Often times, eating healthy can be quite hefty on the budget. Unfortunately, it costs less to die…meaning: most tight budgets will only accommodate unhealthy foods, which eventually clog our arteries, elevate our sugar, and cause extreme obesity; thus, contribute to an overall unhealthy lifestyle. Telling the difference between healthy and non-healthy is often very difficult. Trying to decide how to eat healthy while also saving on costs can be very overwhelming. So, what do we do????? Quite often we go the “cheap” route while compromising our wellness. Below is an outline of the best ways to eat well on a budget. I hope this will aid in your mission to eat healthier and still be able to pay your bills!
Planning is essential. Before even stepping foot into the store, MAKE A LIST. Yes, I said make a list! This will prevent you from buying those Little Debbie snacks on impulse. Most meals should consist of protein, carbohydrates and good fats…eggs, fish, chicken turkey, cottage cheese and protein powders are great sources of protein. A great source of carbs are, of course, your veggies and some fruits. ELIMINATE your starchy carbohydrates.
Busy Ladies, don’t go to the store hungry. When you get extremely hungry, your blood sugar drops. Once your blood sugar drops, so does your will power. Keep items such as homemade trail mix with nuts and seeds with you in your car to snack on. The protein in the nuts will help curb your appetite so that you’re not satisfying your hunger pangs by throwing everything you crave in your shopping cart.
Eat Well with Budget-Friendly Recipes. Skip the pricey take-out food, and try tasty, wallet-friendly meal ideas. Even give couponing a try. Catch the ingredients to your favorite recipe on sale, then add a coupon to that item, therefore, lowering the cost even more. Below is a recipe that is healthy for the wallet as well as healthy to consume:
Tex-Mex Squash Casserole (101 calories per serving-serves 10)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 pound(s) summer squash, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
- 2/3 cup(s) finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 can(s) chopped green chiles
- 1 can(s) chopped jalapeños (about 1/2 cup), drained
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, or to taste
- 2 1/4 cup(s) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (about 7 ounces), divided
- 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup(s) mild salsa
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- 1/4 cup(s) finely chopped red onion, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray
- Combine squash, onion, chiles, jalapenos, salt, and ¾ cup cheese in a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour, toss and coat. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake the casserole until it is bubbling and the squash is tender…35 to 45 minutes. Spoon salsa over the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ cuts cheese. Bake uncovered until golden and heated through – 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions and red onion.
Eating well on a budget is just a matter of paying attention to what you are buying and where you are buying it. Trade the cookies, chips, ice cream and fast food for fresh fish, eggs, meat and veggies; and you will save money and also enhance your health so that you not only look better but feel better.
Ladies, should you decide to try my recipe, please give me feed back via email on what you think of the taste of this low calorie recipe. I may be contacted at assuringhands@massagetherapy.com.