“Healthy eating is too expensive.”

Is it really?

Eating well does not have to mean buying imported foods, expensive supplements or premium supermarket products.

You can build nutritious meals around foods commonly available in Nigerian markets.

For example:

• Beans + boiled plantain + vegetables

• Rice + beans + fish + vegetables

• Ogi/pap + moi-moi + egg

• Boiled yam + egg sauce + vegetables

• Sweet potatoes + beans + fish

• Corn + beans + fish

• Oats + milk + banana

• Amala + ewedu + fish

• Eba + okra soup + fish

• Tuwo + miyan kuka + fish

• Semo + vegetable soup + fish

• Boiled potatoes + egg + vegetables

Notice something?

Healthy eating is not about one “special” food.

It is about building better meals with foods you can realistically afford.

When money is tight, focus on:

1. A filling carbohydrate source

2. An affordable protein such as beans, eggs or fish

3. Vegetables when available

4. Whole fruits that are in season

5. Water instead of constantly buying sugary drinks.

You don't need to eat perfectly.

You need a pattern you can maintain.

What is one affordable Nigerian meal you would recommend to someone trying to eat better?