Cheap, Easy, Healthy Dinners to Lose Weight

by Mike Samuels, Demand Media Google

Eating to lose weight doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg or require a degree in gastronomy. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to construct cheap, easy weight loss dinners. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends dividing your dinner plate roughly into quarters. One quarter should be a protein source and one quarter should be whole grains. For the other half of your plate, fill two thirds with vegetables and the other third with fruits. Use only a small amount of healthy oil, such as olive or canola when cooking.


Salads needn't be dull if made correctly, and it's easy to make them adhere to the dinner plate guidelines. Pick your greens first -- it's a case of anything goes where vegetables are concerned, so make a bed of different leaves, then mix in carrot, cucumber, corn, peppers, mushrooms -- whatever you fancy. Top with a protein source like salmon, grilled chicken or beef or cottage cheese then add carbs in the form of cooked pasta, chickpeas, kidney beans or quinoa. Keep precooked beans and grains in the refrigerator for an easy weeknight meal.

Turkey Chilli

Ground turkey is lower in fat than ground beef, making it the ideal protein source when watching your calories, writes nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden in "The 150 Healthiest Meals on Earth." Cook the turkey with mixed chopped vegetables, Mexican spices and beans and have it alongside brown rice or a whole-grain tortilla with some non-fat sour cream or salsa. For a vegetarian option, substitute soy mince for turkey.


Indian food is notorious for being high in fat and carbs, but it doesn't have to be that way. Make your own curry paste by blending onions, garlic and Indian herbs and spices in a food processor. Pick a protein source such as chicken, lean beef or lamb, shrimp or paneer cheese and cook this in the paste. Use low-fat Greek yogurt and canned tomatoes to make a much lighter, lower calorie sauce and add in spices to suit your taste. You could serve your curry with brown rice, a whole-wheat chapatti or even just extra vegetables to up your vitamin and mineral intake.

Beef Casserole

Beef can be very fatty and often expensive, but switch to brisket and you'll save cash and calories, as it's much leaner and cheaper. It can be tough though, so it tastes best when cooked over low heat for a long time. Cook your brisket with carrots, celery, onion, Worcestershire sauce and spices in a slow cooker. This is extremely easy to prepare and you don't need to watch over the pot while it's cooking. Serve the brisket with extra vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, plus potatoes or sweet potatoes for your carbs and a small portion of fruit as dessert.

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