Cheap Meals For Weight Loss: Crush Those New Year Resolutions Without Blowing Your Budget

When it comes to healthy eating for weight loss, the biggest challenge that many people face is how to do it without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, healthy does not always mean affordable, which tends to make it an almost impossible task of finding cheap meals for weight loss. With the new year finally upon us, this is a great opportunity for you to finally start working towards that weight loss goal that you’ve been postponing for years.

To help you finally achieve your goals this year we have taken it upon ourselves to compile this extensive list of cheap healthy meals for weight loss that you can make in the comfort of your home. We will also be giving you some easy to remember tips and tricks to help you reduce the cost of your groceries without losing out on either taste or choosing unhealthy options.

How To Shop For Healthy Meals On A Budget To Lose Weight

The most important part of any cheap meals for weight loss is not only that they are as healthy and nutritious as possible, but also that they do not exceed your set budget. If you’ve been struggling with the question ‘how should I eat on a budget to lose weight?’, here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you head out to do your grocery shopping

Buy in bulk

If you have the storage space, it is usually more cost effective to buy in bulk. While the cost may seem excessive at the moment, when you sit back and closely examine the cost per unit, you will realize that you actually end up saving more money this way rather than when buying smaller quantities more often.

Make a grocery list and stick to it

Many of us blow our food budgets on impulse buys. Avoid all the aisles that could tempt you and always avoid shopping while hungry – you are more likely to impulse buy more food (especially unhealthy options if you shop while hungry.

Read More: Slim Down with Sour Snacks: Are Pickles Good for Weight Loss?

Plan your meals ahead of time

This goes hand in hand with point 2 above. When you plan your meals ahead, you know what ingredients you need which prevents impulse buying. It also prevents you from spending money on ingredients that will just go bad in your pantry/fridge leading not only to food waste but also wasted money.

Buy what’s in season

When foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are in season, they tend to be much cheaper than when out of season. If you have a big freezer, be sure to buy your favorite in season fruits and vegetables to freeze them to enjoy when they are out of season without having to pay the extra cost of out-of season produce.

Stock up on canned or frozen produce

Not only are canned and frozen foods cheaper than their fresh counterparts, but they also tend to last much longer which prevents food waste and saves you money. 

Cook and eat at home

There’s no need to spend all that money on groceries only to turn around and order delivery or eat out. While there is no problem in treating yourself to some take out every now and then, it is important to remember that not only are homemade meals cheaper but you also know everything that goes into your meal making it easier to keep track of macros and calories. 

If you don’t enjoy cooking daily try meal prepping for the week (or a couple of days). If eating the same thing for an entire week doesn’t work for you, food prepping is another great way of cutting down on cooking time. Prep all your ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge.

1. Always look out for sales

Love a specific ingredient/food but it’s too expensive for your budget? Leave it for now and wait for when it goes on sale and then buy it in bulk – if possible.

2. Avoid alcohol and soft drinks

Not only are they an unnecessary indulgence that drains your budget but they are also quite unhealthy and will very likely hinder your weight loss plans. Remember that soft drinks are high in added sugar which adds empty calories to your diet, and alcohol – especially in excess has been linked to weight gain and obesity (1).

3. Buy less meat

While this is some unfortunate news for all the self-proclaimed carnivores out there, not all hope is lost. If going vegan is not an option that you are willing to consider, opt to buy more chicken instead of beef. It’s cheaper yet still healthy. If you still want beef, choose cheaper cuts – that way you get to satisfy your meat craving while having healthy cheap meals for weight loss that are within budget. 

For those who like fish but cannot afford to have salmon every week, cold-water fish like herring, mackerel, sardines, trout, Alaskan halibut and sea bass are cheap healthy omega-3 rich alternatives that you can try. You can also include more plant-based proteins in your routine without giving up meat entirely – they are nutritious, filling, and cheaper than meat. Even starting with just one or two meatless meals per week can make a big difference for your budget.

Cheap Easy Healthy Meals For Weight Loss

If you’re anything like me and do not necessarily enjoy spending an eternity in the kitchen, then sandwiches are most likely your go to meal or snack, especially during those busy work days. Sandwiches, while relatively easy to throw together, are also quite cheap to make. Try to use whole-grain bread instead of white bread as the former is more nutritious and has more fiber making it healthier for you than the latter.

Here are some easy and healthy weight loss friendly sandwiches that you can carry to work

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (preferably unsweetened)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, and coat with the olive oil. 
• Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto one side of each slice of bread. 
• Place banana slices onto the peanut buttered side of one slice, top with the other slice and press together firmly. 
• Fry the sandwich until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side.
• Enjoy with some tea, coffee, or a glass of milk

Calories: 442. Fats: 20 g. Protein: 15 g. Carbs: 57 g.

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Classic BLT (with a twist)

Nothing beats the classic bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwich. However, because our goal is weight loss, we shall be replacing bacon with turkey bacon which typically has much less fat than streaky pork bacon.

Ingredients

• 6 turkey bacon strips
• 4 slices of toasted whole wheat bread
• ¼ cup of light mayo
• 2 large lettuce leaves
• ½ large tomato sliced

Directions:

1. Cook your bacon until crisp – about 8 to 10 minutes on medium heat
2. Spread the mayo on your toasted bread, assemble your sandwich and enjoy

This makes 2 servings aka 2 sandwiches.

Calories for 1 sandwich: 280. Fats: 14 g. Protein: 12 g. Carbs: 29 g.

Chicken Burger With Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli

Burgers tend to be expensive due to the meat and unhealthy due to the type of bread used and other condiments. This version, however, is a healthier alternative that will satisfy your craving while being healthy and budget conscious

Ingredients: For the chicken

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 30 grams chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp coconut flour 
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Aioli

• ½ cup mayo
• ½ small avocado
• 2 tbsp chopped basil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• salt to taste

To serve

• Lettuce buns
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced red onion
• Extra avocado

This recipe makes 4 burgers. Get directions from Eat The Gains (10)

Calories for 1 burger: 240. Fats: 14.7 g. Protein: 24 g. Carbs: 4.6 g.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich With Chimichurri Sauce

A delicious protein-rich herby version to the classic grilled sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 2 tsp butter
• ¼ cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp Chimichurri sauce
• 1 oz sliced mozzarella cheese

Get directions from The Nessy Kitchen (3)

Calories: 463. Fats: 33 g. Protein: 15 g. Carbs: 27 g.

Read More: Is Salad Good For Weight Loss? What Science Says About This

Curry Chicken Sandwich With Raisins & Almonds

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Juice of  ½ lemon
• ¼ cup toasted and chopped almonds
• ¼ cup raisins
• A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
• 8 slices whole grain bread

This recipe makes 4 sandwiches. Get recipe directions from the Food Network (5).

Calories for 1 sandwich: 286. Fats: 15 g. Protein: 23 g. Carbs: 13 g.

Greek Avocado Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices soft whole wheat bread
• ½ avocado
• 1 tbsp basil pesto
• Roasted red bell pepper
• Cucumber – sliced into thin rounds
• Red onion – thinly sliced red onion
• 6 pitted and thinly sliced kalamata olives
• A handful of spring mix
• Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Pit and peel the avocado half, place it in a small bowl and mash it with a fork. Using a butter knife, spread the mashed avocado on one slice of bread. On the other slice of bread, spread a layer of pesto.
2. Top the slice of bread that has the avocado spread with a single layer of roasted red bell pepper. Add a layer of cucumber slices, red onion, olives and spring mix. Using a spoon, sprinkle some balsamic vinegar over the lettuce. Place the pesto slice on top, pesto side down.
3. Enjoy

Calories: 560. Fats: 38.5 g. Protein: 12.1 g. Carbs: 48.3 g.

Delicious & Cheap Meals For Weight Loss

If you have some extra time on your hands, or simply want something more filling than a simple sandwich, here are some recipe options for healthy cheap meals for weight loss.

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken

Ingredients: For the chicken

• 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 15 oz. canned full-fat coconut milk
• 3 tbsp green curry paste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp salt or more, to taste
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fresh Thai basil or cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

For the vegetables

• 1 large sliced green pepper
• 1 large sliced red pepper sliced
• 1/2 medium-sized red onion sliced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground pepper

This recipe makes 4 servings. Get directions from Fit Foodie Finds (9).

Calories for 1 serving: 455. Fats: 26 g. Protein: 43 g. Carbs: 8 g.

Mushroom Curry

For anyone looking for cheap vegan meals for weight loss, this mushroom curry is a perfect stew option for dinner and leftover lunch. To make it more filling, serve with brown/wild rice or other whole grain.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 400 g mixed mushrooms – chopped into large chunks
• 2 crushed garlic clove
• 1 tbsp Fresh grated ginger
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 400 g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 200 ml light coconut milk
• 100 ml vegetable stock
• Juice of ½ lime 
• Fresh coriander to serve

This makes enough curry for 4 servings. Get recipe directions from Hungry Healthy Happy (6)

Calories for 1 serving: 134. Fats: 6 g. Protein: 4 g. Carbs: 20 g.

Chicken & Chickpea Stew

A fantastic and delicious high protein dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves finely chopped garlic 
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 chopped large yellow onion
• 1 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce can rinsed chickpeas
• ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

This recipe makes 4 servings. Get directions from Eating Well (4). Serve with a side salad or mashed sweet potatoes.

Calories for 1 serving: 267. Fats: 7.9 g. Protein: 28.2 g. Carbs: 21.5 g.

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Sweet Potato & Carrot Soup

A delicious alternative to good old pumpkin soup.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 peeled and chopped onions
• 1 peeled and minced garlic clove 
• 1 liter vegetable stock
• 35 g cup finely grated cheddar cheese 
• 2 tbsp low fat Greek yogurt
• Small handful of pea shoots

This makes 4 servings. Get recipe directions from the Kitchen Sanctuary (2).

Calories for 1 serving: 268. Fats: 10 g. Protein: 6 g. Carbs: 38 g.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized sweet potatoes

For the salsa

• 1 can of corn 
• 1 can of black beans – rinsed and drained
• 1 bundle spring onion, chopped
• 1 bundle cilantro (leaves)
• 3 diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• optional: turmeric and pepper

For the guacamole

• 2 avocados
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• few slices of jalapenos 
• juice of 1 lime

This makes 4 servings. Get directions from 2sharemyjoy (7)

Calories for 1 serving: 430. Fats: 12 g. Protein: 12 g. Carbs: 73 g.

How Can I Lose Weight Fast On A Budget?

As seen in the ‘how to shop for healthy meals on a budget to lose weight’ section above, the most important thing is figuring out how to properly feed yourself while not exceeding your budget. Once you have understood this, the rest is easy. Here are somethings to keep in mind, however,

1. Eat on a calorie deficit – Creating a negative calorie balance is the most important part of any weight loss journey. Always try to make sure that you are burning more calories that you are eating. Get a calorie app to help you figure out how many calories you need to do this in relation to your lifestyle.
2. Exercise – While it is possible to lose weight with very little exercise, for faster and long lasting results, exercise is highly recommended. Try getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 or more days per week.
3. Drink more water – Not only is this a great way to stay hydrated, but water is also a natural appetite suppressant that prevents you from overeating.

Above all, remember that weight loss is a slow gradual process and fast weight loss is often not sustainable in the long run (8).

What Is The Healthiest Dinner To Lose Weight?

There is no one dinner option that will guarantee weight loss if you eat it everyday. If you are looking to shed some extra pounds, make sure that all your meals – including dinner – are within your daily allocated calorie allowance and that your plate has a large portion of vegetables, some moderate lean protein and some healthy carbs. It’s also best for your health to eat a variety of different foods, not the same things every day.

The Bottom Line

Contrary to popular opinion, having cheap meals for weight loss is not impossible. It might take a bit of crafty thinking and shopping as well as perhaps sacrifice in some cases but if done right, it is totally possible. As usual, please remember to speak to a doctor before starting any new diet, and do not starve yourself in the name of losing weight. Good luck!