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Budget-friendly diet plan for healthy eating

Eating healthy doesn’t need to be costly. A budget-friendly diet plan for healthy eating emphasizes affordable, wholesome foods that nourish your body. It’s all about making smart choices that benefit both your health and your finances.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Brown rice
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Oats
  • Black beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Canned tuna
  • Chicken breasts
  • Ground turkey
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt
  • Low-fat milk

  • Cheddar cheese
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Apples
  • Bananas

  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Peanut butter
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Frozen mixed vegetables
  • Almonds
  • Lentils
  • Quinoa
  • Cucumber

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Article Reviewed
• Written by Zuzanna Kędziora
• Published on June 5, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The budget-friendly diet plan for healthy eating is all about nutritious meals that won’t strain your wallet. It includes plenty of affordable fruits, vegetables, and grains that promote overall health. This plan helps you eat well without spending too much.

With simple and inexpensive ingredients, this diet supports a healthy lifestyle. It’s a great way to enjoy wholesome foods while staying on budget.

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Foods to eat

  • Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are nutritious and budget-friendly staples.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, and spinach are nutrient-dense and won't break the bank.
  • Beans and Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are affordable sources of protein and fiber.
  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, and oranges are budget-friendly and great for snacking.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, canned tuna, and eggs offer high protein at a low cost.
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Fruits and vegetables are the one point of consensus—an oasis—in arguments about what to eat. Everyone agrees that eating more of them is a good idea.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Processed Snacks: Avoid chips, cookies, and sugary snacks that offer little nutritional value.
  • Sugary Beverages: Sodas and sweetened juices can add unnecessary calories and expenses.
  • High-Fat Meats: Limit bacon, sausages, and fatty cuts of beef, which can be more expensive and less healthy.
  • Ready-made Meals: Pre-packaged meals are often costly and contain preservatives and unhealthy fats.
  • Exotic Fruits: While delicious, fruits like dragon fruit and imported berries can be pricey and aren't essential for a healthy diet.

Main benefits

Adopting a budget-friendly diet plan for healthy eating can help you discover cost-effective, nutrient-rich foods that you might have overlooked. This plan often includes versatile ingredients, meaning less waste and more delicious leftovers. You'll find it easier to maintain a balanced diet without breaking the bank, promoting long-term sustainability. Additionally, preparing meals at home with this plan can be a fun, educational experience for the whole family.

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📊 71% of people think they could improve their eating habits (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. Embrace seasonal produce - it's typically cheaper and fresher. Get creative with leftovers! Leftover roasted veggies can become a stir-fry tomorrow, or chicken can be transformed into a salad. Planning your meals and buying in bulk (when feasible) can save you serious cash. Don't forget about the power of water - ditch sugary drinks and save those pennies!

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7-Day Meal Plan for Budget-Friendly Diet for Healthy Eating

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced banana and a sprinkle of almonds
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Ground turkey stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and brown rice
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with strawberries

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and a slice of whole wheat bread
  • Lunch: Chickpea salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, and low-fat milk
  • Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with quinoa and steamed mixed vegetables
  • Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced banana and a sprinkle of oats
  • Lunch: Black bean and corn salad with bell peppers and onions
  • Dinner: Ground turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with a handful of strawberries

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and a handful of almonds
  • Lunch: Whole wheat pasta salad with spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed green beans
  • Snack: Orange slices with a handful of walnuts

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with kale and a slice of whole wheat toast
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots, tomatoes, and spinach
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with sweet potatoes and broccoli
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, apple, and low-fat milk
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with brown rice and steamed mixed vegetables
  • Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.