Due to the economy, most of us are watching our budgets including our grocery list. Just this last weekend, I was absolutely shocked when I purchases a one pound box of wheat pasta for one dollar and two jars of organic spaghetti sauce for two dollars.
My husband was absolutely flabbergasted. After our Thanksgiving hangover, we were looking for an easy healthy meal and you can’t beat a three dollar meal for two.
Healthy eating recipes, especially healthy eating budget recipes, are one of many cooking trends right now. Almost all the celebrity chefs and network morning shows are featuring great healthy eating recipes.
One website that has truly mastered the art of cooking health on a budget is Eating Well. The Eating Well website features a plethora of eating healthy recipes.
The following link provides over 100 healthy eating recipes: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/cheap_eats.
Some of the recipes include:
• Paprika Shrimp & Green Bean Saute
• Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons & Parsley Brown Butter
• Beef & Bean Chile Verde
• Lime-Honey Glazed Chicken
• Tijuana Torta
These recipes are extremely easy and are for those who like a lot of flavor.
Another great way to eat healthy and save money is to buy and make beans. A pot of beans can last you and your family a few days. Pinto beans, black beans and kidney beans are very easy to prepare. You can simply add onion, garlic, salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Not only are beans easy to prepare, they are also good for you. They are high in fiber, protein and low in calories. You can also substitute beans for meat. For example, try using beans as your main protein during your mean.
• Try a quesadilla with beans instead of meat
• Put some beans on top of your salad
• Try a vegetarian chili
• Or eat just a bowl of beans with brown rice
According to CBS News, "research has shown vegetarians to have a lower risk of cancer than carnivores or omnivores; we're not suggesting you go completely vegetarian, but replacing one-to-two typically meat/poultry-based meals per week with a vegetarian meal may reduce your risks!"
Here are two great bean recipes provided by the CBS News website. These recipes are easy and very healthy.
White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
2 cups of beans
2-1/2 cups of water
1 cup frozen vegetables
1 onion, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
2 dry thyme leaves
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a pot and set over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cover. Lower heat and allow to sit for approximately 2 hours.
Bean Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups beans of your choice
1 cup frozen vegetables
1 cut celery stalk
1/4 chopped chives
5 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions:
Use a whisk to combine olive oil and salt and pepper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and add with olive oil with seasoning.
Also, visit the following link for more easy healthy eating recipes on a budget. You will find most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500165_162-4613172.html?pageNum=2&tag=contentMain;contentBody
References:
Cheap Eats | Eating Well. Healthy Recipes, Healthy Eating, Healthy Cooking | Eating Well. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/cheap_eats
Eating Healthy On A Budget - CBS News. Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/18/earlyshow/health/main4613172.shtml
financiallyfit. Eating Healthy On A Budget - CBS News. Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500165_162-4613172.html?pageNum=2&tag=contentMain;contentBody
Reviewed November 28, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith