Guest Post - Cheap healthy meals can be delicious too!

Making food that is good for you does not have to cost a fortune. It’s about a little creativity mixed in with some fun to have cheap healthy meals that are satisfying enough for your entire family.
One thing that anyone can do is eliminate the fat from their favorite meals and substitute with choices that have both fiber and nutritional value!

Ground white meat: this low-fat alternative to beef and pork is on the rise as another alternative. Not only are these available in ground form, but also in prepared meats such as sausage and sliced deli meat – which makes them far healthier than the traditional pork sausage. Meals like burgers, meatloaf, chili and even stroganoff can be made with ground white meat.

Dry pasta: this economical staple can be used as an entrée or side dish. Another advantage is that is cooks in little time, especially thin pasta like angel hair and spaghetti. When mixed with cooked meat or vegetables, it can be topped in variety of ways such as different soups, gravies and sauces. Lastly, because it is sold in large volume, one package can be used for several meals.

Vegetables: frozen vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mixed and stir-fry varieties can be used a number of ways. Mixed with meat or a dense vegetable such as eggplant, Portobello mushroom, butternut squash or sweet potato, this can make for a filling entrée that can be prepared on a stovetop or oven in little time. For those looking to save money, getting cut, frozen vegetables is a good idea.

Rice: not only is this inexpensive but easy to make. By cooking a cup of rice in hot water for about 20 minutes, you can add a little bit of butter and rice for a delicious breakfast. Serve with steamed broccoli and teriyaki sauce for a quick nutritious meal or by adding a couple of meat patties, top with brown sauce and sautéed onions for a fast meal that can be made in minutes.

Potato: there was a time when potatoes were the enemy with the no-carb craze from the early 2000s. The truth is that potatoes are good for you as they are high in potassium, Vitamins B6 and C. Another factor is that potatoes do not have to be drenched in oil or cheese in order to be edible. One popular and quick recipe is to cut a russet potato into bite-size pieces, soak in warm water for half an hour, drain and cover with dry onion soup, Preheat oven at 350 degree while mixing evenly. Place in casserole dish, cover and let cook for 45 minutes. For a crisp potato, add a tablespoon of canola oil to the mix and cook while uncovered.

Beans: cheap, high in fiber and fun to eat but if you’re cooking dry beans at home; you can take some of the “fun” away by adding a pinch of baking soda to the water while they cook. The only beans you may want to steer clear of are canned refried beans that are cooked in lard. Use beans as a replacement for meat in burritos, salads, casseroles, quesadillas and rice dishes.

These simple meal ideas can boost your health and your pocketbook!

Article written by Sean K from Blog Content Guild