A healthy weight loss plan does not have to break your budget. Foods marketed to dieters are often inflated in price. For example, 100-calorie packs cost up to 279 percent more than bulk versions of these foods, reports the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Instead of falling for marketing claims, stick to naturally low-calorie foods that support a healthy weight loss plan.
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the ultimate diet food. Most are low in calories and high in fiber and water content to help fill you up. Stick to seasonal produce to keep costs down. Opt for greens, tomatoes and zucchini in the summer, beets and cabbage in the fall, apples and citrus in the winter and asparagus in the spring. If you avoid fresh produce because it spoils quickly, frozen can be an affordable alternative. Go for plain, steam-in-the-bag options, as sauced versions contain added calories, sodium and fat.
Lean Protein
Lean meats provide protein and B vitamins on a healthy diet plan. The most affordable types are egg whites, low-fat cottage cheese and water-packed tuna. Buy boneless skinless chicken breast in bulk and apportion into single servings for quick, easy cooking and automatic calorie control. Pork tenderloin and lean ground turkey breast are other affordable lean meats that fit into a healthy diet plan.
Whole Grains
Rice mixes and fancy "health" cereals tend to come with high price tags. Stick to plain versions of whole grains, available in bulk, to save money and support your diet goals. Brown rice, quinoa, millet and barley are high in fiber, which helps fill you up and stabilizes your blood sugar. Unsweetened, whole-grain cereal, such as old-fashioned rolled oats and shredded wheat, are also available in bulk at a reasonable price.
Nuts and Plant Oils
While you may think you should avoid fat on a diet plan, certain types may actually help you reach your goals. Unsaturated fats improve your heart health and provide you with a sense of satisfaction that "fat-free" foods cannot. Nuts and plant oils, such as olive and safflower, are sources of these heart-healthy fats. While they may seem expensive, you need only small servings daily. Buy nuts in bulk, and eat just 1 oz. at snack time to help squelch your appetite between meals. When you cook, replace a pat of butter or margarine with 1 tsp. of olive oil.
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