Is it possible to cook Paleo meals on a budget? The answer is yes! Even though non-Paleo foods (like starchy white potatoes, pasta, rice, and bread) are very cheap to buy, you can create healthy meals without those fillers. Chicken is one of the most affordable meats that you can buy, as are eggs, and both are Paleo-friendly and packed with protein. Here are some ideas for whole food based, healthy meals that even the kiddos will ask for more.
Rotisserie Chicken, Cauliflower Rice, and Side Veggies
This dish is so easy to prepare, and children who love simple dishes will thank you for it. Buy a Rotisserie Chicken (if you have a Whole Foods Market around, check out their Rotisserie Wednesday sales and pick up a whole chicken for $6.99).
In addition purchase two heads of cauliflower, one red bell pepper, a bag of carrots, and a stalk of celery. You should be able to check out for less than $20 bucks, and these ingredients will allow you to feed four people (two adults, and two children).
Serve rotisserie chicken with cauliflower rice and raw veggie sticks. To make your “rice” simply grate the cauliflower into little pieces or toss it into the food processor until it is rice-sized. Saute in olive oil over medium heat for about eight minutes. This would be a great meal for gluten-free guests.
Chicken “Noodle” Soup
Use the chicken carcass and a few carrot and celery stalks that are left over from the meal above to make a hearty chicken stock. In a crock pot or soup pot, toss together chicken breast (at least 3, but 4 if you want left overs), onion, your chicken stock, celery, carrots, salt and pepper. Add thyme and other compatible spices that you have on hand (bay leaf, parsley, and oregano would work well).
Bring it all to a boil and then let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Cook a spaghetti squash (simply cut it in half, take out the seeds, cover and roast for 45 minutes), and add this in as well, just before serving.
Kid-Friendly Frittata
Eggs are a great source of protein, and are very affordable! Buy a dozen eggs, two zucchini, two large sweet potatoes and a few tomatoes (or one package of cherry tomatoes, if they are marked at a good price).
To put this meal together all you will need to do is peel and slice your potatoes into thin disks. Toss them in oil and cook them over a medium heat until you can easily stick a fork through them (about five to ten minutes, depending on how thin you’ve sliced).
Add in diced zucchini. Whip up about ten eggs and pour over your cooking veggies. Cover and let cook until the egg is solid. Top with fresh tomatoes, and slice into pizza-shaped pieces.
You can eat healthy and cut your grocery bill down at the same time. Protein-packed, nutrient-dense meals leave you feeling full and healthy. Your family will be asking for more meals like these! Have you experimented with Paleo meals on your budget? Leave a comment below!
