The following is a list of healthy foods and ideas to meet your nutritional requirements while strapped for money whether that is a chronic or short-term condition:

Raw nuts and seeds are packed with nutrition and many of them are very affordable. Walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and almonds are all very nutritious and have protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin E and many important minerals. Soaking the nuts and seeds overnight in water renders them more easily digested. Combining the soaked seeds and nuts with soaked raisins and oats makes a delicious breakfast cereal with some added honey or just plain.

Taking seeds and beans and sprouting them enhances the nutrient levels of these already healthy foods many times over. Favorites of mine include: alfalfa, adzuki beans, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds and snow peas. For books on sprouting and suppliers of materials look in the book section of health food stores or go to www.sproutpeople.com. This is an incredible Web site with recipes and directions on sprouting. You can also order relatively inexpensive organic seeds and sprouting kits including jars.

Brown rice and beans makes a delicious complete meal that is filling. Although not optimum for protein metabolic types, it is a substantial improvement over KFC or Mac and Cheese. Add some inexpensive green vegetables and you have a nutritious meal.

High-quality animal protein is the most expensive item in most meals. When we come to protein foods that are nutritious and health sustaining and are affordable on a limited budget we must go with EGGS. Of course the way to get the most nutrition from eggs is to drink them raw in a smoothie or straight or have them soft-boiled as the alternative. Even free-range eggs from Whole foods go for around $2.50 per dozen. That's 62 cents per day for three omega-3-rich free-range eggs. If you don't have a store that carries free-range eggs, just get commercial eggs. They are better for you than many other sources of protein like fried foods or commercially-raised meats.

Bee Pollen is a food that is extraordinarily dense in nutrition. For one month I lived exclusively on brown rice, bee pollen and water. I felt great and didn't lose any weight. Bee Pollen is a complete protein. It can be found in health food store and a little goes a long way with this super-food.

Growing one's own vegetables if you have a garden or growing indoor sprouts and greens for those without land is the most economical way to get your vitamins and minerals. There are sprouting companies in most major cities, which will sell seeds, soil, growing trays and instructions or in the alternative check online www.sproutpeople.com For several years I grew my own sunflower and buckwheat greens, as well as wheat-grass and assorted sprouts. This is a big money saver and these foods are PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS.

Regardless of whether your finances are chronically low or just took a dip for a short period of time YOU CAN STILL EAT A HEALTHY NUTRITIOUS DIET, providing you do your homework and find the discipline to fight for your health. Plus, when you're feeling strong and clear it's easier to improve your work situation than when you're sluggish and toxic.

You don't have to eat organic foods or only foods that are right for your metabolic type to improve your health (although it would be better) Just eat foods that have nutrients in them and balance protein/carbohydrates/fat at every meal and avoid toxic foods. You'll start to get stronger and cleaner with each day and your chances of a better life will improve with each sprout you grow.

For more information, please visit James Jordan’s Web site, www.createvibranthealth.com.

By James Jordan, J.D., C.N.C.