It is often very difficult to prepare an affordable yet healthy meal, especially when feeding a family. With food costs rising and people being occupied with work and other activities, it is hard for many families to prepare healthier meals, which end up consuming processed foods that are expensive and unhealthy.
But what if you can feed all members of your family, and enjoy
healthy food at the same time, using only $50 per week for groceries? Not only
is it doable but it is actually way easier than you anticipate with a smart
budget meal plan that focuses on cheap commodities and smart procurement and
preparation methods.
The USDA claims that a family of four needs to spend between
$220 and $450 on their weekly food purchase depending on the type of foods they
consume. A cheap meal will reduce the costs to an incredible level while at the
same time entailing healthy meals. Here, you’ll learn how to make a meal plan
for your family that won’t cost much by providing great grocery shopping tips,
meal planning tips, and even a comprehensive list of meals for you and your
family to enjoy for one week.
Key Principles of Budget-Friendly Meal Planning
1. Focus on Affordable Staples
Using inexpensive sources of nutrient-dense foods as the
foundation for your meals is the foundation of a good low-cost meal plan.
Products such as rice, pasta, beans, lentils, oats, canned vegetables, frozen
fruits and whole chickens are versatile and cheap.
2. Shop Smart and Seasonal
Saying yes to whatever is in season is easier on your pocket
as well as checking for weekly specials. Don’t just swipe those loyalty cards
and store apps to keep track of the reduction and price and don’t dismiss store
brands because they have products that are just as good but for a cheaper
price.
3. Plan Ahead
When you make a weekly meal plan, would prevent you from
having to bounce around to the grocery store whenever you feel like it because
this method makes you stick to purchasing only the things you need. The concept
of eating meals that share similar ingredients in their preparation reduces
wastage also.
4. Batch Cook and Freeze
Large quantities of foods that can easily be held and
reheated later should be prepared for instance soups, casseroles and stews.
This not only saves time, but you always have a budget-friendly dinner on
standby on the busier days.
Example $50 Weekly Shopping
Here’s a practical grocery list to feed a family of four for
seven days:
Grains and Starches:
- Rice (5 lbs): $3.50
- Pasta (2 lbs): $2.00
- Oats (1 lb): $1.50
Proteins:
- Whole chicken (4 lbs): $5.00
- Eggs (1 dozen): $2.50
- Black beans (2 cans): $1.80
- Peanut butter (16 oz): $2.00
Dairy:
- Milk (1 gallon): $3.50
- Cheese (8 oz): $2.50
Vegetables:
- Frozen mixed vegetables (2 lbs): $3.00
- Carrots (2 lbs): $1.50
- Onions (3 lbs): $1.80
Fruits:
- Bananas (5 lbs): $2.50
- Apples (3 lbs): $3.00
Pantry Staples:
- Tomato paste (2 cans): $1.60
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder): $2.00
Other:
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.00
- Total: $49.90
Cheap 7-day Meal Plan
Day 1: Roast Chicken and Vegetables
Dinner: Grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and carrots,
onions, finally a plate of rice. Easily add the remainder chicken to other
dishes throughout the week.
Day 2: Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Dinner: You can boil the remaining chicken bones with
carrots, onions and frozen vegetables then make soup out of them. Serve with
bread.
Day 3: Tomato Sauce and Cheese
Dinner: Cook pasta with tomato paste, garlic, and onions
following the recipe below: Top with cheese if you want to make it tastier.
Day 4: Black Bean and Rice Bowls
Dinner: This can be a very nutritious meal of rice, cooked
black beans, and a frozen vegetable mix. For more flavor add spices.
Day 5: Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Lunch: Easy and fast food that is sandwiches accompanied by
apple pieces.
Day 6: Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast: A perfect way to kick start the day is with
cooked oats in milk, garnished with raw banana slices and honey peanut butter.
Day 7: Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Dinner: When being pressed for time and money frozen
vegetables, day-old rice and scrambled eggs can be used in the stir-fry.
Tips for Sticking to Your $50 Budget
1. Cook from Scratch
Canned and convenience foods are usually more expensive as
compared with products prepared from raw ingredients. literally, a microwave
cooking method meal of biscuits and sardines is simple cooking that is
affordable.
2. Embrace Meatless Meals
Meat can be pricey and the best options for vegetative
products which are cheap always include beans, lentils, and eggs.
3. Reuse Leftovers
Do not dispose of food but try to transform it into
something different. For example, instead of cookies one can bake a cake with
the extra dough or extra roasted chicken and can give chicken salad or toppings
for rice bowls.
4. Minimize Waste
Once purchased store them correctly and ensure that
perishable goods are used first in the week as they are most likely to go bad.
Conclusion
A lot of people are employing tricks to feed their families
healthy; cheaply, this doesn’t have to include a boring diet. It isn’t
difficult to find grocery bargains and to cook and freeze wholesome foods that
are tasty for all the family at a low price. With an eye on cheap and
nutritious commodities, reuse of food items, and using your imagination in the
kitchen, a $50 grocery bill can be pushed to the limit.
Energy Meal Plans is all about providing you with delicious,
nutrient-packed foods that should help you feed your body right. For any
working parent or anyone generally busy or trying to cut costs while consuming
healthy meals, this simple and tasty affordable meal plan is perfect. Give
it a shot and channel your family diet-wise without detriment.
