ENABLING YOUR PASSION FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Saving Money For Baby By Planning Out My Meals

Meal prep is something I preach to people who want to lose weight. While I do not fall into that category right now, I do fall into another group that should plan their meals ahead – people who want to save money!

With a baby on the way, I’m trying hard not to spend $100 at Whole Foods each week in addition to eating out multiple times. We actually decided to cancel our babymoon to Quebec as well. Nick and I have done plenty of traveling together in the past couple years and a little staycation sounds more relaxing and cheaper than a 6 hour drive to Canada (outfit above includes StitchFix chambray top, Old Navy cardigan and the most comfortable boots ever by Rockport.

I am pretty sure I spend most of my money on groceries aside from my mortgage/rent. I know I can cut back on what I do spend. Those impulse buys and wasted food are what kill me!

So how am I saving money?

I’ve told you guys about how I’m using Wellcoin, an online marketplace where currency is earned through healthy actions.

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You earn 10 wellcoins per 10 minutes of exercise, and then once you accumulate enough, you can use them to buy rewards that include Whole Foods gift cards, $15 Green Blender discount, discounts at local juice bars and more.

Whole Foods GCThis helps me save money while keeping me accountable during my pregnancy.

For me, I do best planning out meals that I know how to make without reading a recipe and minimal ingredients. When it comes to saving money, it also helps to look online and see what might be on sale at your local grocery store. Whole Foods does this but obviously Trader Joe’s does not.

Whole Foods also has these great little pamphlets called Whole Deal with coupons! Look for them at the front of the store. I always seem to use at least one.

Here are my favorite go to meals for meal prepping dinner:

Salsa Chicken

tacos

I use this recipe to make tacos as seen above, taco salads, enchiladas, quesadillas or just on top of some rice with black beans and salsa. The options are endless as long as you like Mexican food. I make a big batch on Sunday and then use the chicken during the week various ways.

For a fajita spin, add sliced peppers and onions to the crock pot during the last 90 minutes.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Portion control can be hard at times so making these little turkey meatloaf muffins makes it easy. All you need is an egg, oats or almond meal or coconut flour, onions, celery, carrots and a bunch of spices. They come out amazing. You can also swap the spices for buffalo sauce like Frank’s Red Hot. Get 2 lbs of meat and make a bunch to freeze and have throughout the week.

Usually I will make a big batch of brown rice or quinoa and roast up a bunch of vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower or what is on sale and in season.

To really save money though without getting bored with my diet, I look and see what is on sale. This week at Whole Foods, wild caught cod was 50% off for just $7.99 a lbs. Cod is one of the fishes I’m supposed to only eat in moderation but since Fall hit, my fish consumption is only once or twice a week so I’m OK with the mercury levels.

Italian Cod

Italian Cod

Whenever I have cod, I usually marinate it in a soy sauce or I make what you see above. I call it Italian cod. I mix 1 tbsp of mayo with 1 tbsp of melted butter and rub on top of the fish. Then I add tomatoes, scallions, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Top it off with salt and pepper, bake in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes or whenever it is done. Sometimes cod can be thick and takes longer to cook depending on your oven.

This isn’t a make ahead meal, but it takes such little time to make it is perfect if you plan it out and have the ingredients on hand.

How do you save money when you want to cut back on spending?

Check out Wellcoin to start earning and saving just for being healthy. I am a Wellcoin Ambassador. All thoughts and opinions are my own! Learn more here and read my other post featuring their app “The Heaviest I’ve Ever Weighed“.

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