of living.
Use cauliflower instead of broccoli (Source: Health line)But despite this, one has to continue to eat wholesome and healthy. There are some alternative cheaper options to the costly vegetables.
These options are equally healthy and one can substitute them instead of the original ingredients in recipes and salads.
Which are these budget friendly but healthy food produce? Susie spoke about these choices that are low on calories and price but high in nutrients.
Healthy and cheap vegetable options
Broccoli is very healthy and this green vegetable is loaded with vital nutrients that are good for the body. But broccoli is extremely costly. Hence in its place, one can opt for the low-priced cauliflower. It is equally nutritious. Susie states:
“Broccoli is a superfood, rich in anti cancer molecules, Vitamin C and fibre but so is cauliflower at half the price.”
“Plus cauliflower makes a low carb rice alternative that can easily be made onto a tasty risotto.”
Instead of fresh tomatoes, one can use tinned tomatoes. The latter come cheap but provide the same taste and flavor to the food. And what’s more? They suit the purse. Further, Susie explains:
“Not only is it hard to find fresh tomatoes that are flavoursome but canned tomatoes have been cooked, which means they offer the nutrient lycopene, known for its power anti cancer action especially for prostate cancer.”
Lettuce vs kale (Source: Pinterest)More on cheaper options of vegetables
Lettuce is also high in price these days. One can use the cheaper kale instead. Kale is as healthy as lettuce. And its cost is 1/3rd that of lettuce. Susie elaborated:
“Kale is one of the most nutrient dense greens you can find with exceptionally high amounts of nutrients including Vitamin C, beta carotene, and Vitamin K making it a smart daily addition in smoothies, stir fried or soups.”
Carrots are relatively cheap compared to zucchini. It is one-tenth in cost compared to zucchini. On carrots, Susie added:
“Carrots are rich sources of the antioxidant beta carotene and can be made as easy snacks, blended into soups or smoothies or roasted into chips compared to zucchini which is much lower in nutrients overall.”
Read more 5 vegetables that can help reduce high blood cholesterol
Beetroot vs red capsicum (Source: Amazon)The red capsicum is also exorbitantly costly. One can use tinned beetroot in its place in food dishes. Susie explained:
“Beetroot on the other hand is just as nutrient and specifically shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure making beetroot based juices and smoothies a smart choice for those with high blood pressure.”
So coming winter go for these cheaper but healthy options in vegetables and save on some money.