Latest news with #budgetFriendly
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
12 cheap fast food options that are surprisingly healthy
Saving money and eating tasty, yet healthy, is pretty much everyone's aspiration. Fast food may seem like the enemy of good nutrition, yet with a bit of research, as we did, you can discover plenty of affordable, wholesome items that fit right into your drive-through routine. Add these surprisingly healthy options to your order, and you will enjoy the convenience of fast food without straining either your diet or your budget. The Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich is a great choice thanks to its lean grilled chicken breast and whole grain bun. It has become a favorite among dietitians, and it's easy to see why. The official nutrition panel lists the sandwich as containing 390 calories and 28 grams of protein. The relatively high protein-to-calorie ratio helps people stay full on the road. Swap fries for a fruit cup, and why not also try it with extra lettuce and tomato, which the kitchen usually adds at no charge. Breakfast suffers under the same sticker shock that has hit groceries and rent. Yet, McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal still shows a $1.99 price tag in many U.S. restaurants. The chain's own nutrition panel lists 320 calories, which is an excellent light morning meal option. At a time when a single croissant sandwich can crack the five-dollar mark, this bowl gives you more fiber for fewer coins and leaves you feeling warm rather than weighed down. You can trim extra sugar by skipping the brown-sugar packet, and my favorite extra is a shake of cinnamon, which is free. Taco Bell's Veggie Power Menu Bowl is one of the rare meals that hasn't sprinted out of the value lane and costs less than $5. Loaded with beans, rice, lettuce, guacamole, and salsa, this bowl gives you 12 grams of plant-based protein and fiber in one go. Customizing stays easy: ask the staff to skip cheese and sour cream for a lighter bowl, or why not also try it with extra pico de gallo for a bright kick that costs nothing. Blaze Pizza's Build‑Your‑Own pie with cauliflower crust is a healthy option, as the crust is lower in calories and refined carbs compared to traditional dough. A single slice of the specialty crust contains only 94 calories, 15 g of carbs, 2.3 g of fat, and 4 g of protein, as the dough replaces refined flour with real cauliflower blended with a touch of rice and cheese. You can also customize the pizza and build your own healthy lunch the way you crave! Breakfast prices at most chains have sprinted ahead of rent, yet Starbucks's Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites still land in the $5–$7 window. Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites are packed with protein and made with just egg whites, spinach, and red peppers. No crazy extra ingredients needed! They are low in carbs and calories, with just 170 per serving, which sounds like the ideal quick, balanced breakfast. Because Starbucks cooks them sous vide, the texture remains silky, and you avoid the greasy skillet. Chipotle's build-your-own chicken salad bowl shows how smart ingredient picks turn a grab-and-go order into a macro marvel. Stick with romaine, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh tomato salsa, and fajita veggies, and you'll land at a reasonable calorie count with great protein and fiber content. My favorite flourish is an extra scoop of pico de gallo plus a squeeze of lime. Bright, refreshing, and usually on the house. Rewards members can earn ten points per dollar on every order. Panera Bread's Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich strikes a rare balance of flavor, nutrition, and cost. A whole sandwich comes in at 440 calories with 17 g of protein. Layers of cilantro-jalapeño hummus, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, peppadew peppers, and feta deliver plenty of pop; why not also try it with an extra handful of cucumbers for added crunch at no extra cost? The sandwich bears Panera's climate-friendly Cool Food Meal badge and meets the chain's 'Clean' ingredient promise, which rejects artificial preservatives and colors. Oh, and did I mention it is under $7 for this delicious sandwich? Another win! Dunkin's Veggie Egg White Wake-Up Wrap punches above its weight for both nutrition and price. The latest nutrition data shows that the wrap contains approximately 180–190 calories, 14–15 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of protein, thanks to a filling of cage-free egg whites, peppers, onions, and a warm tortilla. This nutritious, quick, on-the-go breakfast will cost you right around $3. You can grab it fast, enjoy every bite, and not feel weighed down at all! It may seem a little odd to order just a chicken breast at a fast food restaurant, but it is actually very flavorful on its own and works well if you're watching your fat or carb intake. KFC's Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast layers the Colonel's famous 11-herb spice rub on a lean, skin-on breast that never sees the deep fryer. One piece comes in at roughly 220 calories, 40 grams of protein, and zero carbs, and costs about five dollars in most regions. Because the meat is seasoned, rested, and finished in a high-heat grill, fat drips away while moisture stays locked in. Add a complimentary packet of KFC hot sauce for extra zip without spending or loading up on calories. Burger King's Garden Side Salad is one of the few fast-food menu items that lets you swap starch for real produce without paying a premium. The company's nutrition sheet lists 14 calories when ordered plain. Trading Burger King's Garden Side Salad for a small order of fries is a textbook example of how a tiny menu choice can reshape a meal. Add a squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette instead of salted ketchup, and the swap delivers a crisp, refreshing side that supports nutrient intake and portion control without sacrificing flavor. A company press release first featured this entrée on a '5 Under 500 Calories' list. El Pollo Loco's Chicken Black Bean Bowl begins with citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast that adds smoky depth without the grease of frying. The bowl stacks slow-simmered black beans, steamed broccoli, pico de gallo, avocado, and a dusting of cotija, coming in at about 460 calories and 37 grams of protein, according to the chain's own nutrition guide. Jack in the Box's Chicken Fajita Pita is a handheld worth slowing down for: citrus-marinated grilled chicken, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and a side of fire-roasted salsa tucked inside a warm whole-grain pita. Company nutrition tables show 320 calories with 27 g of protein. These numbers rival those of many 'light' chicken wraps, yet they deliver more vegetables and substantially less saturated fat than a typical fried-chicken sandwich. Ask for an extra spoonful of tomatoes or jalapeños; many locations include those veggies at no additional cost, although some may add a small upcharge.
Health Line
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Health Line
Summer of Savings: How to Enjoy the Summer and Save Money
Enjoying the summer doesn't have to break the bank. Make simple switches and save money on food, experiences, and more. Summer tends to be a season when we spend more on food, gas, electricity, water, and those quintessential summer experiences. Healthline has the scoop on how to save money this summer without giving up the fun. Quick tips and tricks for saving this summer Embrace your favorite foods of the season, and try out recipes at home. Eat seasonal fruit and veg, and try meal prepping. Buy sunscreen, shampoo, and other toiletries you use more in summer in bulk. Search local thrift stores for outdoor, sports, and picnic gear. Explore your local area instead of traveling. Find free outdoor spots to entertain the kids and meet up with friends and family.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon's ‘breathable' blanket keeps you cosy in 30C heat without feeling weighed down – and it's half price of Dunelm
AMAZON is selling a "breathable" blanket to keep you cosy in the heat this summer without feeling weighed down. What's better is that it's more than half the price of the Dunelm version so is a great option on a budget. 2 Amazon's Cooling Summer Blanket is available from just £7.99 and comes in a variety of sizes and colours. Breathable and lightweight, the blanket is designed with special materials to promote airflow and stop overheating. It's lightweight design means you can stay cosy without feeling weighed down. Made with advanced cooling fabric technology it provides an instant chill sensation and is perfect for hot sleepers and warmer temperatures. Crafted from premium, hypoallergenic materials the cooling blanket is suitable for sensitive skin too. It's ideal for beds or if you fancy a quick snooze on the settee but its also ideal for when you're camping or travelling. What's better is that it's machine washable and quick to dry so is hassle free to maintain. It retains its cooling properties even after multiple washes. The Summer Cooling Blanket comes in a wide range of different colours and sizes. If you don't fancy the green version, you can also buy in hot pink, light blue, yellow and lots more depending on the size of your choice. Sizes range from 150cm in length by 100cm in width all the way up to 200 by 230cm. You can also make savings of up to 40% when you purchase more than one. It's already gained five star reviews too. One customer who gave the product a five-star rating said: "Great value for money and keeps me cool at night. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill "But pay attention to the size you purchase!" Another happy customer said: "It's solved the problem of hot, sweaty nights, I would recommend it." It's a great option if you're looking for a cool blanket this summer on a budget. Dunelm's Holden Bedspread comes in £20 and is only available as a double kingsize, measuring 235cm x 235cm. But that's still more expensive than Amazon's largest cooling blanket. Dunelm also doesn't offer as many colour options. But it has seen some good reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One person said: "Comfy enough to be used over a sheet instead of a duvet and handy for throwing over the settee." With temperatures set to soar again, it's important to keep cool in the heat, especially at night.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Sainsbury's 50p buy will get rid of stubborn scuffs on your grubby patio – and you can find it in your child's schoolbag
YOUR patio will look sparkling and brand new with the help of a 50p Sainsbury's buy. With temperatures set to soar again this week, many Brits are likely making plans to have friends over for cocktails in the sun. But before you invite anyone over, you may want to give your patio a bit of a scrub, to make sure it's looking shiny and brand new. Your first thought might be to use a pressure washer, but these can be incredibly pricey, and can even end up damaging your slabs. However, Sam Stevens, a garden expert from Pergolux UK revealed a budget-friendly method, which you may be able to find in your kids' pencil case. "Cleaning the garden doesn't have to be an expensive job. We all love a cheap and cheerful hack and the good news is that there are plenty of items you'll already have in your home that can be used in the garden," he said. How To Use An Eraser To Clean Your Patio Although traditionally used by schoolkids to rub out spelling mistakes and maths errors, Sam revealed that you can use an eraser to help clean your patio. The expert explained that if plant pots have left any marks on the patio, you can simply buff the scuffs using a rubber. If the marks aren't too stubborn, they should come away, leaving your patio sparkling. Rubbers are super cheap, and if there isn't one in your kids' schoolbag, you can pick one up from Sainsbury's for just 50p. More Patio Cleaning Hacks Council house mum Evie, recently revealed her struggle with her patio slabs, admitting that despite her best efforts with a jet washer, it 'hardly did anything.' Frustrated but determined, Evie stumbled upon a life-changing tip during a casual scroll through the comments section on cleaning TikToks. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out A recommendation buried within the comments caught her attention - someone suggested using a 69p bottle of Aldi bleach as a simple yet effective solution for sparkling patios. She poured the bleach over the slabs, letting it soak in for around five minutes without scrubbing or extra effort. Then, she fired up her jet washer again - and the results were nothing short of incredible. Christie, who is known as @ christiestimson11 on TikTok also recently revealed her budget friendly hack for scrubbing her slabs. How to repair broken patio slabs THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff. The experts advised: 'If you have a loose paving slab, then it's unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 'To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 'Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio. "As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 'When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.' She explained that she simply uses a mop and bucket, which she fills with Flash floor cleaner, along with bicarbonate of soda and boiling water. Sharing a video of her demonstrating how it's done to her 3,501 TikTok followers, she showed how she used a mop and the mixture to clean the patio slabs. Christie explained that the process is "satisfying" and that it is 'easy' to 'get all of the mud and dirt off of it.' Plus, Molly Woodward-Moor, Creative Director at Stone Superstore, revealed that washing Up Liquid can be used to care for stone tiles as well as lift dirt or stains that may build up on them. To use the product on the patio, the liquid can be diluted in warm tap water. Then using a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge, the solution can be scrubbed into areas that need cleaning. This is a gentle method for stones, that avoids scratching their surface or causing damage to tiles.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 healthy, dietitian-approved cooking hacks that'll save you $100s on your grocery bill
With grocery prices hitting Canadian wallets harder than ever, eating healthy can feel like a luxury. But registered dietitian Andy De Santis says you don't need to spend a fortune to eat well. From shopping in-season produce to utilizing canned foods in your recipes, it's possible to cut food costs while still getting key nutrients. Below, check out eight smart strategies that'll slash your grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition. Forget the myth that frozen produce is nutritionally inferior. It's often just as good as fresh, and in some cases, better. Fruits and vegetables are typically frozen at peak ripeness when they're most nutritious. De Santis notes that "frozen blueberries are even higher in nutritional value than fresh blueberries. When blueberries are frozen, it puts a stressor on them and increases their anthocyanins." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that give berries their deep colour and help fight inflammation. Frozen produce is also typically more cost-effective than fresh versions, especially when fresh berries are out of season. Plus, frozen produce lasts for months without spoiling. Don't get caught up in the fresh vs. canned food debate when you're trying to eat well on a budget. While fresh and frozen both have their place, canned foods deserve a spot in your healthy, economical diet too. "When it comes to fresh, frozen and canned produce, there is not one clear winner," explains De Santis. "For example, eating canned artichoke, which may have added sodium, is always better than eating no artichoke." When you're ready to shop, timing your fresh produce purchases can lead to major savings. When produce is in season, it's more fresh and less expensive because supply is plentiful. Load up on corn and tomatoes in summer, then apples and squash in fall. Check local flyers each week for seasonal deals. Local farmers' markets often offer the best deals on in-season produce, especially near closing time. De Santis recommends also recommends shopping produce that's affordable any time of the year. "Green bananas are an affordable fruit that are available year round," he says. They contain resistant starch which is very good for your gut bacteria." When you need affordable meat protein, don't overlook the prepared foods section. "Rotisserie chicken may be a better value than raw chicken," says De Santis. "Often rotisserie chickens are used to draw customers in, so stores price them lower. The chicken may also be cooked closer to its expiry date, which extends its shelf life." Plus, you eliminate prep time and cooking energy costs. Many stores also discount rotisserie chickens near closing time. While you're filling your cart with seasonal finds, don't overlook the power of smart brand choices. Generic brands provide the same quality as name brands — often at significantly lower prices. Focus on non-perishable items like oats, brown rice, flour and spices. "If you are truly on a budget, also skip organic and specialty items like wild fish," advises De Santis. "The priority should be eating enough fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they're organic.' Beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils are incredibly economical and nutritious. Fibre-rich legumes will give you the biggest bang for your buck," explains De Santis. "Even adding a half a cup of beans to your meals can significantly increase your fibre intake." Add beans to soups, salads and grain bowls for an affordable protein boost that increases fibre and keeps you feeling full longer. Some of the healthiest foods are also the most budget-friendly. These nutritional powerhouses deliver maximum vitamins and minerals without breaking the bank. For vegetables, focus on year-round staples. "Carrots are an affordable vegetable that are rich in vitamin A," notes De Santis. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, potassium and fibre at a great value. Green cabbage delivers vitamin C and vitamin K, and one head can stretch across several meals in soups, stir-fries or coleslaw. Don't overlook eggs, which offer complete protein at affordable prices — at least in Canada. De Santis also recommends sunflower seeds as an affordable source of healthy fats and protein. Planning your meals ahead of time is one of the most effective ways to cut grocery costs and reduce food waste. But De Santis has a surprising tip: shop more frequently, not less. "Go grocery shopping more often," he says. "You are more likely to have the ingredients you need on-hand to make healthy meals." But there's a catch: you have to go to the store with a plan. He says to start by planning three to four meals weekly, check what ingredients you already have, then shop only for what you need. The bottom line? Eating well doesn't have to drain your bank account. With these expert-backed strategies, you can make nutritious meals and keep money in your pocket.
