6 Budget Friendly Proteins and Money Saving Hacks

By Ange Drake

Eating Well Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

In today’s economic climate, where the cost of living is steadily rising, it might seem counterintuitive to allocate funds towards fitness goals. However, investing in your health through training is only part of the equation; fueling your body correctly is crucial to reap the benefits of your efforts. Balancing financial savvy with nutritional needs is possible. This article will show you how to maintain a high-protein diet that is essential for supporting your training regimen without stretching your budget thin. We’ll explore cost-effective protein sources, share money-saving tips for meal preparation, and emphasize why proper nutrition is critical to maximizing the results from your fitness investment.

Budget-Friendly Proteins

Here are 5 budget-friendly protein sources, each accompanied by three simple recipes:

Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs with herbs and garlic
Chicken Thigh Stir-Fry with mixed vegetables and soy sauce
Grilled Chicken Thighs with a side of quinoa salad

2. Canned Tuna

Easy Tuna Pasta Bake with side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette
Spicy sriracha tuna wraps
served with a light yogurt sauce
Tuna and Bean Salad for a fiber-rich meal

3. Eggs

Scrambled Eggs with asparagus and mushroom
Vegetable Quiche
Boiled Eggs as a salad topping or a snack on the go

4. Lentils

Lentil Cottage Pie
Red Lentil Dahl served over rice
Lentil Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese

5. Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with cottage cheese and spices
Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

6. Ground Meat (Beef, Chicken, or Turkey)

Meatballs: Serve these classic meatballs with a tomato sauce over spaghetti or in a sub.
Asain Chicken Patties with warm salad
Beef Choi Mein

Money-Saving Hacks

Skip Takeaway Coffees: Save up to $20 a week by brewing your coffee at home.
Prep Meals in Advance: Avoid the temptation of Uber Eats by having ready-to-eat meals in your freezer. This could save you around $15-$30 per meal.
Buy in Bulk: Purchase staples like chicken, tuna, and lentils in bulk to reduce costs.
Use Everything: Plan meals to use leftovers. For example, roast chicken one day, then use the leftovers to make chicken salad or soup.

Investing in Your Fitness and Health

Investing in your health through a nutritious diet and regular exercise is not only beneficial for your body but also cost-effective in the long run. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can potentially reduce medical bills, enhance your productivity, and improve your overall quality of life. Each dollar spent on nutritious foods and fitness activities is an investment in your future well-being.

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Our founder

Ange Drake is an personal trainer, women’s empowerment coach and fitness blogger in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. She is the director of one of the few womens’ only strength training gyms in Melbourne, 23W. Ange helps women to learn how to use strength based training, nutritional strategies and a positive mindset to transform their bodies, relationship with food and mind.

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6 Budget Friendly Proteins and Money Saving Hacks