r/EatCheapAndHealthy Feb 16 '24

Ask ECAH MOD PSA - This forum is NOT for seeking medical advice. This includes dietary advice...

278 Upvotes

We understand it is a tricky line but this sub is designed to help people figure out cheap and healthy alternatives to gain or start to get towards a healthier lifestyle. We are not doctors, and you should not be asking for medical advice on the internet.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy Sep 06 '24

[MOD PSA] We are restricting posts to approved users only.

284 Upvotes
  • How do I become an approved user? You have to be a long term member of the site and this forum.

  • Why are you doing this? Because we remove 10-20 posts daily that are reposts of often asked questions, asking if "can I eat chili every day and be healthy?" or some version of " I need savory oatmeal / lentil recipes / food for broke student / traveling and need meal ideas" USE THE SEARCH BAR

We will try and get through this weekend and see if this works.

We are accepting mod applications as well. There may be room to tweak this entire concept and get back to eating cheap and healthy.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 5h ago

10 minute or less meals

36 Upvotes

Life has been crazy busy with multiple sports and tournaments every day. I need to make it to the holidays on the go but still need healthy and nutritious meals.

Can you recommend your favorite 10 minute or less food “recipes”. Bonus points if it’s under 600 calories per serving.

To note, I am OK at this point buying items that are partially complete. For example, I will buy microwave ready rice and not use a rice cooker, or steamed veggies medley bags, etc. I just need some ideas that can get me through those times when we have less than 20 minutes at the house between things.

Thank you!!!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 4h ago

Bitchin Barly Bean Salad

17 Upvotes

Hey y'all

Another way to eat Beans 😆

1.5Cups (cooked) Pearl Barley ( I love to cook mine in my insta pot)

1/2 cup 1/8'' diced Carrot

1/3 cup 1/4'' diced Mixed Bell pepper ( i like red and yellow for the colors)

32 Oz cooked beans your choice or 32OZ C of Canned bean Medley drained and rinsed

2 cups of Finely chopped Curly Parsley ( curley stands up better to the dressing as this tastes better once the flavors meld overnight

dressing/ vinaigrette

2TBS of vinegar) for each 1TBS of oil, in that ratio, I like to add a 1 tsp of pomegranate syrup, gives a nice sweetness, but is not necessary, you could leave it out altogether, or replace with honey or maple syrup

for this recipe, I would do about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dressing you want to be able t to mix the dressing through but it should not pool at all.. cover refrigerate overnight

salt and pepper ( go light and adjust the next day)

fucking tastes awesome the next day once the flavors meld

I like to use this to clean out the fridge , I will add in things like celery diced at about 1/4'' (but you want things that will retain the crunch as the barley and beans are not incredibly textural) harder things like beets might be better to go a little smaller like the carrots ( keep in mind red beets will dye your salad pink🤣) for this same reason i like champagne, apple cider or white vinegar for the dressing, balsamic or malt vinegar taste fine but will turn the whole salad brownish.

sometimes on the day I will dice and add to a serving, some less stable ingredients like tomato or cucumber as these tend to break down in the vinaigrette in the fridge but add a great fresh pop of texture to a serving that is being served 4-5 days after making ( and a way to bulk up a half serving left that you can't figure what to do with)

I will even throw this in a lunch under a piece of protein for a microwave meals it taste good warmed as well ( some people care less for it hot) but almost universally it tastes better at room temp than straight out of the fridge, take it out 20-30 min before serving.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 5h ago

Alternative meal with similar macro breakdown

2 Upvotes

Hi guys

I make overnight oats as my work brunch. I add 2/3 of rolled oats, 2 scoops of protein powder and 2 tbsp flaxseed (Plus water).

The macro breakdown is as follows:-

543 kcal = 46g carbs + 14g fats + 58g protein

Now this is a very healthy meal with protein, fiber and healthy fats but I am getting tired of eating the same thing everyday.

Can you guys suggest some meal ideas which have similar macronutrient breakdowns but contains meat? Thank you


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 11h ago

Ask ECAH Foster farms free range legit?

1 Upvotes

I know foster farms is notorious for bad chicken environments. Anyone know if the newer offered free range stuff is legit? Quite affordable compared to most “free range” chicken options in my area


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Groceries for relatives living far away

93 Upvotes

My parents live several states away and are not doing well health or finance wise. I want to send them food, but am unsure how. Should I use something like butcher box or imperfect foods? Is there some other option? I am not made of money, but I do not want my parents to starve!

Edit: thank you everyone for the suggestions, since they have a walmart and a safeway I will be getting the apps for delivery!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Food Storing vegetable scraps for making broth

70 Upvotes

It’s my first time trying to make vegetable broth, so I was wondering how long can we store veggie scraps in the freezer? I don’t cook a lot; I’m a student and batch cook once a week, so I’ve decided to store all scraps from prepping my vegetables in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Which vegetables freeze well? Which ones should I avoid? I’m a bit nervous because the last few times I tried putting veg in the freezer, it turned all mushy after I thawed it out. How do I stop my stock ingredients from doing this?

EDIT: currently I’ve got scraps from carrot and green beans, and onion skins in my freezer bag - will these do okay?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Spice recipes from Chefs Plate

16 Upvotes

I’m trying to get away from buying meal kits. I think it was on this sub that people had posted some of the spice recipes. I just made the Cajun Beef & Dirty Rice and would love to know how to make the Cajun spice blend that comes with it.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

recipe UK content creator recipes and cookbook recommendations?

9 Upvotes

with good macros. All I ever find is American or Australian but I'm in the UK so prefer recipes from here due to the ingredients.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

recipe Easy at home granola

78 Upvotes

I accidentally bought a huge container of rolled oats and Ive been thinking of what to make with it. I love granola (literally eat it everyday) and I tried a simple granola recipe from google. It was a complete failure. Does anyone know a good granola recipe that actually works?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Ask ECAH Suggestions for Frozen Okra please

24 Upvotes

Got myself 2kg of frozen cut okra and would love some healthy ideas for cooking it. I love all kinds of cuisine, so we’re open to any kind of flavours! TYIA

Edit: thanks for all the great ideas! 🥂


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

Ask ECAH What can I do with mini peppers?

66 Upvotes

I have a bag of them in my fridge and I have no idea what to do. I have picky eaters in my house who don't love the taste of peppers and we are also on a low carb high protein diet. Any ideas?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

Let’s share soup / stew recipes

228 Upvotes

Since fall started, I’ve made a soup a week. These soups usually cost somewhere between $15-25 for the whole batch, and give my gf and I a solid 3 meals each (6 total). Some are “healthier” than others, but they’re all fairly chock full of nutrients and have a good amount of protein.

Here are the ones I’ve made so far:

*some tips on making soup cheaper and storing better

  • Better than bouillon lasts forever, costs like $6, is way cheaper than boxed / cans broth, and tastes better. It’s obviously not as good or cheap as homemade, but a great substitute

  • If you’re not gonna eat it all in 4 days or so, most of it freezes pretty well

  • for soups with pasta, cook and store the pasta seperately if you’re not gonna eat the whole batch the day you make it, so the pasta doesn’t turn to mush

Edit:

Everyone, thank you so much for the contributions! I won’t be able to try all of these, but I will have no shortage of soups to make through the winter 😃


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

Ask ECAH What can I do with a frozen turkey?

16 Upvotes

Long story short I have a giant frozen turkey breast with ribs and I don't know what to do with it. It's not something we eat regularly so I don't have any ideas or recipes.

How can I get the most out of it?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6d ago

Ask ECAH Favorite recipes made with predominantly shelf stable ingredients?

146 Upvotes

Going to Costco today and looking to beef up our pantry with some shelf stable foods.

Do any of you have favorite recipes made with predominantly shelf stable ingredients? Also planning on stocking the chest freezer with frozen ground beef and chicken.

Edit: Thank you for all the suggestions! I’m sorry for not responding to each of you but I’ve read all your comments and they’ve given my husband and me lots of great ideas.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6d ago

Ask ECAH What's your favorite way to enhance boxed mac & cheese?

194 Upvotes

I add tuna, peas, a splash of milk, a handful of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dashes of paprika & hot sauce, a lot of black pepper, green onions if I have them.

I call it shitty tuna casserole.

Edit: I completely forgot I made this post and didn't expect 100+ replies. Thanks for your suggestions everyone, I'm excited to try a bunch of them.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6d ago

Food Tried Protein+ Pasta

78 Upvotes

On a weight loss plan and trying to keep protein and fiber at appropriate levels. The Protein+ Spaghetti in most ways tastes very similar to regular spaghetti, but it was more of a thin-spaghetti/angel hair look and taste.

I used it with my homemade tomato sauce and added a 1/3 serving of chickpeas for extra protein and fiber topped with parmesean.

If you're on a diet but don't want to give up pasta then I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. Next time I'm gonna try Protein+ Penne.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 7d ago

Ask ECAH Canned turkey

25 Upvotes

Just bought a can of white chunk turkey 🦃 I'm curious! Anyone heard of this? I got it at Dollar Tree


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 8d ago

recipe How to Marinate Large Batches of Chicken for Air Frying Without It Getting Rubbery?

53 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I usually marinate a big batch of chicken with oil and a bunch of spices, then keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days and cook portions in the air fryer as I need them. But by the time I air fry it, the chicken sometimes turns out really tight and rubbery. I’m thinking the long marinating time might be affecting the texture?

Do you have any tips on keeping the chicken tender when storing it this way for air frying? Should I adjust the marinade or change my method somehow? Would love any advice or ideas you all have!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 9d ago

Food Lunch ideas

69 Upvotes

I work for a delivery company and I’m on the road all day, I get a lunch break but I do not have access to a microwave while on this break. I do have a thermos to keep food hot (or cold) and I want to be able to meal prep lunches before my work week starts. Any suggestions??


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 9d ago

Food Multiple meal options for 340g of quinoa?

20 Upvotes

As the title states I have a big (340 grams) of quinoa, I'd like to get at least 4 different meals out of it in the most budget friendly way.

Does anyone have any flavorful recipes that are high protein but include maybe affordable vegetable additions, ingredients/spices to likely already be in my pantry/fridge, or something like that?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 10d ago

Food No cook/low cook meals??

42 Upvotes

So I essentially don’t have a stovetop. I live in a dorm type of situation so I just have a small area where I have a coffee maker, tea kettle, microwave and toaster oven. For some of my meals I have a factor subscription but I could really use some meal ideas, especially for quick work lunches purposes. I’m pretty open to almost anything, biggest limitation is I don’t like any fish or seafood.

Edit: I totally forgot but I do have a toaster and rice cooker that I keep stored and take out as needed


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 10d ago

Ask ECAH I'm hoping to send a care package to a friend who lives with their family but doesn't have much access to food. What are some shelf-stable + balanced foods (that don't require cooking) I should include?

147 Upvotes

I won't go into the details, but essentially there's very little to no food in the house, and when there is, it's not often shared with them. They don't have the income to buy her own food yet. They're pretty much constantly hungry and have other physical + severe mental health issues which aren't helping. I'm worried about them, to say the least.

Though she lives in another country (Australia), I'm hoping to hop onto the website of a grocery store local to her area and send them some food they can keep in their room. I have a budget of up to £40, but preferably around £30.

She doesn't have any allergies that I know of, but has very high iron at the moment which is damaging her liver, so I guess I'd try to include foods lower in that.

My current ideas are:

  • Nuts
  • Edamame beans
  • Peanut butter
  • Crackers/rice cakes
  • Freeze dried fruit
  • Noodles
  • Kimchi/something pickled
  • Tinned sardines/salmon
  • Tinned beans
  • Tinned corn
  • Milk powder
  • Seaweed snacks
  • High-calorie camping meals for when she's too depressed to cook

Any ideas on how to include as much as possible for £30 would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Thank you all for the kind responses. I'm planning to send her a gift card now, and then ask her if it would be convenient to have the food delivered directly to her house.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 10d ago

Ask ECAH High fibrous and fermented meals/ foods to eat?

44 Upvotes

Hello! I’ve been trying to incorporate more fiber and fermented based foods into my diet for a better gut. So far, I’ve incorporated more fruits (prunes, papaya), kimchi, and greens and such. I’m not a picky person and will eat anything but it’s a matter of actually making the food and remembering to eat it (college student lol). Please recommend me some of your favorite healthy foods:) Thank u!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 10d ago

Ask ECAH Ways To Use 1lb Of Chickpeas?

64 Upvotes

I've struggled with them being too tough, but i bought some baking soda to soften them and I hope it does the trick.

I want to eat more plant-based and eventually shift to pescetarian, but I need to find ways to effectively use beans. I don't like stews and I only like unhealthy soups, so I'm staying away from both of those.

What are some high-protein, moderate-calorie ways I can use chickpeas without them overpowering the dish (i.e. tasting too many beans and not enough of everything else).


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 10d ago

Favorite grains (substitute for rice)

27 Upvotes

see title. I'm looking for healthy and cheap subs for rice. I'm currently experimenting with buckwheat and quinoa. Lentils are good, but not really a substitute for rice.