Part of having a healthy pregnancy is eating the right foods. You might think that eating healthy foods will cost you lots of money, but this isn't true. There are different strategies you can use to afford foods that are good for your body and lots of different budget-friendly foods for pregnancy.
One option is to stock up on your favorite healthy staples when they go on sale. Then after doing this, you can prepare freezer meals and reheat them for use over the weeks. This is a good idea for the days after giving birth when you'll be too tired to cook. Here are a few budget-friendly foods for pregnancy that can form the backbone of your recipes.
1. Broccoli
Dark green vegetables are some of the healthiest budget-friendly foods for pregnancy. Broccoli contains minimal carbs, and it is an amazing source of protein and fiber. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and potassium. You can chop up a few pieces of broccoli and prepare a vegetable salad with tomatoes, avocados, and spinach.
2. Eggs
Eggs are both healthy and inexpensive. Your body needs adequate protein for healthier bones and muscles, and eggs have plenty of it. Eggs also contain vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. You can fry, poach, scramble, or boil eggs for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Most supermarkets have sales on eggs, so stock up on these.
3. Oatmeal
This is a must-have pantry item if your goal is to eat healthy for years to come and not just during pregnancy. Oatmeal is also inexpensive, and you can eat it in diverse ways. Fiber intake is vital for a healthy pregnancy, and oatmeal has the fiber that helps you fight off cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Instead of adding white sugar to your oatmeal, you can substitute fresh fruits and raw honey. Another idea would be to prepare savory oatmeal with chicken or beef.
4. Legumes
You can buy legumes cheaply at most supermarkets, and they have amazing health benefits. Green peas are a type of legume, and they have 125 calories. Green peas also contain fiber, protein, vitamin K, and folate. Kidney beans are delicious and healthy. They're high in fiber, and this is essential in reducing your blood sugar levels. Other good legumes are black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans.
5. Foods High in Iron
Pregnant women should consume foods that are high in iron, and it's especially crucial for those who have anemia. Dark leafy greens can be purchased frozen since this is cheaper than fresh greens. Another idea would be to buy cans of leafy greens when they go on sale. Other high-iron foods that are inexpensive include berries, potatoes, red meat, and whole-grain bread.
6. Avocados
This dark green fruit packs a nutritional punch. Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, and this is the good fat that lowers your cholesterol levels. Avocados also contain folate, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. There have been studies that show how avocados can prevent certain cancers, reduce arthritis, and help with chronic inflammation.
7. Bananas
Bananas are cheap, and they provide the adequate fiber you need to regulate your bowel movements. The starch inside bananas can also boost your gut's good bacteria levels. Bananas are high in potassium, and this is great for your heart's health long-term. Put bananas on top of your oatmeal or eat them in a bowl with granola and berries.
8. Protein-Filled Meats
You can purchase inexpensive protein-filled meats to keep you healthy during pregnancy. These meats include:
Chicken
Beef
Pork
Turkey
There are numerous recipes you can prepare with these budget-friendly foods for pregnancy. You can prepare a chicken and turkey chili with canned vegetables and spices. Another option would be to make a beef stew with herbs. Other recipe ideas include green peppers stuffed with beef, chicken salad, turkey and cheese sandwiches, and grilled pork chops with roasted potatoes.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, fiber, and niacin. They are high in fiber, and this promotes good gut health. Anthocyanins that exist in purple sweet potatoes, in particular, were found to be helpful in reducing colon, bladder, and breast cancer. You can buy traditional orange sweet potatoes on sale at most supermarkets. Instead of using white potatoes to make homemade fries, use sweet potatoes.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt provides an excellent source of vitamin B and amino acids. These are especially important in strengthening the unborn baby's nervous system and bones. Yogurt contains plenty of water, and this keeps your body hydrated throughout your pregnancy. Yogurt is high in calcium, and this benefits you and the baby. If you have plain yogurt, dredge chicken breasts in yogurt and spices to create oven-baked chicken breasts with herbs.
11. Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, and this boosts your immune system throughout your pregnancy. In addition, oranges are generally affordable, and you can put orange slices in your salads. Another idea would be to prepare homemade orange juice to have with your breakfast.
12. Apples
The high fiber content in apples can boost the good cholesterol levels in your body. Also, according to a study from Florida State University, apples can reduce high blood pressure. Since apples have fewer than 100 calories, they're helpful in losing weight after pregnancy. Apples also help with diabetes prevention.
13. Cabbage
Cabbage is inexpensive and healthy to eat. If you find boiled cabbage to be boring, then you can use shredded cabbage in stir-fry recipes. Another option would be to make a tangy coleslaw to accompany barbecued meats or grilled fish dishes.
14. Nuts
Nuts are affordable, and they're healthier than cookies and even the packaged, so-called healthy snacks such as granola bars or sodium-filled pretzels. When you eat nuts, you get a sizeable intake of monounsaturated fats, which are good fats. Since avocados are high in these fats too, why not roast the nuts with avocado oil and some salt? Peanuts and cashews are among the most affordable nuts you can buy.
These budget-friendly foods for pregnancy have amazing sources of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that you need to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Browse through our blog for more budget-friendly tips and insights.