Healthy Meals on a Budget!

Whether you have a family of four or one, meal preparations can be time consuming and expensive.  Often consumers opt for fast food options which are not always the healthiest choices.

Since you want to avoid paying exorbitant doctor’s fees, it is in your best interest to prepare your meals at home.  Healthy food however, sometimes come with a hefty price tag.

How can you plan healthy meals on a budget?

Breakfast on a Budget

At breakfast time, it’s essential to fuel up with nutrient-packed ingredients to give you energy throughout the day and may even prevent overeating and help with weight regulation.  A healthy dose of fiber such as whole-grains and protein such as eggs and lean meat is generally a good way to start the day, since both help to keep you full for a longer period of time.

My favourite affordable breakfast is oatmeal.  It is relatively inexpensive and one box can last for weeks.  The health benefits of oatmeal have been well documented. Try adding raisins,cranberries or nuts your oatmeal for added fiber.

Lunch ideas

Why not turn your dinner into lunch?
Going out to lunch every day can be a bad habit for your health and bank account. If you’re going to be cooking dinner, you might as well double and have some leftovers for lunch. Spend a little money on good lunch containers and a fun lunch bag to make your home cooked option something special. Plus, bringing your lunch saves you time from waiting in busy lunch lines. Use that extra time for a post-lunch walk with some coworkers!

Try more vegetarian dinners!

Animal proteins are definitely more expensive than vegetarian proteins. Why not find some vegetarian recipes that utilize beans, lentils, tofu, and whole grains. If you do you’re sure to see savings on your grocery bill.

My favourite is vegetable lasagna as the ingredients are not expensive and you can use whatever vegetables you have readily available.

It is important to ensure that produce is fresh so make the trek to the market and start planning those meals! A healthy meal equals a healthy family.

What’s your take? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: budget, meals