Save money and calories with these dinners for two!
Who has the money to eat healthily? Most people, actually. You can take advantage of inexpensive protein sources in addition to a variety of produce, or you can use a more expensive protein source along with inexpensive, complementary options. The following list of $7 weight loss dinners for two cash in at or below $3.50 per serving. Note: Exact prices on ingredients vary by region; this is a rough guide.
Crispy Chickpea Cakes with Cabbage Salad
Halve this recipe for two servings. Chickpeas are a very inexpensive source of protein, whether you buy them dried or canned. This recipe calls for humble cabbage, lemon and lime to make for a hearty, nutrient-dense, and low-calorie dinner.
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken with Chickpeas
Halve this recipe for two servings. Chicken legs are among the cheapest cuts of chicken available, making them an inexpensive protein source. One serving of this recipe clocks in at 444 calories, making it a perfect weight loss dinner for a day on which you’ve taken in fewer calories at breakfast and lunch than usual.
RELATED: 11 Top-Rated Skinny Recipes Under 275 Calories
You can quarter this recipe for two, or make the whole thing and enjoy leftovers for days to come. Lentils are a very inexpensive source of protein. This recipe pairs these legumes with metabolism-boosting spices. For extra cost-savings, look around for bulk spices at a local co-op or ethnic food store. This curry is only 199 calories per bowl!
Don’t even bother making these for two – you’ll want the leftovers! This recipe combines your whole grains, protein, and vegetables into one delicious and attractive roll. By supplementing ricotta with cottage cheese, this lasagna makes comfort food healthy.
Roasted Corn and Black Bean Tacos
This recipe calls for inexpensive black beans, corn, onions, and tortillas, and weighs in at 329 calories. With the money you’ll have left over, buy some fresh greens to throw on top. Halve the recipe for two servings.
RELATED: 6 Quick-Prep Weekday Meals
Flounder with Brown Rice, Tomatoes & Fresh Thyme
Fish on a budget? Sure! Two servings of this hearty meal only require 0.5 lb. of mild white fish. With inexpensive accompaniments such as canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and brown rice, you can enjoy this fish dinner without taking a big hit to your wallet. And, at only 150 calories, your weight management plan won’t be taking a hit, either.
Skinny Artichoke & Spinach Penne Casserole
Make the whole recipe in order to have leftovers, or quarter it for two servings. This tasty pasta casserole features the exciting flavor combination of spinach and artichokes and gives you a protein trifecta with ricotta, mozzarella, and cottage cheeses.
You can make 1/3 of this recipe and use ramekins or other small baking dishes for two intimate servings. Canned tuna is one of the cheapest sources of protein around. Made with frozen peas and fresh mushrooms, this casserole will likely remind you of what you ate growing up. Only now, it’s just 301 calories per serving.
RELATED: Save That Cash and Get Healthy: Cooking at Home
Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Gravy
Gravy and weight loss? Why not? Replace the butter and flour with cornstarch and you’re on your way to comfort food without the extra calories. While this recipe calls for chicken breast, which isn’t the cheapest source of protein, its other inexpensive ingredients, mushrooms, garlic, onions and a little broth, make it affordable. Throw in some brown rice for less than a quarter per serving. Halve this recipe for two.
Who doesn’t love leftovers when meatloaf is involved? There may not be any meat in this loaf, but you aren’t likely to miss it in this Mexican-inspired recipe, combining affordable black beans and kidney beans with spices, corn, cheese, and onions for only 298 calories per serving.
Saving time is as important as saving money. Like our Skinny Slow Cooker Facebook page for slow cooker recipes and more clean eating tips.