Eating Clean on a Budget

I have recently purchased so many books, magazines, and read so many articles on clean eating. One thing that these publications have in common is yummy recipes that require a ton of ingredients. What does that mean? Going to the store on a "scavenger hunt" to try to find these unique ingredients that result in a $300 grocery bill! There has to be an easier and cheaper way to go about eating clean! I've asked people for help, posted on boards, and continue to think about this on a daily basis. Okay, well I am starting to take action. Eating clean does not always have to entail preparing elaborate recipes for each meal.

After researching articles, blogs, and nutrition manuals, and collaborating with other Beachbody coaches, I have identified a few meals/snacks that are easy to prepare that won't break the bank!

Breakfast: Make it simple! Find a few meals that are really easy that you love to eat every day.

Oatmeal and Berries w/Egg Whites

1/2 Oatmeal and Berries with 3 egg whites

Mix 1/2 cup Oatmeal with water and microwave for 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave
Add 1/4 cup berries (raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries)

Crack 3 egg whites in a bowl and microwave for 1 min 20 sec., stir, and repeat.

Oatmeal Pancakes

1/3 cup Oatmeal
3 egg whites
1 packet Stevia
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Heat skillet on stove top (medium heat). Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Let sit for a few minutes. Pour mixture onto skillet and cook until the bottom side is golden brown. Flip and repeat. Serve with sugar free syrup or fruit.

Lunch

Grilled Chicken Breast Salad

4 oz. Grilled Chicken Breast
Baby tomatoes to taste
2 cups Romaine Lettuce or Spinach
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil to taste

Ezekiel Turkey, Hummus, Avocado Open-Face Sandwich--from Chalene Johnson's 30 Day Push

1slice Ezekiel bread, toasted
2 tablespoons hummus
2 slices lean turkey meat
1 slice tomato
1/4 avocado, sliced or spread

Toast the bread. Layer with hummus, turkey, tomato, and then avocado

Afternoon Snack

Shakeology or apples and 10 almonds

Dinner

White Chicken Chili--from Gracious Pantry

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1.5 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/8th tsp cayenne pepper
• 7 oz corn kernels
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans
• 1 small can chopped green chiles
• 1/2 cup reduced fat Jack cheese if desired

Instructions

1. In a medium sized pot, cook ground chicken, onion and garlic until chicken is cooked through.


2. Stir in all remaining ingredients, with the exception of the cheese. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for about ten minutes or until all veggies soft.


3. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. If you desire a little thicker chili, add a small amount of arrowroot powder to liking.


4. Enjoy!
Yield: About 6 (1.5 cup serving size)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes