Reader’s Request: Meals that Stretch Part 1

Happy Friday! This hurricane business is getting scary! Are you all food shopped? I’m doing it today. Hopefully we’re planning for the worst but going to get the best (or not the worst…)

Yesterday we went to Pottery Barn Outlet and got a couple more pieces of furniture, mainly an outdoor table and 4 chairs. We figure we’ll be doing a lot of eating outside since we plan on doing some work to the kitchen right away.

My workout got a *bit* derailed yesterday and I didn’t end up running to the gym, doing weights and running back. I made it out for a 4 mile run, but my weights session didn’t happen and that’s ok. I got a good run in and next week I’ll be back on track with my weights. This week I didn’t plan for it and it didn’t really happen. Oh well, next week will be better!

I got a reader’s request from a senior in college about how to make your dollar stretch. Here are my top tips:

Grains: Grains are cheap, healthy and easy to cook. If you buy them dried (as in not “minute” rice) then they are even cheaper AND less processed. Double win. Get creative and try different types of rice, quinoa, wheatberries, speltberries, etc.

Beans: Dried beans are also cheaper than canned beans. Yes, they take more time to make, but it’s worth it because they taste better AND you get more for your money. Another double win.

Frozen veggies: Frozen veggies are frozen at the peak of their ripeness, so they are still nutritious. They also can be cheaper than fresh produce. My tip is to get what is in season fresh and then supplement with frozen.

Planning tip: Pick one day/night to make 4 servings of a grain AND 1/2 a package of two types of dried beans/lentils and there is dinner for a couple of nights. It really takes 5 minutes to prepare and then 40-50 minutes on the stove.

Another $$$ saving tip: Check out amazon & amazon prime. If you are a student I’m pretty sure you can join free. You can buy things like rice & beans on there for cheaper and with free shipping. You may end up with 15 cans of beans or 20 pounds of rice, but hey, it’s cheaper!! (Also check out/read my post on subscribe and save, you can cancel at any time and it saves you 15%!)

Now onto meals that stretch: (You can also get flours from Amazon. Any flour will do with these recipes.)

Salmon Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Very Veggie Quiche

WheatBerry Lentil Burgers

Quick Quinoa Casserole

Very Veggie Quiche

Mushroom & Spinach Quiche with Socca Crust

Wheat Berry and Lentil Burgers

WheatBerry and Bean Salad (can use another grain for this too)

Protein Power Goddess Bowl (beans, speltberries, may use another grain too)

Rice & Bean Bowl

Quinoa Salmon Salad (leave out salmon & add beans for veggie dish)

These meals are all packed with nutrition, whole grains, protein and healthy fats. Make ANY of these at any time for lunch or dinner and they will not disappoint. Yes, some require some planning to cook grains or dried beans, but a little planning goes A LONG way. You’ll be left with not only leftovers for a couple of meals but a smile on your face and a happy belly.

What are your money saving tips to make meals? What are you favorite meals that give you leftovers?

Tagged as: beans, Exercise, grains, healthy living, money saving, protein, recipes, run, time saving, vegetarian