Fitbit : 5 Healthy Foods That Won’t Break the Bank

'Healthy' and 'affordable' might seem like oil and water. But the truth is, there are plenty of foods of that give you tons of bang for very few bucks. One study published inPreventing Chronic Diseasefound that out of 47 fruits and veggies, 41 qualified as 'powerhouse' foods. Another study inThe American Journal of Clinical Nutritiondiscovered that there were nutritious, affordable options in every food group-and that basics such as eggs and beans were among the highest-ranking. We asked Carly Kellogg Knowles, R.D.N., a registered dietitian-nutritionist[JD1] and culinary instructor in Portland, Oregon,to ID five of the best bargains.

Eggs

Why they're healthy: With 6 grams of protein and only 70 calories apiece, eggs shouldn't be consigned to breakfast. 'They contain a variety of micronutrients, including choline, which is essential for DNA building, brain signaling, and liver function, ' says Knowles. 'And they're naturally 'packaged' in individual serving sizes.'

How to eat them: Knowles hard-boils a dozen eggs every other week, sprinkling them with salt and pepper for a snack. They also taste greatbakedwith chard,deviledwith Greek yogurt, orpoachedin tomato sauce.

Brown rice

Why it's healthy: This whole grain has 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per cup. 'Fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, help prevent heart disease, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels,' says Knowles. Buy brown rice from the bulk bins to save the most money.

How to eat it: Use it in any recipe that calls for white rice, or as the base for a Koreanrice bowlorchicken casserole.

Beans

Why they're healthy: Beans are loaded with fiber (on average, they provide 7 grams per half cup), and folate, a B vitamin your body needs to produce red blood cells. Dried beans are usually less expensive than canned. Knowles suggests soaking them to decrease cooking time and increase digestibility.

How to eat them: Black beans pair nicely with bison inchili. They also taste great instuffed peppersand homemadeveggie burgers.

Carrots

Why they're healthy: 'Carrotsare a fantastic source of beta­carotene, a carotenoid that's converted into vitamin A in the body,' says Knowles. Different colored carrots-orange, purple, red, yellow, and white-contain different amounts of antioxidants, but they're all good for you.

How to eat them: Dipped in hummus, obviously, but Knowles also likes them peeled into ribbons and tossed with Middle Eastern spices, roasted nuts, and vinaigrette. Bake them alongsidecod, or serve them with parsnips as aside.

Bananas

Why they're healthy: Like eggs, they provide built-in portion control. 'And even though they're sweet, bananas are a low-glycemic food that actually helps regulate blood sugar levels,' says Knowles. A medium bananas delivers about 10 percent of the potassium you need each day.

How to eat them: Knowles freezes bananas dipped in melted dark chocolate. You can also blend bananas (preferably frozen) insmoothiesfor creaminess, add them toovernight oats, or sprinkle them with cacao nibs as a topping fortoast.

This article is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Juno DeMelo

Juno DeMelo lives in Portland, Oregon. She writes essays and stories about food, people, places, and health. Her work has appeared in Glamour, Bon Appétit, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, O, The Oprah Magazine, Women's Health, Men's Journal, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Shape, and more.