At the turn of a new year, somewhere in between our last sip of champagne and what was supposed to be our last sip of champagne, most of us are filled with excitement, positive energy and a plan for how we’re finally going to get it all right this year. Topping the list of popular New Year’s resolutions are often health and financial fitness aspirations. But as anyone who’s ever set foot in a health food store or noticed the rising costs of fresh food in general can attest to, having a fat wallet and skinny waist are two ideals that don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
Thankfully though there’s an intriguing movement sweeping the blogosphere lately of real food hacks to eat healthy and affordably. That’s right… no longer does eating cheap (and on the fly) have to involve a value menu and “dinner” that arrives through your car window. The recipes, ideas and food-spriation in this post prove what a little creativity and leg work at the grocery store can do for better shaping both your waistline and your wallet in 2015. Bon appetite!
Stock these inexpensive and nutritious staples in your pantry to use in the delicious recipe ideas below or let them inspire your own creative culinary talents… just be sure to share your delicious recipe ideas with us too!
CHEAP EAT #1: Bananas
I see these bad boys on sale at the grocery store for mere cents all the time.
Naturally fat and cholesterol free and a tasty source of natural sugar, bananas can satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining your diet. Slice one up and top with a drizzle of all natural honey and ground cinnamon for a decadent dessert or mash up a couple to substitute for the butter and oil of many cookie recipes. Freeze banana slices and blend with cocoa for a guilt free ice cream treat or toss the frozen bites into your next smoothie batch to boost the flavor and the nutrition. Delish!
If you needed another reason to stock up on the naners, check out this Skinny Banana Cookie recipe using only three ingredients from Six Sisters’ Stuff. Add in a little cinnamon and vanilla for an even tastier treat.
Click each link for the recipes!
CHEAP EAT #2: Oatmeal
With its hearty, wholesome and delicious demeanor, few health foods can top a good bowl of old fashioned rolled oats when you’re craving something with some substance to it. Not to mention, this stuff is a great cheap find to buy in bulk to store for later use. Whip up a family size batch in the crock pot, try one of the zillion tasty takes on overnight oats, throw a handful in your next strawberry smoothie recipe or use the good stuff in to make oatmeal pancakes, as seen in one of our favorite hack’s from Biggest Loser. You’ll swear you’re eating cinnamon French toast… well almost!
CHEAP EAT #3: Eggs
I have a theory on eggs. I think they’re the underappreciated protein. Meat can be costly (and trust me, after grocery shopping for my carnivore boyfriend, I know a thing or two about meat prices). But I can often find large eggs for under $2 for a dozen. Scramble a scoop of fat free cottage cheese in with your eggs and egg whites for a fluffy, cheesy change up or hard boil the whole carton at the beginning of the work week for a quick breakfast on the go, boost of protein for your lunchtime salad or post work out protein snack. Spice things up and mix some avocado into your next egg salad for a healthy hack on the traditional mayo, like in the recipe below from San Diego Deals and Steals.
CHEAP EAT #4: Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes are another budget friendly find you can count on in the produce section. Reach for the sweet ones and insert a bona fide super food into your family’s weekly menu. But forget the typical butter and brown sugar topping and try instead whipping together baked sweet potatoes (sans the skin), coconut milk and cinnamon for a wholesome and delightful twist on the treat. Or try a roasted version in natural honey and coconut oil for something new and dig in to this divine recipe from blogger Taylor Bee on her blog, Taylor Made.
CHEAP EAT #5: Whole Wheat Pasta
Spaghetti was a staple of my college roommates and I when we’d spent our grocery budget on other ventures the weekend before. But with white pasta getting such a bad rep these days, why not reach for whole wheat instead? At its already low price and another item you can buy in bulk and store, this one is a cheap eats favorite! For something a little more fresh and whole foods friendly, skip the canned sauce and create your own by dicing a couple tomatoes and simmering the antioxidant rich fruit in garlic, olive oil and a sprinkle of basil. Look to blogger Kelsey of Organizing Life with Littles for inspiration and her family’s Capellinni Pomodoro recipe, which she swears is under 75 cents a serving!
What’s your favorite “cheap eat”? Share in the below comments!
