Hello again, savvy savers! Today I am starting another new blog series, Battle Of The Bulge, Budget-Style! I will be focusing on ways to live a healthier, more active lifestyle while be able to afford clean, organic, obtainable foods! I believe this series can be worthwhile for many, who like myself, wish to get more in shape, not through crash-dieting but by small attainable lifestyle changes!  All of the changes I propose will be free or affordable, and most meals and plans will contain couponed savings or deals! Fads are fancy, but coupons are a commitment! With that said, here is where I am currently: I have a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. I am looking to lose 60lbs., find affordable non-gym membership options for working out, and change the way I consume food; this includes meals, snacks, and splurges!

Today I am 31 years young, I am 5’6”, and weigh 210lbs; I walk my dogs but beyond this am not terribly active. My lifestyle causes sedentary behaviors; I work-from-home, blog, run two internet businesses, and perform advocacy work online as well. I am an internet-based excuser! Today this changes! Spring has sprung, and so shall I!

For my first post, I wanted to point out four healthy food options I will be focusing on in the coming months, all of which can help bulk meals and snacks, are readily inexpensive when paired with coupons, and (for today’s list) can all be found at your local Dollar Tree!

1. Brown Rice:

Great for: Side dishes, rice salads, fried rice, casseroles, soups, and stews.

What’s a serving? 1/4 cup dry rice.
Price per serving: 18 cents. A 1-pound bag costs about $1.75 and contains 10 servings.
Nutrition info per serving: 170 calories, 2 grams fiber, and 4 grams protein.
Cost: $1.00 for 10 servings!

2. Whole-Wheat or Multigrain Pasta:

Great for: Hot and cold pasta dishes.

What’s a serving? 2 ounces of dried pasta. A serving for most people translates into about 2 ounces of dried pasta, which means you get about 7 servings in the typical box or bag of dried pasta.
Price per serving? About 24 cents. You can get a 13- to 16-ounce box or bag of store-brand dried pasta for about $1.69.
Nutrition info per serving: About 200 calories, 7 grams protein, and 6 grams fiber.
Cost: $1.00 for 6 servings!

3. 100% Whole-Wheat Bread:

Great for: Hot and cold sandwiches, bread stuffing, bread pudding, and breakfast strata.
What’s a serving? 2 slices. Labels usually list a serving as 1 slice of bread (about 28 grams per slice), but for our purposes, we’ll use the amount you’d use to make a sandwich.
Price per serving: About 18 cents. You can get a 22-ounce loaf of store-brand whole-wheat bread for about $1.99 (on sale). Each loaf has about 22 slices, or 11 servings of 2 slices each.
Nutrition info per serving (2 slices): About 120 calories, 6 grams protein, and 3 grams fiber.
Cost: Nature’s Own Bread and Rolls, $1.00 for 10 serving of bread!

4. Nonfat Greek Yogurt:

Great for: A quick snack, parfaits made with fruit and granola, and smoothies.

What’s a serving? Most individual servings come in 6-ounce or 8-ounce containers. You can save money by buying a larger container of Greek yogurt and then taking your 6- or 8-ounce portion from it.
Price per serving: Individual servings (6- to 8-ounce containers) cost about 89 cents each and sometimes less when found on sale.
Nutrition info per serving (for a 6-ounce serving of honey vanilla): 150 calories, 0 grams fiber, and 14 grams protein.
Cost: $1.00 for 2 servings; cheaper options are obviously available at Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club.

Here’s to the Journey!