Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity, you can make cheap and healthy meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Here are 25 ideas for cheap and healthy meals:
- Lentil soup – lentils are a great source of protein and fiber and can be made into a delicious soup with vegetables and spices.
- Chickpea curry – chickpeas are a versatile and protein-rich ingredient that can be cooked into a tasty curry with spices and vegetables.
- Baked sweet potato – sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense and filling food that can be baked and topped with healthy toppings like beans, salsa, and avocado.
- Veggie stir-fry – stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers with a protein like tofu or chicken for a healthy and easy meal.
- Turkey chili – ground turkey, beans, and vegetables make a flavorful and hearty chili that can be made in large batches and frozen for later.
- Quinoa salad – quinoa is a protein-rich grain that can be used as a base for a salad with vegetables and a healthy dressing.
- Baked salmon – salmon is a nutritious and flavorful fish that can be baked with herbs and spices for a simple and healthy meal.
- Brown rice bowl – brown rice is a filling and fiber-rich grain that can be topped with vegetables, protein, and healthy sauces like tahini or soy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – roasting vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes can bring out their natural flavors and make for a simple and healthy side dish.
- Egg scramble – eggs are a cheap and protein-rich ingredient that can be scrambled with vegetables like spinach and mushrooms for a quick and healthy breakfast or lunch.
- Black bean soup – black beans are a nutritious and filling ingredient that can be made into a tasty soup with spices and vegetables.
- Hummus and veggie wrap – a whole-wheat wrap filled with hummus and fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce makes for a healthy and easy lunch.
- Greek yogurt with fruit – Greek yogurt is a protein-rich and healthy breakfast or snack that can be topped with fresh fruit and nuts.
- Roasted chicken with vegetables – roasted chicken with vegetables like carrots and onions makes for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Turkey burger – a turkey burger on a whole-wheat bun with avocado and tomato makes for a healthy and tasty meal.
- Vegetable lasagna – a vegetable lasagna with whole-wheat noodles and lots of fresh vegetables makes for a filling and healthy meal.
- Brown rice and vegetable stir-fry – brown rice and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers can be stir-fried with a healthy sauce like soy sauce or peanut sauce.
- Minestrone soup – minestrone soup with lots of fresh vegetables and whole-wheat pasta makes for a healthy and comforting meal.
- Spinach and feta omelette – a spinach and feta omelette with whole-wheat toast makes for a healthy and satisfying breakfast.
- Spicy lentil tacos – lentils cooked with spices like chili powder and cumin make for a flavorful and healthy filling for tacos.
- Bean and vegetable burrito – a whole-wheat tortilla filled with beans, vegetables, and salsa makes for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner.
- Vegetable curry – a vegetable curry with coconut milk and spices makes for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Grilled chicken with salad – grilled chicken with a side salad of fresh vegetables and a healthy dressing makes for a simple and healthy meal.
- Black bean and vegetable quesadilla – a whole-wheat tortilla filled with black beans, vegetables, and cheese makes for a healthy and tasty lunch
- Mushroom and spinach pasta – whole-wheat pasta with sautéed mushrooms and spinach makes for a healthy and flavorful meal.
These are just a few examples of cheap and healthy meal ideas that can be incorporated into your diet. By choosing whole foods and cooking at home, you can save money and eat healthier at the same time.
Here are a few tips for saving money on healthy meals:
- Shop seasonally: Seasonal produce is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season produce.
- Buy in bulk: Buying grains, beans, and nuts in bulk can be much cheaper than buying them in pre-packaged containers.
- Cook in batches: Making large batches of meals and freezing leftovers can save you time and money in the long run.
- Use meat as a flavoring: Meat can be expensive, so try using it as a flavoring in dishes like stir-fries or salads instead of as the main ingredient.
- Plan your meals: Planning your meals in advance can help you save money by preventing food waste and reducing the need for takeout or eating out.
Eating healthy on a budget is possible with a little planning and creativity. Try incorporating some of these cheap and healthy meal ideas into your diet and see how easy and affordable healthy eating can be.
