Healthy $5 Meals – Eat Well on a Budget

Introduction

Eating healthy can be a challenge when you’re on a tight budget. However, it’s not impossible to eat well and save money. With some planning and creativity, you can make healthy and delicious meals for just $5 or less. In this post, we’ll share three simple recipes that are not only affordable, but also nutritious and easy to prepare.

Recipe 1: Vegetable Stir-Fry

This vegetable stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the bell pepper and mixed vegetables and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and black pepper.
5. Serve the stir-fry over cooked brown rice.

Recipe 2: Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is a healthy and filling dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, tomato, avocado, and cilantro.
2. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe 3: Lentil Soup

This lentil soup is a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold day. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup of dried lentils
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the carrot and celery and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and coriander.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.

Conclusion

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. By making simple and affordable meals at home, you can eat well and stay within your budget. These three recipes are just a few examples of the many delicious and nutritious meals that you can make for $5 or less. Get creative and try new recipes, and you’ll see that eating healthy on a budget is easier than you think.