Healthy Meals Under $2
One thing I’m asked about a lot, especially these days, is how to eat healthfully on a budget. Fortunately, some of the best-for-you foods in the supermarket are the least expensive. If you can cook for yourself (it’s easy!), you can make quick, affordable meals at home that are far more satisfying and much better for you that the drive through variety. Here are three easy athlete-friendly options at $2 or less per serving with five or fewer ingredients:
Chili Topped Potato
* 1 medium Russet potato ($0.35)
* 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil ($10.99 per 17 oz bottle = $0.33)
* ½ of a 14.7 oz can of vegetarian black bean chili ($2.19 per can = $1.10)
Total: $1.78
Bake potato in oven or cook in microwave. Drizzle with oil and top with heated chili.
Crunchy Tuna Casserole
* 1/2 cup cooked whole wheat egg noodles ($1.95 per 12 oz bag = $0.16)
* ½ 5 oz can drained, rinsed chunk light tuna in water ($0.99 per can = $0.50)
* 2 Tbsp minced white onion ($1.49 per pound = $0.10)
* 2 Tbsp minced green Bell pepper ($1.49 per pound = $0.10)
* 2 Tbsp unsalted sunflower seeds ($2.29 per 7.25 oz jar = $0.16)
Total: $1.02
Toss together first four ingredients. Place in small baking dish, sprinkle with sunflower seeds and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes.
Breakfast Tacos (great for lunch or dinner too)
* 2 soft corn tortillas ($1.29 per 9 oz package = $0.22)
* 2 organic eggs, scrambled ($4.29 per dozen = $0.72)
* ¼ cup salsa ($2.69 per 16 oz jar = $0.38)
* 10 sliced black olives ($1.99 per can = $0.33)
Total: $1.65
Scramble eggs. Fill warm tortillas with eggs and top with salsa and sliced olives.
Do you dine at home to save dollars or do you rely on fast food value menus? Look for my next blog for my healthy on the cheap fast food picks.