After a recent shopping trip I overheard a woman saying she stays away from eating healthier because she is on a fixed income and healthy food is way to expensive. I was a little stunned, but I also could empathize with her confession. I have been there, in the grocery store deciding what healthy foods to buy without being broke until payday.

On the journey to your ideal weight, it is very important to eat foods that promote a healthier lifestyle but how do you do that on a budget.  Eating healthy does not have to break the bank. You can eat deliciously nutritious foods for less than a $1 and below this list will show you how.

--Black beans, $0.30 cents per ½ cup serving, about $1 per can These unassuming beans pack a ton of fiber and have a solid amount of calcium, fiber, potassium, and folic acid. Pro-tip: Buy the dry beans for an even better nutritious and money deal — boiling beans at home may preserve more of their cancer-fighting antioxidants. Cook up some black bean soup, or make a healthy black-bean dip.

--Eggs, $0.19 per egg, about $2 per dozen When in need of some protein, eggs are a quick, delicious, fix. Scramble with veggies for a filling breakfast, add to homemade fried brown rice, or make a frittata!

--Almonds, $0.60 for a 1oz serving (20-25 nuts), about $5 per 8oz bag Rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber, these super-nuts could reduce the risk of diabetes and decrease body weight. (Sorry, Almond Joys don’t count.) Munch on ‘em during the day, or add to a bowl of cereal or oatmeal for extra healthy fats and protein.

--Peanuts, $0.50 for a 1oz serving (25-30 nuts), about $4 per 8oz bag Take me out to the ball game on the cheap. Sure, peanut butter might be a dangerfood, but in their natural form, these legumes are a healthy treat. When eating in moderation, peanuts supply a dose of healthy fats and can reduce the risk of heart disease. When in any chicken and veggie dish, they add a great Asian-inspired flare!

--Garbanzo beans, $0.30 per ½ cup serving, about $1 per can These little beans pack a serious amount of fiber. Add to a salad, roast them with curry powder, or make your own hummus.

Read the other amazing foods that made the list at BlackDoctor.Org.

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(Photo: Randy Faris/Corbis)