Any suggestions for healthy, cheap, easy food?

Apr 11, 2012

Catey P.

I thought I'd see if anybody on here has some suggestions for me. I'm really on a health kick this year. Last year I was tired all the time because I didn't eat enough, but now I've put on a little more weight than I'd like. So this year, I'm trying to find the right balance. Growing up, my mom was always really anorexic, so I never learned how to cook for myself or what to eat. I don't want to end up with an eating disorder like her- I want to be healthy!

So I've learned to pack all of my breakfasts and lunches to take with me to work and class, but I can only survive so long on sandwiches and bagels. I'm looking for new ideas! Does anybody know of a good, healthy meal that I can pack and take with me?

I'll offer my only great meal idea: for breakfast, I eat a bowl of yoghurt with a handful of plain oats and a handful of berries. The yoghurt has lots of protein and Vitamin D, the fruits have antioxidants, and the oats have lots of fiber, great anti-inflammatory properties and are good for your heart.

Apr 11, 2012

April F.

i try to pick a day over the weekend and cook some of my meals for the week or cook some stuff that's easy to throw in my lunch bag, like grilled chicken breasts. also bagged salads are your friend. you can just put some in a container, add your chicken and voila! lunch is served. in the winter time you can make big pots of soup or stew and do the same thing : ) hope that helps.

Apr 11, 2012

Sarah M.

I know this might sound really obvious but i always take a banana - great for energy and full of potassium! 

Apr 11, 2012

Rachel W.

You should get "Amy's Burritos" it's in the frozen section it's vegiterian or vegan depending on which one you get it's super healthy and really fulling. Also I find that when I eat oatmeal for breakfast I'm not as hungry then I usually am at lunch time. Hope I helped :)

Apr 11, 2012

Catey P.

April- I try to do that, too. I like to make pasta a whole box at a time! I'll try it with the salads, though, I do enjoy spinach.

Sarah- I know, I know, I sometimes have a banana for breakfast but I really don't like the taste! But they're so darn good for me. Haha maybe I'll learn to like them.

Rachel- I like the ready-made lunches in the vegetarian section, but I don't often buy them because they're so expensive.

Apr 12, 2012

Shelley W.

You can make your own burritos and it will be much cheaper than buying Amy's Frozen burrito's (they are certainly yummy though). Get whole grain tortillas, a few cans of black beans (better for you than refried pinto), green onions (chopped), salsa and shredded Mexican cheese and viola....you have homemade burritos. 

Apr 13, 2012

Soma S.

www.allrecipes.com has not only recipes, but ratings and feedback from users that have tried it at home, and a "Budget" option to search for recipes to save $$$. Hope that helps!  =D

Apr 14, 2012

Catey P.

Oooh, they have a "Quick and Easy" section! I'll be checking this out.

And Shelley- homemade burritos are a great idea! I love to eat mine with just cheese and tomato haha. I'll pick up some shells next time I go shopping.

Apr 19, 2012

Cortney S.

Hmmm. Sounds like you're doing really well so far :) I have to say that I never get tired of a good veggie sandwich (tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, & olives) but other than that, try adding new things to ur diet, like sliced radishes are actually a really good snack. Don't forget baby carrots, fruit (canned or fresh), and Soup is always a nice pick-me-up. Good luck!