Healthy Choices: Quick & Cheap

While I transition to my new life here in San Diego, I am definitely having to pinch some pennies. This is tough because the only thing I really spend money on besides my phone bill and student loans is food, and I hate skimping on food quality. I often hear people on TV say things like "How can I spend $2 on a head of broccoli when I can get a fast food hamburger for $1?" And I just want to scream "What is the point of eating a $1 hamburger!!! You might as well eat some cardboard for free if all you care about is filling up your stomach!" We eat food to get nutrients into our body, so if your food doesn't have nutrients there is no freaking point.My solution? Beans and rice! It's cheap, delicious, nutritious, and filling. And thanks to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) I know which veggies are ok to buy conventional (The Clean 15), and which veggies I really need to buy organic (The Dirty Dozen).The Dirty Dozen: These fruits and vegetables tend to be high in pesticide residue when grown conventionally. Buy them from an organic source whenever you can.celerypeachesstrawberriesapplesblueberriesnectarinessweet bell peppersspinach, kale, collard greenscherriespotatoesimported grapeslettuceThe Clean 15*: When grown conventionally, these items remain low in pesticide residue. There are fewer advantages to buying them from an organic source.onionsavocadosweet cornpineapplemangosweet peasasparaguskiwi fruitcabbageeggplantcantaloupewatermelongrapefruitsweet potatosweet onion