I have three goals for meals. Healthy, cheap, easy. Most of the time, you can choose two out of the three. But occasionally, you find the perfect balance. Here are a few of my tips to find that balance.
A lil’ disclaimer. If it looks gross, unhealthy, or bland, you don’t have to eat it. By reading this post, you are not signing up to try any of these things. Take it or leave it.
- Rice is your friend. Especially if it comes in big bags. Some people find rice has too much carbs for their taste. I like it because it doesn’t have as much as bread, helps me feel full because it has carbs, but doesn’t make me bloated. Right now, bulk rice is fairly cheap, and will last you a long time. I buy the biggest bag I can at the grocery store, and that lasts me a couple of months. Just about any protein pairs well with rice, and you can make rice taste a thousand different ways, which makes it very versatile!
- Bulk buy your meat. If you can, this is actually a great way to save money on groceries in the long run. Sure, you have an upfront expense at the beginning of the month, or every few months, but then you don’t have to buy it again! A well stocked freezer is such a lovely thing to have. And it makes it easier to eat healthy. Thaw, bake/grill/pan fry, eat.
- Plan in advance what vegetables you are going to eat with each meal. Don’t wander around the grocery store picking up random vegetables that look good, promising to eat them ‘sometime this week’. We all know this is a lie. That cauliflower is going to languish in your fridge until it grows mold and you sadly toss it in the trash. With every meal, plan what vegetable, or vegetables, you are going to have. Roasted broccoli? Fresh cucumbers? Whatever vegetables you actually like. This is key, being adventurous in the kitchen is all well and good when you have time and energy, but in the middle of the week? Stick to the favorites. Slot one or two with each meal, and tada! No sad wilted vegetables.
There you go, a few tips to enjoy healthy, easy meals that are actually affordable.
Happy cooking!
Shaina Merrick
The Beauty of a Story 