Eating healthy on a budget

Have you been to the grocery store lately? Have you seen how high food prices are? The United States is seeing its worst inflation increases in decades. People are coming to us asking for cheaper recipes that still pack a nutritious punch.

Analysts reveal that food prices have skyrocketed 65% over the past two years. Yikes! The reasons for this are many. But we’re a health blog, not an economics whitepaper. We’re not here to explain supply chains and market forces. We’re here to share delicious recipes that won’t break the bank. We want to help you eat healthy on a budget.

Going out for a $15 8 oz smoothie probably isn’t on the table anymore. That $20 quinoa bowl, not worth it. 

Thankfully, eating healthy on a budget isn’t particularly difficult. Just follow our trusted recipes, and you’ll be set. 

The secret to eating healthy on a budget is adding delicious flavor to low-cost staples. You don’t need to wheel out the lobster each week or spend a fortune on fancy cheese (so expensive these days). Sticking to beans, basic starches, and everyday meats can provide your family with tasty meals that don’t break the bank. Don’t forget to use your coupons, too!

Here are five of our favorite meals that will have you eating healthy on a budget. Oh, and they’re not complicated, either!

1. Gluten Free Spring Pesto Pasta

We love this easy-to-make pasta dish. Not only is it easy on the wallet, but it can also be made in a flash. Just pick up some pasta, pesto, and a few vegetables, and you’re ready to go. 

Check out this budget-friendly pasta recipe.

2. Greek Turkey Meatballs

Another great recipe that makes the most of spices and simple ingredients. You’ll love the rich combination of flavors that can be packed into each meatball. You can serve this with pasta, but we like the meatballs served more as a salad over kale or another substitution. Always goes well with tzatziki sauce!

Make these Greek Turkey Meatballs.

3. Vegetarian Chili

Hearty, filling, and inexpensive. Those are three reasons why we love this vegetarian chili recipe. Make an entire pot of this, and you’ll definitely be eating healthy on a budget. With only seven ingredients, it’s easy to make and can serve an entire family.

Create a Vegetarian Chili masterpiece.

4. Chuck Roast

Chuck roast is one of the cheaper cuts of beef you can buy. That’s what makes it a great budget-friendly ingredient you can use at home. This roast is perfect for busy days – just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat. Plus, you can cook it with a bunch of vegetables and potatoes for nutritional benefit.

Try this delicious Chuck Roast. 

5. Fried Cauliflower Rice

Skip the meat, save some cash, and dig into this fried cauliflower rice dish. It tastes just like your favorite stir-fry dish but with even more nutritional value. You can even use your favorite stir-fry sauce to boost the flavor. We know that cauliflower is a super-food, so let’s add more of it to your diet.

Fry up some Cauliflower Rice.

Other Nutrition Tips

Don’t want to follow these exact recipes? That’s okay. You might want to strike out on your own to find the perfect balance between healthy and inexpensive. Here are a few tips to achieve that goal:

1. Add in Potatoes

They say that potatoes provide nearly 100% of a person’s daily nutritional needs. While we don’t recommend eating only potatoes, they’re a filling and versatile addition to many meals. Make homemade fries, make a hash, cut them into rounds, serve mashed… the list goes on and on!

2. Avoid Excessive Dairy

Dairy is expensive, and it doesn’t provide incredible health benefits. You don’t need to cut it out completely, but avoid the urge to fill up your card with cheeses, yogurts, and milk next time you’re out at the store.

3. Buy Produce In Season

Check to see which fruits and vegetables are in season. Not only will these foods be fresher in the store, but they’ll also likely be cheaper, too. Even better, buying in season supports sustainable farming practices since it requires less energy and effort to grow crops in their natural environments. When it comes to eating healthy on a budget, this is a win-win!

Learn More about Eating Healthy on a Budget

Are you trying to meet specific health goals through nutrition? Five Journeys is your destination for healthy eating on a budget. We work with you to set personal milestones and increase food knowledge. Learn more about your body while also discovering how the food you eat either advances or detracts from your overall health.

Want to start your nutrition journey? Reach out for a free consultation. Let’s sit down and discuss what that looks like for you.