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Superfood Swaps: Healthy Alternatives That Won't Break the Bank

We asked a few health food experts to share their favorite superfood alternatives.
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The Active Times

The Active Times
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Rene Ficek, a Registered Dietitian and the Lead Nutrition Expert at Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating agrees, a shopping cart full of fancy superfoods can really break your budget.

Click Here to see the Complete List of Superfood Alternatives that Won't Break the Bank

You head out to the grocery store excited to stock up on the latest health foods that are apparently all the rage, only to find that while they may be super healthy, they're not exactly super affordable.

Ficek says that you shouldn't let a limited budget keep you from eating as healthy as possible; there are plenty of "superfood swaps" that are just as nutritious, but much easier on your bank account.

We asked a few health food experts to share their favorite superfood alternatives. Here's what you should look for when you're on the hunt for the most nutritious foods that are also affordable. "All of these resources can really help people make profound changes towards a healthier way of life," he said.

Cauliflower Instead of Kale
Langer also suggested cauliflower as an equally nutritious swap for kale. Though, she did admit that it can be just as bland and “less than impressive.” To spice it up she recommends using it to make “buffalo bites” with Frank’s Red Hot Cayenne Pepper Sauce.Photo Credit: ShutterstockClick Here to See More Superfood Alternatives that Won’t Break the Bank
Lentils Instead of Quinoa
Langer says that lentils are another smart swap for quinoa because they typically contain even more protein. “[They’re] cheap and full of protein and fiber,” she said. “They cook up fast and can even be combined with quinoa in some dishes.” Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Whole Almonds Instead of Almond Butter
Ficek pointed out that many nut butters (especially almond butter) are all the rage right now, but that you often have to “spend an arm and a leg” to get just one jar. She said that nut butters are packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats, but that whole almonds make for an equally nutritious snack. “Plus, by eating the whole almond rather than the butter, it is much easier to control portion size and calorie control,” she said.Photo Credit: ShutterstockClick Here to See More Superfood Alternatives that Won’t Break the Bank
Cranberry Juice Instead of Pomegranate Juice
“Sure, pomegranates and the ever popular pomegranate juice are rich in antioxidants that may help fight against heart disease and cancer, but these antioxidants come with a high price tag,” Ficek said. “Pomegranate juice is one of the most expensive juices out there.” She suggests substituting with antioxidant-rich, unsweetened cranberry juice instead. “Compared to $5 to $7 for 16 ounces, cranberry juice costs about half as much at around $3 to $4 for 16 ounces,” she added. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Roasted Chick Peas Instead of Nuts
Langer mentioned that although they’re nutritious, certain nuts can come with a hefty price tag. Instead, she suggests trying roasted chick peas as a snack. “[They’re] full of protein and fiber and are super easy and super cheap to make,” she said.Click Here to See Superfood Alternatives that Won’t Break the BankPhoto Credit: Shutterstock


Click Here to see the Original Story on The Active Times

-Katie Rosenbrock, The Active Times

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