1) Oatmeal
Small Price: $0.11 for a bowl
Big Benefits: Oatmeal is a heart-smart food that contains a compound called beta-glucan which helps lower bad cholesterol levels.
2) Beans
Small Price: $0.28 for 1/2 cup; 3-4 times less expensive than meat
Big Benefits: Beans are a great source of fiber, potassium, protein, iron, and folate. People who eat more bean-based meals weigh 15% less than meat-eaters.
3) Potatoes
Small Price: $0.31 for a medium potato
Big Benefits: A medium potato is only about 100 calories, is a good source of fiber, and has more potassium than a banana!
4) Spinach
Small Price: $0.50 for 2 cups
Big Benefits: Spinach is a super food loaded with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. Spinach also contains bone-builders such as calcium & magnesium and blood-strengtheners such as iron and vitamin K.
5) Apples
Small Price: $0.40 each
Big Benefits: An apple contains over 100 phytochemicals or healthy compounds which may help reduce our risk of cancer and heart disease. One a day really may keep the doctor away!
BONUS:
6) Coffee
Small Price: $0.61 per 12 ounce cup; ~3 times less than coffee shop prices
Big Benefits: Drinking about 16 ounces (2 small cups) of coffee per day may actually decrease your risk of developing diabetes by 30 percent.