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Embracing clean eating can truly make a world of difference with how your body looks, feels and performs. You will be amazed at how much better you feel- I was no exception; when I got started, I almost immediately noticed a difference in my weight and how much more energized I was feeling all the time.
You’re probably well aware that cooking your meals from scratch is generally a healthier option than anything that comes pre-packaged or from a restaurant. You have more control over the number of calories and nutrients in your meals when you make them yourself.
But what about cost? With clean eating’s focus on organic, grass-fed and fresh, some folks have expressed a fear that clean eating may end up costing them a lot. However, I’m here to dispel that myth.
Clean eating doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive; there are some clean eating recipes that literally call for just 3 ingredients that you probably already have in the fridge or pantry. That being said, I have compiled a list of 15 tasty dishes that cost little or nothing to make. Enjoy!
Apples and Raisins over Baked Chicken, Salad
Recipe from A Daily Dose of Delsignore
Believe it or not, this eye-catching meal costs just $5.90. Apples, raisins and cinnamon all caramelize together in a crock pot (without any added sugar!) and then lend their sweet, tangy flavor to a savory piece of chicken. That’s $5.90 well spent!
New Orleans Shrimp Style
Recipe from Food Network
You do not have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy seafood; this enticing shrimp dish is deceitfully pocket-friendly.
Chicken Bourguignon
Recipe from Clean Eating Mag
I promise you this meal is not as expensive as the fancy-sounding name makes it sound. It’s elegant, yet hearty and the perfect lunch with friends kinda meal.
Pancake Roll-Ups
Recipe from Blogilates
Because deep down we all still love kid food. Make these pancakes for a guilt free grown up version that costs next to nothing to make and let them transport you back to the days when you didn’t have a care in the world.
Spicy and Sour Tomato Lentil Soup (Rasam)
Recipe from Not Eating Out in NY
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine them you are in luck! This clean eating Indian-inspired recipe is one that you can make with the ingredients (probably) already in your pantry!
Beef and Flat Noodle Stir Fry
Recipe from Bite
This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish and it’s ridiculously affordable too. It’s already made it into my regular rotation and I have no doubt it will make it into yours as well!
Chickpea Tuna Salad with Spinach
Recipe from Thrifty Foods
It’s light, it’s tasty, it’s clean and it’s cheap! Clean eating has never looked this good. Plus it takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Lentils with Spinach
Recipe from Live Energized
I always joke that the answer to every nutrition question is leafy greens. It’s no joke how good these little green gems are for you though; Spinach in particular, is rich in Vitamins A, C and E. This super food dish is loaded with fiber, proteins and minerals to keep you healthy and strong.
Hummus/Dip and Veggies
Recipe from Live Energized
This meal is so cute, I probably would just spend hours admiring it but that would defeat the purpose of clean eating right? It’s also great that it’s easy on the pocket as well.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries
Recipe from Culicurious
This salad is so creamy and delicious, you may be tempted to eat it for every meal (I can’t blame you!). The author of this recipe advises the use of dark meat for best results. Feel free to substitute the cranberries with whatever fruit you’ve got lying around.
Ketchup Baked Legumes
Recipe from Stone Soup Virtual Cookery School
One bite of this recipe will have you swearing off the canned baked beans for good. The recipe says ketchup but to make it a little more clean eating friendly, use homemade tomato paste and a good dollop of honey or pureed dates.
Leek & Lemon Linguine
Recipe from Eating Well
Aside from the alliteration, this dish has got a lot of interesting flavor- bold, tangy lemon draws you in, the antioxidant packed leek adds a dash color to the meal and the Parmesan lends a piquant, almost floral note. Bonus- it costs significantly less that you though it would too.
3-Ingredient Vegan Pancakes
Recipe from Green Evi
I simply couldn’t resist adding another pancake recipe; this time, it’s vegan and it takes just 3 ingredients to make. How about that for clean eating on the cheap?
Creamy Red Lentil and Kale Soup
Recipe for The Healthy Family and Home
You know I love me some kale, so you can bet if a recipe calls for it, it’s gonna make the list! This is a must try recipe that is beyond flavorful!
5 Ingredient Pea and Mint Soup
Recipe from Lauren Caris Cooks
Now here’s a budget meal that will have people thinking you’re a gourmet chef from Le Cordon Bleu…It’s a perfect consistency, it’s aesthetically pleasing, it’s delish, and wait for it …..It’s got just 5 ingredients!