Nutrition

Nutrition is especially important when life is stressful. Eating well is possible even on a tight budget, and knowing a bit about nutrition can help stretch every dollar spent on food.

Eat

Nourish

Thrive

Can the food industry have our best interest at heart?

The food industry is a collection of businesses whose interests are not necessarily aligned with those of their consumers. Profits are steadily increasing while the purchasing power of Canadians is fast eroding. Clever marketing shapes what ends up in many shopping carts.

How to get maximum nutrition at minimal cost

Getting enough nutrition on a very small food budget is entirely possible. The key is choosing low-cost ingredients that are nutrient dense, and pairing them sparingly with more expensive items to round out flavour and variety.

There is much to know about rice and beans

Rice and beans are among the cheapest, most nutritious, and most versatile ingredients on the planet. When money is tight, they can literally come to the rescue. Hence the recommendation to ‘eat rice and beans’ when going through financial hardship.

There is much to know about lentils

Lentils are among the most affordable, nutritious, and versatile pantry staples, but they are not widely adopted by Canadians.

Thriving on a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet can meet every nutritional need, but it requires a little more attention than an omnivorous one. Knowing which nutrients need watching, and where to find them cheaply, is the difference between thriving and simply getting by.

Get vitamins and minerals from food rather than a pill bottle

The supplement industry is worth billions of dollars. It is built largely on the idea that modern diets are nutritionally incomplete. In reality, the average Canadian can get most vitamins and minerals from inexpensive whole foods.

Legume and grain combinations deliver 'complete protein'

Pairing legumes with grains is one of the simplest ways to make affordable, satisfying meals with plenty of protein, fibre, and flavour.

There is much to know about pumpkins

Every fall stores sell pumpkins, but only for a very limited time. Savvy home cooks seize the opportunity to stock up and make pumpkin puree to be used throughout the year in desserts and main dishes.

Cabbage versus lettuce - Which one delivers more nutrition per dollar?

Cabbage is generally more nutritious and cheaper than lettuce. It is also much more shelf stable and in many recipes it can be a good substitute for lettuce. Well suited for colder climates cabbage is a daily staple in many countries, especially in Northern and Eastern Europe.