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| 21 Day Fix/Hammer & Chisel Approved 1/2 Red, 1 Green, 1 Yellow, 1/2 Orange |
Yup, that's me! This tasty lunch right here took me about two minutes to prepare. HOW...You ask? Here are a few little tips to help those of you who sometimes need a quick trick to lunch making and do not want to break the bank.
We all know buying prepared foods, often come with ingredients that are unrecognizable, not always the best choice and may often cost more money than preparing it yourself.
Here are 5 tips to help you save money and still eat healthy on a budget...(and hey, you might even learn how to prepare these items yourself in the meantime).
1. Look at Labels
The least amount of ingredients are the best! Look for names of ingredients that you can pronounce and know exactly what they are. Limit items that that contain sulfates, from concentrate, added sugars and preservatives.
2. Evaluate Prices
The Asian Chicken Wrap you see in the picture is actually half of one wrap. So for $9.99 I can actually get eight good size wraps. Both of my sons love these wraps and I know I'm putting something healthy into their bodies.
3. Check Serving Sizes
The entire package of Asian Wraps came with four large wraps. I feel satisfied when cutting them in half (and you can even cut them in thirds for the kids). However, I can get at least eight good sized wraps for approximately $1.25 each. I say BARGAIN when trying to make better choices and stay within budgeting reasons.
4. Balance your Meal
Adding a piece of fruit or a side of vegetables (baby carrots here) will help you get some extra nutrients in and help you fuel your body. You will be less likely to snack on other not so great choices when you are satisfied so find something you love. I love the crunch of carrots and they're easy so I add them a lot.
5. Drink a BIG Glass of H20
I always try to drink about 8 ounces of water prior to any meal. Besides all of the added benefits of water, it will help fill your body and once again make you feel less hungry later on. I added some cucumbers, lemons, mint and grated ginger to this water. Boy does it add a refreshing feeling in every sip!
SO, approximately how much did I pay for this lunch? Let's break it down.
Asian Chicken Wrap - $1.25
Quinoa Salad 1/2 cup servings - $0.50
Baby carrots (6) - $0.30
Water - FREE
Ingredients in the infuser - barely nothing
For less than $2.00 I was able to feel full, eat balanced and not break the bank.
Where did I buy these items?
I love to shop at Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club. Any big warehouse where you can buy bulk items will help you save money and are all providing healthier options for the whole family to enjoy.
Want to make this Quinoa Salad yourself???? Here are the ingredients you'll need!
~Quinoa
~Cucumbers
~Tomatoes
~Mung Beans
~Red Bell Peppers
~Brown Rice
~Kale
~Cilantro
~Red Lentils
~Lemon juice
~Vinegar
~Add any other favorite spices and voila!
ENJOY! : )
I'd love to hear from you! Comment below with questions, thoughts or other great tips we can all benefit from!
