You can think healthy foods are costly, but there are many healthy foods that can fit your budget.  The goal with any food you buy is to check its nutrient-rich factor.  Are you getting a lot of nutrients for your money?  Here are 10 foods that will give you more nutrients for your buck — or 50-cent piece — because all of them happen to be less than 50 cents a serving.

•Beans: Full of fiber, protein, iron, zinc and calcium. Dry beans are cheaper than canned beans, and need to be soaked overnight and cooked one hour before using them.

•Bananas: Loaded with vitamin B6, fiber, potassium and vitamin C, bananas are a quick snack or topping for yogurt or cereal.

•Peanut butter: One tablespoon has 95 calories, 4 grams of protein and 8 grams of heart-healthy fat. Choose natural peanut butter, if possible, as it won’t have added sugar or added fat.

•Yogurt: An excellent source of calcium and protein, yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise when you want to cut fat in recipes. Buy yogurt in larger tubs instead of single-serve containers to save even more money.

•Whole grain pasta:  Same calories as the refined varieties but more fiber, protein and vitamins.

•Frozen peas: Full of protein, fiber and vitamin A. Frozen vegetables in general are nutrient-rich, inexpensive and easy to toss into soups, salads, rice, pasta dishes and stews.

•Broccoli: One serving contains more vitamin C than an orange. Purchase broccoli by the bunch and cut it yourself to save money.

•Almonds: Packed with heart-friendly monounsaturated fat and the antioxidant vitamin E. Buy unsalted, raw almonds in bulk to save.

•Eggs: One egg has one ounce of protein (7 grams) as well as vitamin A, vitamin D and the antioxidant lutein, which promotes healthy skin and eyes.  Eggs make quick and easy meals that can be served at any time of the day.

•Canned tuna: Packed with protein, heart-healthy omega-3s, selenium and B vitamins, it can also be a base for many easy meals.  Choose water-packed tuna in larger cans for savings.

Other tips Choose store brands

Private-label, store-brand products will save you an average of 15 to 30 percent over the national name brands — and the quality of food is comparable. Many supermarkets monitor the quality of store brands to assure quality matches. Hy-Vee’s private-label brands include “Hy-Vee,” “Midwest Country Fare, “Grand Selections” and “HealthMarket.”

Eat more meals at home

Home-prepared meals will add up to big savings. Substitute private-label ingredients in your favorite family recipes. You won’t notice a difference in taste, but sure will with saving money.

Asian Chicken Salad Serves 6 (2 cups each)

All You Need

•1 teaspoon ground ginger

•½ teaspoon garlic salt

•¼ teaspoon black pepper

•1 pound chicken breasts

•1 tablespoon canola oil

•1 head lettuce, chopped

•1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

•1 small cucumber, cut into thin strips

•½ cup light Asian dressing

•1 cup chow mein noodles

All You Do

1. In a small bowl, combine ginger, garlic salt and black pepper.  Rub mixture evenly over chicken breasts.

2. Heat oil in  medium skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken to the skillet and cook, turning once, until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees.  Remove from skillet, let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, mandarin oranges and cucumber. Toss with dressing to coat and top with chow mein noodles just before serving.

Source: Hy-Vee Seasons Magazine, Spring 2013.