20 Cheap Meal Prep Ideas with High Protein
Meal prepping, or preparing meals in advance, can have many benefits for both your health and your budget. Some of the key benefits of meal prepping include:
· Time savings: One of the biggest benefits of meal prepping is that it can save you a lot of time during the week. Instead of spending time every day planning and cooking meals, you can do all of your meal preparation in one or two sessions, and have a week's worth of meals ready to go.
· Money savings: Meal prepping can also help you save money by allowing you to bulk cook and buy in bulk. This can help you take advantage of sales and discounts, and reduce the number of times you need to go to the grocery store.
· Health benefits: Meal prepping can also be good for your health, as it allows you to have more control over what you eat. When you plan and prepare your own meals, you can choose healthier ingredients and portion sizes, and avoid the temptation of unhealthy takeout or fast food.
· Increased productivity: By taking the time to meal prep, you can also set yourself up for success in other areas of your life. When you have healthy meals ready to go, you can avoid the midday energy slump and stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Overall, meal prepping can be a great way to save time, money, and improve your health. With a little planning and organization, you can make it a part of your weekly routine and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Meal prep can be a great way to save time and money, but it can be hard to find healthy and budget-friendly options that are high in protein. If you're looking for some cheap and easy meal prep ideas that are packed with protein, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll give you 20 ideas that are sure to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the week.
1. Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers - Grill up some chicken breasts and vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, and skewer them for an easy and healthy meal prep option.
2. Black bean and rice bowls - Cook up some rice and black beans, and add in some diced vegetables and salsa for flavor. This meal is high in protein and can be made in large quantities for the week.
3. Baked sweet potato and black bean burritos - Mash up some cooked sweet potatoes and black beans, and roll them up in a tortilla for a tasty and protein-packed meal.
4. Egg muffins - Crack some eggs into a muffin tin, add in your favorite vegetables and some cheese, and bake until set. These egg muffins are a convenient and portable breakfast or snack option.
5. Tuna salad - Mix together canned tuna, diced vegetables, and some mayonnaise for a quick and easy high-protein lunch.
6. Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry - Cook up some quinoa and stir-fry it with your choice of vegetables for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
7. Lentil soup - Lentils are a cheap and high-protein option, and they can be used to make a delicious and filling soup.
8. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches - Spread some peanut butter on some bread, and top it with sliced bananas for a protein-packed and tasty sandwich.
9. Cottage cheese and fruit - Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, and it can be paired with your favorite fruit for a quick and healthy snack.
10. Turkey and cheese roll-ups - Roll up some sliced turkey and cheese for a protein-packed and portable snack or lunch option.
11. Grilled tofu and vegetable skewers - Tofu is a cheap and high-protein plant-based protein source. Grill up some tofu and vegetables for a healthy and tasty meal prep option.
12. Greek yogurt and granola parfait - Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, and it can be paired with some granola and fruit for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack.
13. Overnight oats - Mix together oats, Greek yogurt, and your choice of fruit and nuts for a protein-packed breakfast that you can prep the night before.
14. Chicken and vegetable stir-fry - Cook up some diced chicken and your favorite vegetables, and stir-fry them in a little oil for a quick and healthy meal.
15. Turkey and avocado wrap - Spread some mashed avocado on a tortilla, and top it with sliced turkey and vegetables for a protein-packed and delicious wrap.
16. Black bean and corn salad - Mix together canned black beans, corn, diced vegetables, and some dressing for a quick and easy protein-packed salad.
17. Hard-boiled eggs and veggies - Hard-boil some eggs, and pair them with some cut-up vegetables for a convenient and protein-packed snack or breakfast.
18. BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw - Slow cook some pork shoulder with BBQ sauce, and shred it for a cheap and high-protein meal. Serve it with some homemade coleslaw for added nutrients.
19. Chili - Make a large batch of chili using beans and ground meat for a cheap and high-protein meal that can be frozen and reheated throughout the week.
20. Chicken and rice casserole - Combine cooked rice, diced chicken, and your choice of vegetables in a casserole dish and bake for a cheap and protein-packed meal.
Eating a high-protein diet can have many benefits, including increased muscle mass, stronger bones, and improved weight management. With these cheap and easy meal prep ideas, you can easily incorporate more protein into your diet without breaking the bank. Whether you're a meat-lover or a plant-based eater, there's something here for everyone. So, get prepping and enjoy the benefits of a high-protein diet!
