If you think that eating healthy meals daily is going to cost you a lot, worry no more. Here are some easy to make, healthy meals if you are on a budget.

1. Veggies and fruits for snacks

Don’t overspend on junk food. If you are a sweet tooth, then opt for some fresh fruits instead of ordering some cake or ice cream. It won’t be the same, at least it will be full of nutrients and fruits aren’t that bad. When you feel the need to stress eat next time, keep some carrot sticks nearby. You’ll thank yourself soon enough.

2. Say no to frizzy drinks and say yes to a glass of milk

Those frizzy drinks can be very addictive and you’ll spend a lot purchasing these sugar high drinks time to time. What better way to avoid overspending on frizzy drinks than spending money on a non-fat milk powder like Anchor Shape Up. You can make several glasses from one packet, and it will definitely be healthy.

3. Chicken salad anyone?

Rather than spending money on a burger, opt out for a healthy chicken salad instead.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium chicken breasts (chopped)
  • 1 cucumber / zucchini (chopped)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell pepper (any colour, chopped)
  • 1/2 onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder (optional)

 How to prepare:

  • Add the olive oil, salt and pepper and rest of the ingredients and season the vegetables and the chicken in a medium dish.
  • Once mixed, bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Add in a few salad leaves when serving or enjoy with pasta / rice.

4. Fish and spaghetti / noodles

This one’s quite easy.

Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces spaghetti / noodles
  • 8-ounce fish fillet of your preference (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil / vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
  • 3 – 4 tomatoes (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cucumber (cut into small pieces)
  • salt
  • red pepper (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • tomato sauce

How to prepare:

  • Boil the spaghetti / noodles according to the instructions in the package and set it aside
  • On a large pan, add the oil, red pepper, garlic and toss it in medium heat. Once the oil simmers, add in tomatoes, sauce and a bit of water.
  • Cook until the sauce thickens and add the fish and cucumber. Stir for 3 – 5 minutes and add in the spaghetti and the parsley. Once it is mixed, serve warm.

5. Yoghurt and honey fruit cups

What you need is, simply some fruits of your choice (could be bananas, apples, pears, pineapple etc.), low fat yoghurt, a tablespoon of honey, a bit of grated orange zest. Almond extract if you have any available at home. Mix the yoghurt, honey, orange zest and then add to your bowl of fruits. A yummy and healthy fruit cup is just yours in no time!

Take that #onesmallstep and start eating healthy. Whether you’re on a budget or not, what matters is taking the initiative to start leading a healthy lifestyle!