Healthy Eating On A Budget
Nourishment for our bodies need not come with a hefty price tag. We often associate healthy eating with organic products, supplements
and other nutritious tonic products, all of which come with premium price point. However, this is not necessarily true, as the healthiest of foods do not always come with a price that will hurt our wallets.
Culturally, some of us may be familiar with products like bird’s nest or chicken essence, that are famed for being nutritious. However, some of these products are pricey because of the procurement process, it does not necessarily mean the product is necessarily more nutritious.
The good news is, if you care about nutrition and are also keen to keep costs reasonable, here are some alternatives that keep you healthy without breaking the bank.
Mung or Green Bean Soup
Mung or Green beans are packed with healthy nutrients, rich in vitamins and minerals. These beans are one of the best plant-based sources of protein rich in amino acids that our bodies are unable to produce on their own.
Mung beans are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties to protect against heat stroke and high body temperatures. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of mung bean soup can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Additionally, mung beans are rich in folate. Women are advised to eat plenty of folate-rich foods during pregnancy for the optimal growth and development of the baby.
Red or Adzuki Bean Soup
Red or Adzuki beans are high in dietary fiber that helps to improve digestive health, while increasing the absorption of healthy nutrients at the same time. Regular consumption of dietary fiber helps to mitigate bowel problems such as constipation and diarrhoea, while reducing the risk of colon cancer.
There is a mineral in adzuki beans called molybdenum that aids in liver detoxification. The mineral is present in such a high dose that only half a serving of the red beans is required to receive 100 per cent of the daily recommended intake.
Barley Water
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to quench your thirst, barley water is a great substitute for sugary drinks. Simple to make at home, barley water is an excellent source of fibre that helps to keep the digestive system healthy. If you are purchasing barley water from stores, make sure to check the nutrition labels to avoid all the artificial sugars or sweeteners.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea can be consumed at any time of the day because it is caffeine-free. It works wonders as a pick-me-up drink in the morning, with its unique tantalising taste waking up your senses. Ginger tea is probably most well-known for its ability to soothe digestive issues. Therefore, people with weak digestive systems might want to complement their meals with a cup of ginger tea afterwards.
Many of us will find these options familiar because it brings us back to the nostalgic childhood days where our grandparents or parents would occasionally feed us with a cup or bowl of these. These easy, healthy options are cost-saving alternatives for those of you who do not want to break the bank to get that extra nourishment for your health. That being said, the most important thing is to make sound, mindful food choices, and take extra care of our bodies. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are what we eat, and keep those unhealthy, artificially sweetened beverages and desserts at bay.
