Affordable Meals

Explore Your Pantry and Refrigerator

Three Affordable and Healthy Recession-Proof Meal Suggestions

During difficult economic times it just makes sense that more people would eat at home, but in conjunction with difficult economic times there generally comes spikes in food costs and the added frustration of trying to keep a variety of affordable, flavorful and healthy meals on the table. If you're struggling with your menus, the following meal suggestions will help you mix things up at mealtime.

  1. Prepare foods with in-season produce, because bountiful crops mean more savings. For culinary comfort, prepare a hearty lentil soup with root vegetables. Lentils are inexpensive, and they are a good source of Iron and Phosphorus. Nutritional root vegetables such a sweet potatoes, celery root, and butternut squash are true winter treats. Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, and butternut squash is an excellent source of Vitamin A and a very good source of dietary fiber, Manganese, and Potassium.
  2. When you come across a great deal on canned beans stock up on the low-sodium versions. Beans are filling, loaded with soluble fiber, low in fat, and full of protein. When you're short on time but craving something healthy and satisfying, try tasty black bean tostadas. If you want to enhance your bean tostadas with added flavor and texture, drain a can of boneless, skinless wild Alaskan salmon then gently combine the salmon with diced avocado and minced jalapeño. Use this flavorful mixture to top your black beans when you're assembling your tostadas. Alaska canned salmon provides a good source of Vitamin B12, and it is one of the most Calcium-rich dairy foods. Avocados are a good source of dietary fiber, Folate, Potassium, and vitamin K.
  3. For a fulfilling, healthy breakfast, prepare convenient oatmeal then top with a couple of almonds and dried cranberries. Oats offer many nutrients, including Copper, Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin E. Almonds are a very good source of Manganese and Vitamin E, and dried cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber.

When you take advantage of great grocery deals and seasonal produce you'll have budget-friendly, healthy meals at your fingertips, so get inspired to prepare new meals, or enhance your meals, by exploring your pantry and refrigerator.


Dislcaimer: The information on this module is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional about your health and the health of others, and before acting upon any recommendation made in this module. Please note that medical information is constantly changing, so some information may be out of date.