Everyone knows that eating healthy doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some healthy lunch ideas on a budget. In fact, many people aren’t even aware of the affordable ways that they can incorporate healthier choices into their lives without breaking the bank.
Do you feel like you keep getting stuck in a rut with your monthly food budget? Read on for some helpful tips and ideas to help you build a better foundation for your meals this month. Read on for more
Swap out processed foods for homemade ones
If you’re a person who loves to cook and you’ve been doing everything you can to save money, but you’re still not making any progress, this is a mistake that you’ll want to avoid.
If you want healthy lunch ideas on a budget, begin by breaking yourself of the habit of constantly trying to cut the price tag on ingredients. Instead, think about what you’re preparing at home versus what you’ve been eating out.
It may surprise you to learn just how much you can save by making simple substitutions.
For example, instead of using boxed macaroni and cheese, you can make it at home with two cups of pasta, a cup of shredded cheddar, two cups of milk, a cup of butter, and a pinch of salt.
You can also make a lot of other dishes that you love to eat at home with simple substitutions like this. Swap out processed foods for homemade ones, or at least occasionally, and you can also use fresh veggies in place of canned ones.
You can also use fresh eggs instead of canned ones, or use whole-wheat pasta instead of the white variety, for example.
Make your own stock and use it in recipes
If you’ve got a large stockpot or a slow cooker on hand, why not use it to make homemade stock?
You can use this stock as a base for sauces, soups, and stews, or you can even drink it straight up as a health boost. After your stock cools, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays and store them in the freezer for later use.
You can also use it to replace the liquid in recipes that call for stock. This can be especially helpful when making casseroles and other dishes that require a long cooking time. Not only will this allow you to save money and cut down on the amount of time spent in the kitchen, it will help you to eat healthier, too.
Opt for canned or dried over fresh whenever possible for healthy lunch ideas on a budget
Canned foods are generally much cheaper than the fresh variety. This is why you’ll often see them used as a substitute for fresh vegetables in many recipes. If you’re particularly interested in saving money, though, and you’d like to cut down on the amount of fresh vegetables you’re consuming, you can also opt for canned vegetables.
This is especially helpful if you’re someone who loves to garden but can’t because of your work schedule. For example, if you’re someone who loves to grow tomatoes but you only have enough time to buy tomatoes that are already on the vine, you can opt for canned tomatoes instead. Canned foods are also an excellent choice for use in recipes that require liquids such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Eat at home more often
One of the best ways to save money and eat healthy is to eat at home more often. For example, you can save money by skipping out on takeout when you have the option of cooking your own meals instead.
This can help to cut down on the amount of sodium and preservatives that are found in restaurant food. You can also use this as an opportunity to eat healthier, as many of the cheaper meals eaten out can be high in sodium and preservatives.
Drink more water
Another easy way to build a more healthy lifestyle is to drink more water. This is especially true in the summer months when the temperature regularly climbs above the norm.
If you allow yourself to get dehydrated, you run the risk of developing several health problems, including muscle cramps and fatigue.
The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure you’re drinking water regularly. The easiest way to do this is to keep a bottle of water by your desk or in your car so that you have it ready whenever you feel like you’ve reached the point of dehydration.
Keep snacks to a minimum
Unless you’re one of the lucky few who doesn’t have any cravings or hunger pangs, you’re probably going to feel hungry between meals from time to time. If this is the case, though, you don’t want to reach for any high-calorie or high-sugar snacks. Instead, you can try keeping some low-calorie or low-sugar trail mix or granola bars around for when you feel the urge to munch.
If you need inspiration for low-calorie or low-sugar snacks, you can try keeping a water bottle filled with ice, some almonds, a piece of fruit, or low-sugar protein bars in your desk or car so that you’re prepared when you need a snack.
Dining out doesn’t need to be expensive
While it’s true that many restaurants are trying to nickel and dime customers these days, there are some things that you should keep in mind before you automatically assume that a meal out will cost a small fortune.
For example, many restaurants offer “value meals” that can help to cut down on your overall food bill. This can be helpful where you’re eating out with friends or family members who are spread out over a large table. It can also be helpful in situations where there are a large number of people at the table such as at a birthday party or family reunion.
If you’re on a budget, you can pack healthy lunches that are both delicious and nutritious. For example, you could pack an avocado turkey hummus wrap, a Greek chickpea salad, or a kale salad with an apple tahini dressing. Many of these ideas are easy to prepare and can be eaten throughout the week.
Avocado turkey hummus wrap
Avocado turkey hummus wraps are a great healthy lunch idea. They are quick and easy to prepare and taste great. This recipe calls for five ingredients and can be made in under five minutes. You can also add fresh fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber or carrots.
Greek chickpea salad
This healthy lunch idea is packed with protein and vitamins. It can be served cold or at room temperature. If you want to make it more exotic, you can add cranberries, wild rice, or quinoa. You can also swap in chickpeas for white canned beans.
Turkey caesar sandwich
A turkey Caesar sandwich is a quick, healthy lunch option that is full of tangy flavors and only 15 minutes to prepare. Most of the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen. You can buy low-fat mayo and multigrain bread to keep your sandwich filling and low in calories.
Kale salad with an apple tahini dressing
The secret to this wholesome lunch is the miso, an inexpensive Asian ingredient found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. The miso will keep for months. Then, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and massage it with some sea salt. You can even marinate the kale for several days before serving.
Chopped salads
Chopped salads are a great option for lunches on a budget and are also a great way to reuse leftovers.
these salads can be dressed up to be more fancy or simple, and you can even create them with the latest trends, such as Buddha bowls.
You don’t need a recipe or prepare the meal beforehand; the only thing you need to do is cut all the ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
Wrapping your ingredients in a whole-grain tortilla
Wraps are similar to sandwiches, but they’re a much healthier alternative. They contain a healthy protein and plenty of colorful vegetables. They can also include cheese. Cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein. It also slows the emptying of the stomach, so it’s good for weight loss.
Just make sure to choose low-fat or fat-free cheese and stay away from full-fat varieties, which contain more saturated fat and cholesterol.
Prechopped fresh veggie mix
Whether you’re on a budget or not, there are a variety of healthy lunch ideas to choose from. For example, you can make a wrap or a salad to bring to work with you. You can also meal prep the ingredients beforehand and pack them in containers for later use.
Using frozen quinoa
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy lunch option on a budget, quinoa may be the answer. This grain is native to the Andes in South America and has impressive nutritional benefits. You can prepare delicious dishes like Mediterranean quinoa salad or use leftover quinoa from last night. It can be served at room temperature, warm, or chilled. The flavor of quinoa is mild, but it packs a lot of nutritional punch, making it an excellent side dish.
Wrapping up – Healthy lunch ideas on a budget
Healthy lunch ideas on a budget doesn’t mean that eating has to break the bank. In fact, you can enjoy more nutritious meals at a lower price point if you’re willing to make a few adjustments to your budget and shopping habits. These tips and tricks can help you to save money, as well as to eat healthier every day.
