Photo by barron

You know those weeks – you’re midway between paychecks and you’ve already spent the bulk of your income (hopefully on essentials instead of spontaneous spending) and now you have $20 to feed yourself for the week. But before you hop on over to your local grocer and start sorting out the many flavors of Maruchan, you may want to have a look at some other cheap meal options.  We at LifeStyler bring you 5 healthy and cheap (although not .25 cheap) alternatives to that 10-pack box of Ramen.

1. Baked Potatoes

Baked Potatoes are probably one of the most underrated meals of all time. A sack of potatoes usually runs around $7 – $8 and could feed you for a week and a half. Cover in tin foil, pop in the microwave for ten minutes, add a few toppings and you’re good to go.

2. Pasta and fresh veggies

Nothing says cheap like a $2 box of pasta that will last you three meals. Chop up a few tomatoes, add some virgin olive oil and basil, and you’ve got a fresh alternative to those pre-made sauces. For an extra umph, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Burritos

You can pick up a pack of tortillas for around $2.  Grab a box of rice – those cheap, flavored rice packages are a good pick.  Heat up a can of black beans and stir in with the rice.  Chop up some tomatoes, throw it in a tortilla and top it off with some shredded cheese.  Not only are they filling, but they’re easy to throw together in the morning for your lunch.

4. Homemade Vegetable Stew

Grab a few cans of tomato sauce and sauteed tomatoes. Throw it all in a big pot, add some onions, chopped potatoes, carrots, peanuts, and anything else that’s on sale in the fresh produce section of your local grocer. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add a few spices to taste, and Voila! A pot of vegetable stew that should be good for at least four days.

5. White rice and mixed vegetables

Pick up a pound of plain, white rice at the grocery store, along with whatever fresh vegetables you like. Cook the rice and sautee the vegetables with a tad of butter or olive oil in a skillet and you’ve got a simple, cheap meal.  Refrigerate the leftovers and heat in the microwave for lunch the following day.

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