In today’s economy, food prices are rising quickly while portions of food in the store are shrinking! Lunch costs can quickly inflate if you aren’t prepared or don’t have enough ideas for how to make healthy, economical lunches!
First, I will state the obvious, PB&J (preferably on wheat) has always been one of the cheapest lunches around that is packed with protein, and other great nutrients (if you make it on wheat). However, with the dwindling peanut crop, I’m hearing from SEVERAL sources that the price of peanut butter is expected to greatly increase over the coming months. SO, maybe PB&J isn’t so cheap anymore.
However, we will look at some other alternatives! The biggest thing I’m going to say is, SET ASIDE at least 1 hour AFTER you come home from the grocery store to prep your lunch items for the week. Let’s take a look at a few inexpensive homemade sandwhiches. Remember, ALL of these sandwiches can be made on wraps, pretzel rolls, hoagie rolls, or any other type of bread that adds some pizazz!
1. Egg Salad- While not all people love egg salad, it is still packed with protein, and can be made with as little as six eggs. The cost of a half-dozen eggs is very inexpensive. Add a little celery or olives to create extra flavor! Also, put it in a wrap of different style roll to add variety.
2. BLT- Fry up some bacon at the beginning of the week, pick some of your garden tomatoes and lettuce to create this American favorite. A pound of bacon is no more expensive than deli meat, and depending on where you buy it (I buy mine at Aldi), you can actually save with this sandwich. It doesn’t take very much to make the sandwich, so you can use the leftover bacon for other recipes!
3. Tuna Salad- This is another American favorite on the cheap! Add a slice of melted cheese to the top to add flavor! OR, we like to spice ours up with Old Bay. It gives it more of a seafood flavor!
4. Chicken Caesar Wrap- I haven’t spent more than $1.00 on Salad Dressing in over two years. Use coupons and grocery store deals to score cheap Caesar dressing. I buy the larger grated Parmesan cheese at Aldi, and add some chopped Romaine. Again, using the leftover Romaine for salads and other recipes.
5. Hummus- for a meatless fare, I LOVE to put Hummus on a pita roll, add some fresh vegetables, melt some cheese, and voila- I have a great vegan sandwich, and I buy my hummus SERIOUSLY cheap at Aldi too! I would NEVER pay our local Giant Food Store prices!
If you have a GREAT, Cheap lunch item, leave it in the comments!
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