Cheap and delicious: Nutritionist reveals budget-friendly "superfoods" and recipes
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As a result of skyrocketing grocery prices, it can be pretty difficult for the average Aussie to make healthy decisions when it comes to their daily diet.
But did you know that there are a few common foods that are not only inexpensive but are also considered to be "superfoods" in the health industry?
Sarah Di Lorenzo, a clinical nutritionist, appeared on The Morning Show to discuss the top 'superfoods' that are not only good for your wellbeing but also great for your wallet.
Sarah's overnight oats. Credit: Sunrise.
Oats
Oats are Sarah's first "superfood" recommendation for stocking the pantry.
"One kilo of oats can cost $1.65 and provide 22 servings," Di Lorenzo told Sunrise. "They're fantastic for lowering our cholesterol and also for feeding the good bacteria in our gut."
If you're searching for a quick and wholesome breakfast to eat on the go, take a look at her recipe for overnights, which is provided below.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
Potatoes
Whether you choose white potatoes or sweet potatoes, you will find that both are highly adaptable, relatively inexpensive, and packed with nutrients. They're a notable staple in many Aussie households and a great source of potassium, fibre, and vitamins A and C.
Eggs
"Eggs are fantastic - anywhere from $2 to $8 - they have B vitamins, biotin, which is great for hair, skin, and nails, and they're a great source of protein," said Sarah.
She also suggests using eggs in a variety of recipes, such as frittatas, quiches, and the basic boiled egg as a snack.
Legumes
Because they combine both a protein and a carbohydrate, legumes are both filling and healthy.
Other "superfoods" that Sarah believes are among the best include the following:
Sarah's cinnamon popcorn. Credit: Sunrise.
And now, we'll share a few of the delicious recipes you can make using them!
Sarah’s peanut butter biscuits
Here are the ingredients you will need:
The first step is to pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. While it’s warming up, combine all of the ingredients in a glass bowl.
Put the mixture in an oven-safe container, and bake it for 15 minutes, making sure to check on it halfway through the cooking time. When finished, allow it to cool before serving!
Sarah’s cinnamon popcorn
Here are the ingredients you will need:
Warm the honey, cinnamon, and olive oil together in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels after a few minutes.
Cook for four to six minutes, shaking the pan and stirring the ingredients occasionally.
As soon as all of the kernels have popped, transfer them to a large bowl, and then proceed to serve!
Sarah's legume stew. Credit: Sunrise.
Sarah’s legume stew
Here are the ingredients you will need:
To begin, heat the onion, garlic, and olive oil in a skillet until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
After a few minutes, add the remainder of the ingredients, and then bring the whole thing up to a boil. Maintaining a simmer for approximately 25 minutes while stirring the pot occasionally.
Serve with freshly chopped parsley and basil. Enjoy!
But did you know that there are a few common foods that are not only inexpensive but are also considered to be "superfoods" in the health industry?
Sarah Di Lorenzo, a clinical nutritionist, appeared on The Morning Show to discuss the top 'superfoods' that are not only good for your wellbeing but also great for your wallet.
Sarah's overnight oats. Credit: Sunrise.
Oats
Oats are Sarah's first "superfood" recommendation for stocking the pantry.
"One kilo of oats can cost $1.65 and provide 22 servings," Di Lorenzo told Sunrise. "They're fantastic for lowering our cholesterol and also for feeding the good bacteria in our gut."
If you're searching for a quick and wholesome breakfast to eat on the go, take a look at her recipe for overnights, which is provided below.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of almond milk (but any milk is fine, really)
- 1/4 cup of Greek yoghurt
- 2 teaspoons of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of chia seeds
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Mixed fruit for toppings
Potatoes
Whether you choose white potatoes or sweet potatoes, you will find that both are highly adaptable, relatively inexpensive, and packed with nutrients. They're a notable staple in many Aussie households and a great source of potassium, fibre, and vitamins A and C.
Eggs
"Eggs are fantastic - anywhere from $2 to $8 - they have B vitamins, biotin, which is great for hair, skin, and nails, and they're a great source of protein," said Sarah.
She also suggests using eggs in a variety of recipes, such as frittatas, quiches, and the basic boiled egg as a snack.
Legumes
Because they combine both a protein and a carbohydrate, legumes are both filling and healthy.
Other "superfoods" that Sarah believes are among the best include the following:
- Bananas
- Frozen vegetables
- Sardines
- Popcorn
- Peanut butter
Sarah's cinnamon popcorn. Credit: Sunrise.
And now, we'll share a few of the delicious recipes you can make using them!
Sarah’s peanut butter biscuits
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of honey
- 2 cups of peanut butter
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
The first step is to pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. While it’s warming up, combine all of the ingredients in a glass bowl.
Put the mixture in an oven-safe container, and bake it for 15 minutes, making sure to check on it halfway through the cooking time. When finished, allow it to cool before serving!
Sarah’s cinnamon popcorn
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels
Warm the honey, cinnamon, and olive oil together in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels after a few minutes.
Cook for four to six minutes, shaking the pan and stirring the ingredients occasionally.
As soon as all of the kernels have popped, transfer them to a large bowl, and then proceed to serve!
Sarah's legume stew. Credit: Sunrise.
Sarah’s legume stew
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 150 ml vegetable stock
- 1 x 400 gram can of tomatoes
- 1 x 400 gram can of chickpeas
- 1 x 400 gram can of lentils
- 1 x 400 gram can of beans
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
- salt and pepper
- Chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- fresh basil and parsley to serve
To begin, heat the onion, garlic, and olive oil in a skillet until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
After a few minutes, add the remainder of the ingredients, and then bring the whole thing up to a boil. Maintaining a simmer for approximately 25 minutes while stirring the pot occasionally.
Serve with freshly chopped parsley and basil. Enjoy!