Happy New Year!

That’s right it’s a new year and lets get started on the new and sexy you! All of those weight loss resolutions can be hard enough to stick with especially when you’re on a budget. But no excuses this year, here are some fun, delicious, and super budget friendly healthy meals that you can make any night of the week!

 Chicken Florentine Pasta

1 boneless skinless chicken breast cubed        ½ lbs whole-wheat pasta

1 zucchini sliced                                                    4 garlic cloves minced

2 cups fresh spinach (about half a bag)               1-cup cherry tomatoes halved

¼ cup Parmesan cheese to taste                           3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste                                            Pinch of chili flakes

Cook pasta as directed on package, save ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for sauce.  In a sauté pan add olive oil and seasoned chicken cubes, brown chicken on all sides about 10 minutes. To the pan add all of the vegetables sauté about 5-8 minutes or until tender. Add pasta, the pasta water, and Parmesan cheese to the pan stir until everything is coated with sauce and melted cheese. Garnish with a pinch of chili flakes.  This recipe can be made with 2 cups brown rice instead of the pasta.

Makes 3 servings: 350 calories per serving, $2.00 per serving

Taco Salad:

1/2 lbs ground turkey                          ½ onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced                         ¼ teaspoon cumin
½ packet taco seasoning                    Salt and pepper
1 head ice burg lettuce shredded     1cup salsa
1 bunch green onion sliced                 1 avocado
1 bunch cilantro leaves torn               2 tomatoes diced

Sautee first 6 ingredients until cooked through about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.  On a plate place lettuce, continue to build your salad with remaining ingredients.

Makes 5 servings: Cost: $2.60 per serving, 300 calories per serving

Coconut Chicken Stew:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast cubed                      1 can light coconut milk

Zest and juice of one lime                                                       1 onion chopped

2 garlic cloves                                                                              1 sweet potato peeled and cubed

2 cups green beans                                                                     1 bag spinach

1 T olive oil                                                                                     Salt and pepper

1T chicken bullion

Heat olive oil in sauté pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.  Add sweet potato sauté a few minutes then add coconut milk, 1-cup water, and lime zest and juice, and bullion. Cover pan and simmer about 15 minutes until potatoes are soft, add green beans and chicken cover and cook another 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add spinach and season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook until spinach is wilted.  Garnish with Cilantro and fresh Jalapeno slices

Makes 4 servings: Cost: $3.00 serving, 325 calories

Cowgirl Chili

1-pound ground turkey                   1 onion diced

4 cloves garlic minced                       2 carrots peeled and diced

2 stalks celery diced                            1 bell pepper diced

½ jalapeno diced                                  1 packet chili seasoning

1 T cumin                                                  1 t coriander

Salt and pepper                                      1 cup frozen corn kernels

2 cans beans drained                            6 cups chicken broth

Sautee first 7 ingredients with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cook about 15 minutes or until everything is softened and turkey is cooked through. Add chili seasoning, cumin, and coriander, cook another 3 minutes. Add beans, corn, and broth simmer for at least 30 minutes up to 3 hours.

Makes 6 servings:  Cost:$3.00/serving, Calories: 350/serving

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Posted in Nutrition and Recipes at January 15th, 2013 by Kelsey

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