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10 Ideas For Cheap Healthy Meals

By: Jackie Barlow

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Being able to share ten ideas for cheap healthy meals is a way of promoting the fact that it can be done if you just use some creative ideas. Frugal tips are always appreciated in today's economy, especially when there are a variety of ways to accomplish this so that it does not feel like you are denying yourself tasty meals.

  1. One pot meals or stews are a good alternative. Combining a whole chicken or a roast that is on sale with produce such as onions, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and other choices that are also on sale can make so many meals that this is indeed a cheap way to create low-fat, low-calorie, healthy meals.   
  2. Beans are reasonably priced and full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and nutrients. They can be made into a variety of dishes.  
  3. Soup can be made with leftovers, vegetables, rice, barley, or noodles to create a large pot of tasty eating as well as a really frugal way to create a number of meals. 
  4. Pasta is an inexpensive meal that goes a long way, and spaghetti sauce is also usually on sale. You can also add fresh vegetables such as squash, eggplant, mushrooms, and onions to make it go even further for extra meals. 
  5. Regarding the beverages you drink with your meals, soda can be very expensive and can also add calories. Drink water instead and add lemon or lime for taste if you aren't fond of plain water. 
  6. Eggs are inexpensive and can be eaten or incorporated into recipes for any meal of the day. Eggs are high in protein and full of vitamins including D, E, and all eight of the B vitamins. They also contain iron, zinc, potassium, and other minerals.
  7. You can also get  your daily protein and omega-3 oils from canned salmon or tuna, which can be purchased on sale. Light tuna is healthier than albacore because of the mercury levels. 
  8. Use portion control by dishing out the food onto each person's plate rather than serving food family style where most people are tempted to reach for seconds, whether they are still hungry or not. Saving leftovers for another meal or to take for lunches also saves money.
  9. Buy those vegetables and fruits that are in season and are, thus, lower-priced.
  10. Shop at just one grocery store to save gas money, and learn to plan your menus by buying those items in each department marked specials for that week or have "buy one get one free" deals.

Ideas for cheap healthy meals don't just give nutritious ideas, but it can also save you money and stretch your budget.

Reference: 

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/30/16-ways-to-eat-healthy-while-keeping-it-cheap/

Posted on: Apr. 18, 2010