Staying Full at Poverty Level
Can It be Done?
Fruits & Veggies
Bananas
One banana contains about 120 calories, 4 grams of dietary fiber, and a large percentage of the potassium and maganese we need each day. It would cost $1.72 to eat one banana everyday for a week.
Pineapple Chunks
One can of pineapple can be split into two snacks, providing carbohydrates, potassium, and 70% of the Vitamin C needed each day.
Peas and Carrots
While a low contributor calorically, peas and carrots are high in protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Eaten as a side with dinner, one can only costs $0.83.
Cheap Carbohydrates
Why?
Long Grain Rice
Because rice is only about $1 a bag and contains a lot of calories, it can be a big contributor to a healthy diet on such a tight budget. One cup contains 45 carbs and 200 calories.
Ricotta Cavatelli
Served with tomato sauce, cavatelli provides a serving of vegetables, carbohydrates, and a large portion of the calories needed daily.
Stuffing
Instant stuffing is made of 77% carbohydrates and has four grams of protein per serving. A box costs under a dollar.
Protein
Eggs
Eggs provide protein and the healthy cholesterol that is essential to a balanced diet. Six cost $0.99.
Pizza
Nine slices of pizza for $2.74 with seven grams of protein per slice.
Cup of Noodles
High in carbs and protein, a cup of noodles is perfect for lunch at a low cost.