Canned chickpeas: Not only inexpensive, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a great source of protein and fiber. Toss them in salads, mix them into salsas, or blend them into hummus. Cost per serving: 40 cents.
Bananas: They're cheap, available year-round, and can serve as a natural sweetener in smoothies, plain yogurt, and homemade breads. Plus, a medium banana boasts 12% of your daily value of potassium, 3 grams of filling fiber, and and nearly 20% of your daily value for both vitamins C and B6. Cost per serving: 29 cents.
Fresh garlic: Garlic lets you flavor dishes for no additional calories, fat, or sodium. For added convenience, buy chopped, jarred garlic. Cost per serving: 13 cents.
Mustard: This condiment is packed with the immune-boosting nutrient selenium. It also contains turmeric, a spice with cancer-fighting properties. Cost per serving: 4 cents.
Balsamic vinegar: Vinegar boosts blood flow by opening up blood vessels. It also adds flavor to food for virtually no calories. Cost per serving: 39 cents.
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