I hear this phrase from time to time and wonder what these people are eating or go after for their meals. I have found that the majority of my expensive meals come from eating out. It is easy to spend $10-$15/day on lunch five days a week. That’s a $200-$300 lunch bill each month. If you can start preparing some meals ahead of time, you can save a ton of money and eat healthy all at once. 

Now, if you go from dollar menu items from your favorite fast food restaurant to buying organic and grass fed, of course it’s going to be a big differential. You do not have to make that jump though. Just work on being a bit healthier than you were. I rarely buy organic and grass fed products (gasp!). 

I will break down what I purchased from the grocery store on my most recent trip for the meals I prepped. 

• Jennie O Lean Ground Turkey (93% lean 7%fat) – $8.96
• Salmon Burger 2 pack x 2 ($6/each)-  $12.00 
• Asparagus( 2 Bundles) – $2.87 
• 1 lb Mini Carrots – $1.48 
• Yellow Squash (3 pieces)- $1.32 
• Whole White 12 8oz mushrooms- $1.64 
• Zucchini Squash (1.16lbs)- $1.09  
• Sweet potatoes (.98/lb) – $2.00  

GRAND TOTAL: $31.36 

I made 8 meals (3 for my wife, 5 for me) from the list above. 

Price per meal: $3.92     (Holy $&*! that’s awesome!)  

Common Excuses and Solutions: 

Excuse: I do not have time.

Solution: Make time. Some stores, like HEB, are open from 6:00 AM – 12:00 am. Get up a little earlier than usual on the weekend, grab some coffee, and go shop in a mostly empty grocery store…it’s kinda nice. Come home and get to work on your prep!

Excuse: I don’t know how to cook. 

Solution: Learn how. Surely you have a friend or family member that knows how to cook. Ask if they can teach you. Find a cooking class to take. Look on YouTube for some prep videos (I have).  

Excuse: I don’t just want to eat chicken and broccoli. There is no variety. 

Solution: Nobody said you had to eat the same thing over and over. I’ve cooked pork tenderloins, ground turkey, and chicken all at once to have variety in my meals. I will pair that up with mixed veggies and rice/sweet potato.  

There are plenty more excuses out there that you could use. 

Here is what it all comes down to… How important is it to you? Why do you want to eat healthier? The more excuses you make, then it’s probably not that important to you.

Start with the little changes. Use the list above for your first or next prep experience. 

Create solutions and make the change. 

Be Confident. Be Strong.