"Eating healthy is just so expensive."

 

We hear this all the time.

 

Reality check...Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive!

It's TRUE!  And, as proof, check out these 10 flavor-loaded meals that would feed 4-6 people for under $10.  Plus, there are many more on the website!  After perusing these meals (we secretly hope your mouth will be watering!), keep reading for more perspective on how eating healthy really can be both delicious AND affordable!

 

Curry Roasted Vegetable Pasta 

Curry flavor, roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, and a sweet raisin pasta sauce work perfectly together to make this a delicious, easy sweet and tangy meal!

 

Cherry Tomato Margherita Pizza

Completely amazing pizza!  Cooking the tomatoes before you top them on the pizza gives this such an incredibly great flavor...you just might think you are at an authentic Italian restaurant!  If you can take advantage of fresh, in-season tomatoes and basil this will take the flavor of this pizza to another level!

 

Oatmeal Raisin Pancakes

We thought about calling these pancakes Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Pancakes because they are THAT good!  Their delicious flavor is similar to an oatmeal raisin cookie!  Feel free to double and freeze the extras so you will have pancakes ready to grab and go!

 

Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Stuffed sweet potatoes make an excellent quick and easy meal!  In this southwest-topped version, the warm black beans and corn combine with the salsa and cool avocado to create a meal that is satisfyingly flavorful, not to mention colorful!  You can even cook your sweet potatoes in the slow cooker!

 

Take Me To Italy Tomato and Garlic Pasta

If you are in the mood for a flavor-loaded simple pasta, bursting with garlic and tomatoes, then this one will hit the spot!  Using a good quality tuna and in-season summer cherry tomatoes sends the flavor over the top!  Super easy to put together and absolutely delicious!

 

Fire-Roasted Sloppy Joes

Don't worry about whether your picky eaters will like these veggie-laden sloppy joes!  We've seen kids (and spouses) happily gobble these up!  Butternut squash (or sweet potato) provides the sweet flavor, making the sugar found in processed sloppy joes unnecessary.  We have even heard kids say, "this tastes like chili on a bun!"

 

 

Chicken and Grilled Veggie Tacos

Using leftover chicken, such as from the Seasoned Slow Cooker Chicken, makes this a super easy and quick meal!  Plus, grilling the corn, zucchini and jalapeños really amps up the flavor!

 

Mini Eggplant Pizzas

After an Eat REAL America member request for eggplant pizzas, mission accomplished!  These super tasty little pizzas have the perfect crunch thanks to the Panko breadcrumbs and roasting, and then the flavor is spectacular!  Enjoy them as a light meal, lunch or snack -- they are crazy good!

 

Grilled Summer Peach Sandwich

Amazing flavor combination of grilled peaches, jalapeño and red onion, layered together with a juicy slice of a summer tomato, and then a spread of Simple Guacamole for the win!  Feel free to serve this sandwich open-faced or assemble it with 2 slices of bread...either way, it's absolutely delicious!

 

Southwest Quinoa with Simple Guacamole

This one-pot vegetarian meal, topped with lazy guacamole, blends a fantastic variety of textures, colors and Mexican flavors.  Plus, it's quick and easy too!

 

What if you could eat healthy like this AND save $100,000?

Imagine ordering these meals out at a restaurant.  For a party of 4, you would easily spend $50 to $60 or more.  On average, people eat out 4 to 5 times per week.  If the average family reduced this to just one time per week and cooked delicious, healthy meals at home the rest of the week, they could save $150 every week (and $7,800 over the course of a year)!  Compounded over 10 years, that's over $100,000!

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

• These costs assume you have stocked your kitchen with all the useful staple ingredients and seasonings.  Sure, a 2 oz. packet of dried thyme might cost $3.50, but the 1/2 tsp that goes into Mini Eggplant Pizzas is only $0.15.  Since you are using these staples on a regular basis, you are not wasting any and the cost of the ingredient is the portion you would use in the recipe.
• These costs don't even account for savvy shoppers who are able to buy ingredients at a discount (making these meals even cheaper).  This may include sales you find at your local stores or great deals you find at your local farmers' markets.  On the flip side, if you buy only organic or buy the highest priced ingredients, your costs will be a little higher.  Remember, our priority is to help people to embrace a REAL food lifestyle - then, buying organic can take your health to the next level.
• Don't forget your health!  There is no disputing that eating REAL food will improve your health and, in most cases, reduce the amount you spend on doctors' visits, medications, and other medical related expenses.  Plus, you will feel better and thrive!

 

If you know someone who is skeptical about a REAL food lifestyle being affordable, feel free to share these coaching tips with them:

Is Eating Healthy Really More Expensive?

15 Ways to Beat High Food Prices

 

Do you know someone who thinks eating healthy is too expensive?

Or too time consuming?

Or doesn't taste good?

See if you can help change their perception with these recipes!