Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (2024)

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I hope y’all are enjoying thelong holiday weekend! I thought it would be a good opportunity to round up my Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget. You see, it’s about this time every year that I start getting serious about eating healthy and working out. No, not because bikinis are rapidly approaching (okay, maybe a little), but because the sudden sunshine and warm air begin to energize and awaken me from the inside out. As soon as the sun starts to come out from behind those winter clouds, I spring to action like a little energizer bunny.

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (2)

I went through my archives and pulled these 20 recipes (10 meatand 10 vegetarian) that you might find useful if you suddenly become a health monster every spring, like me. “Healthy” is obviously a very subjective term, so take the list with a grain of salt.

My criteria for healthy means: plenty of vegetables and/or fiber, low or no added sugar, andreasonable fat content (lower animal based fats). And of course, what do all of these recipes have in common? They’re satisfyingand budget friendly. Enjoy! :)

Meat Recipes

1. Chipotle Chicken Chili

Chipotle Chicken Chili or "C3"

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (3)

This chipotle chicken chili has smoky chipotle peppers, shredded chicken, and hearty beans for a meal that will fill you up and satisfy your taste buds.

5 from 20 votes

$9.51 recipe / $1.19 serving Get the Recipe

2. Mini Black Bean Turkey Burgers

Mini Black Bean Turkey Burgers

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (4)

These flavorful mini black bean turkey burgers come together quickly and bake in the oven for a fast, no fuss dinner.

4.87 from 23 votes

$9.81 recipe / $1.96 serving Get the Recipe

3. Spicy Tuna Guacamole Bowls

Spicy Tuna Guacamole Bowls

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (5)

These super fresh and Spicy Tuna Guacamole bowls are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. The perfect no-reheat meal prep lunch for summer!

4.69 from 32 votes

$8.05 recipe / $2.01 serving Get the Recipe

4. Curry Beef with Peas

Curry Beef with Peas

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (6)

A hearty curry beef with sweet peas over rice is inexpensive, flavorful, and filling.

4.81 from 31 votes

5. Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (7)

Chicken slowly stewed with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja a versatile favorite.

4.59 from 53 votes

$7.89 recipe / $1.32 serving Get the Recipe

6. Greek Turkey Burgers

Greek Turkey Burgers

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (8)

Spinach, lemon, feta, garlic, and dill pack a lot of flavor into these healthy and delicious Greek Turkey Burgers.

4.89 from 51 votes

7. Chicken and Lime Soup

Chicken and Lime Soup

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (9)

This Chicken and Lime Soup is light, fresh, and flavorful with shredded chicken, vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime infused broth.

4.91 from 210 votes

$7.76 recipe / $1.29 serving Get the Recipe

8. Sloppy Joes Plus

Sloppy Joes Plus

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (10)

The plus in Sloppy Joes Plus is lentils! Tender lentils make the perfect addition to ground beef and increase the texture, flavor, and nutrients!

4.83 from 34 votes

$10.97 recipe / $1.37 serving Get the Recipe

9. Sweet n’ Spicy Chicken Bowls

Sweet n' Spicy Chicken Bowls

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (11)

These Sweet n' Spicy Chicken Bowls assemble quickly and provide a lot of flavor, color, and texture. Low sugar, high fiber, and loaded with deliciousness!

4.93 from 26 votes

$6.05 recipe / $1.51 serving Get the Recipe

10. Easy Oven Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (12)

These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a simple hands-off way to get that smoky-sweet flavor of traditional griddle fajitas.

4.95 from 279 votes

$13.90 recipe / $3.48 serving Get the Recipe

Vegetarian Recipes

11. Curried Chickpeas with Spinach

Curried Chickpeas with Spinach

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (13)

These super fast Curried Chickpeas with spinach are packed with flavor and nutrients, vegan, gluten-free, and filling! Plus they freeze great!

4.73 from 149 votes

$4.68 recipe / $1.17 serving Get the Recipe

12. Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti

13. Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (14)

These vegan red beans and rice are just as flavorful and filling as the classic pork version, but contain no animal products.

4.85 from 101 votes

$7.40 recipe / $1.23 serving Get the Recipe

14. Moroccan Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Moroccan Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (15)

Warm intoxicating spices make this vegetable filled Moroccan Lentil and Vegetable Soup perfect for cold Autumn nights.

4.84 from 117 votes

$7.43 recipe / $0.93 serving Get the Recipe

15. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

Spanish Chickpeas and Rice

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (16)

This one pot Spanish Chickpeas and rice has big flavor thanks to liberal dose of spices, artichoke hearts, and fresh lemon.

4.82 from 136 votes

$7.39 recipe / $1.84 serving Get the Recipe

16.

Easy Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetables and Tofu

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (17)

This easy hot and sour soup is light on the stomach, but big on flavor! The spicy and tangy broth is full of colorful vegetables and tender cubes of tofu.

4.85 from 44 votes

$6.72 recipe / $1.12 serving Get the Recipe

17. Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (18)

This Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup is packed with hearty flavor, texture, and good-for-you vegetables!

4.92 from 151 votes

$5.24 recipe / $0.52 serving Get the Recipe

18. Weeknight Enchiladas

Weeknight Enchiladas

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (19)

These easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are anything but boring. A few extra details take them from a simple to spectacular weeknight dinner.

4.95 from 59 votes

$6.70 recipe / $0.84 serving Get the Recipe

19. Vegan Red Lentil Stew

Vegan Red Lentil Stew

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (20)

This hearty Vegan Red Lentil Stew is packed with vegetables for tons of flavor, and will keep you warm and full in the cold winter weather!

4.89 from 45 votes

$4.28 recipe / $0.71 serving Get the Recipe

20. Mediterranean Farro Salad with Spiced Chickpeas

Mediterranean Farro Salad with Spiced Chickpeas

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (21)

This Mediterranean Farro Salad with Spiced Chickpeas is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients (and no animal products!).

4.94 from 64 votes

$7.65 recipe / $1.91 serving Get the Recipe

Want to share your favorites? Feel free to share your favorite recipes for eating healthy on a budget (from anywhere around the web!) in the comments below.

Top 20 Recipes for Eating Healthy on a Budget (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest healthiest meal? ›

When you need a cheap, easy, healthy meal, it's time for a stir-fry. The pre-chopped packaged frozen vegetables save time in the kitchen and keep you below your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition. Lighten the meal more by opting for low-cal bottled plum sauce and low-sodium soy sauce.

What are the 3 P's for eating healthy on a budget? ›

Page 1
  • PLAN. ✓ Plan meals and snacks for the week according to an established budget. ✓ Find quick and easy recipes online. ...
  • PURCHASE. ✓ Buy groceries when you are not hungry and when you are not too rushed. ...
  • PREPARE. ✓ Some meal items can be prepared in advance; pre-cook on days when you have.

What meals should you eat everyday? ›

eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day) base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta. have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein.

What is the best meals to eat everyday? ›

What foods are healthy to eat every day? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 , each day you should aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and foods containing protein (either plant-based or from lean meats or fish).

How can I eat for a week on $30? ›

Here's how I keep my grocery bill under $30 a week
  1. Breakfast: Cheerios with milk and a banana, plus the free coffee I get from my office.
  2. Mid-morning snack: Granola bar or orange.
  3. Lunch: Whole wheat pasta dressed up with butter and salt.
  4. Dinner: Fried eggs, a side of rice, and a glass of milk.
Jan 13, 2017

How can I eat less than $20 a week? ›

Your Shopping List
  1. 1 bag of dried beans: $1.49.
  2. 2 pounds of chicken breast: $3.76.
  3. 1 jar of peanut butter: $1.98.
  4. 1 jar of jelly: $1.79.
  5. 1 loaf of whole wheat bread: $1.63.
  6. 1 dozen eggs: $1.26.
  7. 1 container of oatmeal: $1.35.
  8. 1 bag of dried lentils: $1.39.

What is the cheapest meal to live on? ›

Cheapest Foods to Live On:
  • Oatmeal.
  • Eggs.
  • Bread.
  • Rice.
  • Bananas.
  • Beans.
  • Apples.
  • Pasta.

What is the best snack for weight loss? ›

Each snack is full of good-for-you nutrients, and will make you feel like your diet is about anything but deprivation.
  • Mediterranean Hummus Tray. ...
  • Oatmeal and Blueberries. ...
  • Rhythm Kale Chips. ...
  • Apple Slices and Cheese. ...
  • Cheerios and Soy Nuts. ...
  • Pear Slices with Almond Butter. ...
  • Turkey Rolls. ...
  • Hardboiled Egg. Getty Images / udra.
Mar 1, 2024

Is Subway really healthy? ›

Plenty of healthy options exist at Subway, but less-balanced choices do, too. Certain meats contain hard-to-pronounce additives, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats. Other items include added sugar.

What are the top 20 healthy foods? ›

What are Top 20 best food for good health? The top 20 best foods for good health include spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, oranges, almonds, walnuts, avocado, salmon, tuna, eggs, Greek yogurt, quinoa, brown rice, lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.

What is the 3 meal rule? ›

The three meals per day concept originated with Englanders who achieved financial prosperity. European settlers brought their eating habits with them to America. Unfortunately, practicing antiquated, meal etiquette often causes you to consume calories when you're not hungry.

What are 3 examples of foods to make sure you consume enough of? ›

Top 10 Foods for Health
  • Water. Drink 8 to 12 cups of water daily.
  • Dark Green Vegetables. Eat dark green vegetables at least three to four times a week. ...
  • Whole Grains. Eat whole grains sat least two or three times daily. ...
  • Beans and Lentils. Try to eat a bean-based meal at least once a week. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Winter Squash. ...
  • Soy.

What are the 3 food rules? ›

Three healthy eating rules from a dietitian
  • Rule #1: Eat more veggies and fruit. On the MyPlate diagram, fruit and veggies take up half the plate for good reason! ...
  • Rule #2: Be mindful of your eating. ...
  • Rule #3: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Nov 14, 2018

What is the healthiest thing you can eat for dinner? ›

10 Simple Dinner Ideas for Healthy Eating in Real Life
  1. Stuffed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beneficial nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber ( 1 ). ...
  2. Grain bowls. ...
  3. Veggie loaded frittatas. ...
  4. Dinner salad. ...
  5. Loaded brown rice pasta. ...
  6. One-pot soups. ...
  7. Curry. ...
  8. Burgers.
Jun 30, 2021

What are the top 10 healthiest dinners? ›

It's dinnertime: ZOE members' top recipes
  • Chickpea & broccoli pasta.
  • Lentil & eggplant stew.
  • Veggie shepherd's pie.
  • Harissa traybake.
  • Noodle salad.
  • Cod & salsa salad.
  • Kale salad.
  • Mushroom stir-fry.
Mar 19, 2024

What is the healthiest meal to eat for dinner? ›

"The ideal plate is one-half vegetables, a quarter protein, and a quarter starches, such as grains or starchy vegetables," said Rizzo. She listed grilled salmon with quinoa and roasted vegetables, and a vegetable bowl with brown rice and tofu as prime examples.

What is the healthiest meal plan to follow? ›

Our Top 10 Diet Plans
  • Mediterranean Diet.
  • DASH Diet.
  • Flexitarian Diet.
  • WW.
  • MIND Diet.
  • Vegetarian Diet.
  • Noom.
  • New Mayo Clinic Diet.
6 days ago

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