Yes We Can!

This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food

Yes We Can!

It can be really frustrating when some of the healthiest foods at the grocery store are the most expensive. Last week one of my friends was appalled when she saw artichokes were selling for over $4.50 a piece at her closest grocery. However, there are still some great choices if you want to eat healthy, and if you plan ahead, you can save yourself enough money to buy a few of the more expensive fresh fruits and vegetables.

I present to you my favorite cheap and healthy food staple - whole grains. Newsflash! You can buy bags of brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, or any other whole grain for a few dollars and a little goes a long way once they’re cooked. So, try it out. If you’re having a “DUH!” moment…I apologize…but I get the feeling that most people aren’t eating many whole grains these days.

Over the weekend, when you likely have more time and energy to cook, prepare big family-size portions of whole grains. This past Sunday I made brown rice and buckwheat while I did the laundry. Cook them according to the directions and then pack away in your refrigerator in tight containers for the whole week. You can add fruit and nuts to them for a quick breakfast, or add fresh or frozen vegetables, meat, eggs, fresh herbs, spices or whatever you want for lunch or dinner during the week. Cooking the grains plain and setting them aside allows you to create variety all week long. You’ll be so happy you put in the cooking time over the weekend, because it will take you five minutes or less to spruce up the grains. Seriously…easy peasy.

The past few months have been a struggle for me financially, so I’m always looking for ways to save a buck without sabotaging my health. Making more whole grains in bulk is really hleping me out! I hope this tip gives you a hand too.