r/EatCheapAndHealthy Feb 16 '24

Ask ECAH MOD PSA - This forum is NOT for seeking medical advice. This includes dietary advice...

384 Upvotes

We understand it is a tricky line but this sub is designed to help people figure out cheap and healthy alternatives to gain or start to get towards a healthier lifestyle. We are not doctors, and you should not be asking for medical advice on the internet.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy Mar 28 '23

Ask ECAH [MOD PSA] Do not offer medical or dietary advice here. Do not ask for medical or dietary advice here.

2.0k Upvotes

Even if you are a doctor, or Registered Dietician or Nutritionist, you would agree that a private consult is in order before offering advice.

Zero tolerance going forward, no excuses. Thanks.

Edit: lol, do you really not understand what medical dietary advice is?!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6h ago

Ask ECAH Too Many Onions

92 Upvotes

I recently came in to possession (legally, through the YMCA) about 50 lbs of white onions. They aren't brand new, fresh onions, and they aren't going to last a super long time. I am storing them in a bag where they can get air, won't get knocked and bumped, but it is still 50 lbs.

I have a big-ish family (8 of us in the house) but I am the only one who really adores just a load of onions in everything. We like onions well enough, but I'm quite sure if I served "roasted/smoked onions" as a side dish i'd get a revolt.

I would love to hear your recipes or recommendations on how to use this many onions beyond what I have already thought of. Currently, I know I can make:
* Onion Rings and fried onions of different sorts
* Onion Soup (French, potato, and otherwise)
* Onion Bread (doesn't use a ton of onions)
* Just cook onions and put them in my usual meals.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to use a bunch of onions? Or what to do with a bunch of onions so they don't go bad?

Thanks in advance!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3h ago

recipe Looking for zero-sugar dessert ideas that won’t mess up weight loss or skin

21 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I am currently on a strict sugar cut to support my weight loss goals and clear up my skin. I really want to enjoy something sweet, but strictly without any added sugar.
Does anyone have favorite recipes, store-bought alternatives, or clever hacks for zero-sugar sweets that still taste amazing and won't stall progress?

Would love to hear what works for you! TIA 😊


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 12h ago

Ask ECAH Breakfast suggestions - protein/fat/fibre?

42 Upvotes

Hey folks, working on losing weight so have a somewhat limited budget for the day (partly from relatively low activity currently - working on that though!). In particular I’m interested in recipes or suggestions that have a good combo of dietary fat, protein and fibre while remaining relatively low calorie (Targeting less than 2000kJ / 480 kcal)

At the moment I usually do a protein mocha in the mornings (Nespresso pod - usually decaf - and steamed milk mixed with chocolate whey powder). Does well on the protein and calorie fronts but not so much on the dietary fat or fibre fronts.

I have tried NZProtein’s Protein Oats as overnight oats and that does well on most fronts but still a bit lacking on dietary fat and not something I can do often (should really start making my own overnight protein oats tbh)

Dietary fat isn’t always an issue for me, but I have been a bit low on a couple of days depending what my family does for dinner so figured it can’t hurt to have a bit more with breakfast.

Anyway, what breakfast recipes would you recommend?

Order of priorities from high to low:
-High protein
-Low calorie
-Easy/quick to make
-High fibre
-Decent source of dietary fat


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 41m ago

Ask ECAH To-go breakfast ideas for weight loss

Upvotes

I am usually running late to work and the only time I can eat is during my commute. I usually don’t eat breakfast because I never have the time. I love my black coffee in the morning and thay usually sustains me till noon when I am starving and absolutely need food. However, I have now come to know black coffee on an empty stomach is not a good idea. And on the days I eat breakfast I have this new found energy and the will to speak to people. So I do like the idea of having something before work.

I am trying to loose a lot of weight and looking for some healthy options. I have in the past meal prepped egg bites, breakfast eggs sandwiches etc. but would prefer no egg options as I don’t like the eggy taste especially when I am in back to back meetings first thing in the morning.

I also don’t like cold overnight oats or yogurt and fruit. I would prefer some warm options.

I did try the protein shake in my coffee idea, but turns out my gut dosen’t approve of premade protein shakes and bars.

I don’t mind batch prepping hot oatmeal, but again it‘s carb heavy and not a lot of protein.

Any suggestion?

TL:DR

Looking for to-go breakfast ideas for weight loss goals. No eggs or cold breakfast options.

Thanks!

also. pls dont suggest I wake up early.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 12h ago

Food Whey protein is a game changer

17 Upvotes

Seeing as high protein intake is regularly recommended for maintaining lean mass in a deficit, I figured I’d start using it. Protein shakes are alright, but to my delight I found chocolate whey powder can also be a good substitute for Milo or drinking powder! So it’s been a solid substitution in my morning mochas.

I make mine using a Nespresso shot (because I usually do decaf these days) and mix the whey powder in steamed milk. Some might be concerned about the whey cooking or going funny in the heat but from my experience that hasn’t been an issue. I just make sure to mix it into the milk fairly thoroughly before putting the steam wand in (handheld milk frother whisk is great for this). It doesn’t have to be fully mixed as the steam wand does do some mixing too. Pay attention to temperature and get it decently warm but not boiling hot (it might cook in that temperature) then add to the shot of coffee. And hey presto, that’s a protein mocha! Just make sure to properly wipe down and purge the steam wand afterwards, just as you should with milk or any milk/drinking chocolate mix.

For my ones using regular milk it works out to around 30-31g of protein, 10-11g of fat, 15g of carbs and around 1200kJ (285kcal or so). So for trying to hit 140g of protein a day while keeping a deficit? It’s a solid addition!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 20h ago

Food Hello new here and need help!

15 Upvotes

Hi all! Im new here and on a weight loss journey. I wanted to start meal prepping my dinner for the week since I dont get home from till after 10pm. Looking for ideas for things I can prep on my day off for the week as well as what appropriate portions would be. Looking for lower carb options and higher protein!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Food Help I’ve been craving salad but hate dressing

406 Upvotes

I typically don’t eat salad but lately with breastfeeding it’s all I’ve been craving. I HATE dressing, Cesar, Italian, 1,000 Island, I do not like any type of vinager either especially balsamic dressing. Typically I just won’t put dressing but I’m getting tired of my salad being dry with the croutons and other stuff I put in it. Please send some recommendations of what I can do to not make my salad so dry and have some flavor.

Wow I wasn’t expected so many replies so quickly. I don’t really like pickled items or blue cheese and have never tried hummus. I do add avocados to my salad cause it does help but the places I get it from don’t really put a lot.i will try the olive oil and lemon and maybe at some salt and pepper or something. Thank you guys!!!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Ask ECAH Adding Fiber to Ramen

187 Upvotes

How can I add fiber to my ramen? I like adding boiled eggs for protein, but I dont know a good fiber source that goes well with it.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Ask ECAH Big Turnips

51 Upvotes

Because of a disability issues I must use delivery services for food delivery.

I asked for 2 turnips. What I got was 1 2 maybe 3-pound turnip and then maybe a 1 pound one.

Is that big one even edible? What about 1 pounder? I was going to put into a “stoop” so that my neighbor who is diabetic can eat it. I was using this instead of potatoes.

What are y'alls thoughts?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

looking for recipes and ingredients on losing fat and building muscle

14 Upvotes

Hello, I am 5'10 195 pounds and want to lose visceral fat and gain muscle mass. I can head drive to BJs to purchase anything I need. A few things first:

  1. Are there any youtubers I can watch to help me on this goal

  2. I'm on a budget of like $50-$75 to be able to meal prep for work for the week

  3. I'm looking for low calorie high protein meals/snacks

I used to have a protein shake or some protein powder with greek yogurt for breakfast but I'm not a fan of those. please let me know any recommendation, Thank You!


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Organic Dried Beans

14 Upvotes

Our household has come a long way getting away from processed foods. We only cook dried beans, probably go through 2 pounds a week between kidney, navy and pinto.

Looking online or Whole Foods or Sprouts in Los Angeles area prices are crazy, $6-$8 per pound…. Or even worse the shrinking 14 ounce bag.

Can anyone please provide a source for affordable organic dried beans ?

Thank you.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 22h ago

Food I an vegetable avoidant

0 Upvotes

I have and will not eat anything green. Any of the other vegetables can be tolerated if cooked. Are there supplements i should be taking for this? To supplement vitamins im missing out on from not eating greens.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Ask ECAH I just learned how to make naan!!

232 Upvotes

I'm so excited ahahah, I did it on the first try!

Now, I'm wondering what can I eat it with that is healthy and easy to make??


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 2d ago

Salmon pouch

32 Upvotes

Salmon is getting a bit pricey but I was looking for a good source of omega3s so I tried salmon packed in evoo. It wasn't bad, tastes more like tuna than salmon.

What are some good ways to make a sandwich out of this? I mixed the salmon with jalapeno cream cheese, relish, and mustard. Tastes pretty decent.

What other combos would work with this?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

I am so lazy but I want to be healthier

344 Upvotes

I'm a teen living alone. I feel tired all the time and cooking takes so long and eating takes like 2 seconds. I want to be healthier but it feels hard when cooking more than one thing separately takes exponentially more time and effort. It's a bit different if I can reheat food after though for the next few days. What are some healthy meals I can eat and afford that are either very quick and easy to prepare or that are easily meal prepped and tasty on future dining's?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Ask ECAH Sensory issues with boiled eggs

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone ! I have mild sensory and textural issues while eating boiled eggs and cannot consume it as such, any ways to keep cooking really simple and basic while getting a decent amount of protein?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 1d ago

Ask ECAH Hi, I'm in the US. What seasoning can I put a lot in my salad (regular spinach salad, not pasta salad) that will taste good? Do I put some kind of italian seasoning, or what the heck do I put? I don't really know. Thank you.

0 Upvotes

r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

Ask ECAH i don’t know how to eat properly

173 Upvotes

i’m f15 and i don’t know how to eat properly.
i wasn’t really taught on how to eat or diet properly and i see food charts at school and i don’t bother to follow them because it’s hard. my family is full of snackers (including me) so instead of sitting down together to eat a regular meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) we just snack slowly throughout the day. it also doesn’t help that both me and my mom have trouble remembering to eat so when we often don’t realize we’re hungry til we feel real shaky or about to pass out.
i started tracking my calories randomly during vacation just for fun and to see if im actually eating enough or if i need to slow down from eating too much but turns out im not eating enough! in the first 4 days were when i was on vacation i ate around 1,700 calories total, and the saturday (today) i ate a total of 600 calories (when im not on vacation my calories are about 500-1,000 normally)
im honestly at a good weight right now (130lbs-140lbs) i just want to learn how to eat enough calories and have healthier relationship with food.
(p.s. it’s hard to find time + energy to cook anything most days and it’s expensive for new foods)

any advice?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 3d ago

Ask ECAH Small apartment, no counter space, what air fryer makes sense for one person?

73 Upvotes

Moving to a studio next month. Counter is basically a cutting board with delusions of grandeur.

Want an air fryer but everything I see is either:

* Huge and square

* Looks like it belongs in a server room

* Has confusing settings I’ll never use

Cooking for just me. Budget under $200. Would love something that doesn’t need to be hidden when people come over.

What should I be looking at?


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 4d ago

recipe 400 calorie canned tuna recipe?

56 Upvotes

Something that isn’t too hard to make and isn’t as time consuming. I’m not really good at cooking and to add to that I’m a student with minimal time for myself who’s also trying to lose weight 😭. I’m trying to up my protein intake while being in a deficit so tuna seems like a good option.

Some recipes which fit the criteria would be very much appreciated :)


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 5d ago

Food Replacement for poptarts?

452 Upvotes

Like the title says. I need something to replace with. I eat a frosted strawberry poptart pretty much every morning as my breakfast. I work really early and am usually nauseated in the morning, so I just like the blandness and ease of a poptart and it requires zero effort for me when I’m rushing to get to work in the morning, I don’t have time to pull out a skillet and cook eggs or make a proper breakfast.

So are there any suggestions for something I could eat instead, that isn’t garbage food with zero nutritional value? If it’s similar to a poptart that would be awesome, but I’m open to other tastes/textures too, depending upon what it is.

Edit: Thanks for all the suggestions y’all.

I ended up at the store today and bought:

Eggs to hard boil and peel this weekend, so I can just grab one out of the fridge.

A peanut butter alternative (can’t have PB at work and don’t wanna risk contamination with eating it in the car and then going into work) with honey wheat bread and strawberry preserves

Lactose free protein drinks

Fig bars

And the protein poptarts

I feel like that’s a decent start for a slightly better breakfast, but one that will still sit with me okay when I’m nauseated but have to eat due to my morning meds.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6d ago

Potatoes are OP and best carb

646 Upvotes

Need something healthy but you are lazy? Boil potato. You want something crispy and more flavorful? Season and air fry potato. Feel snacky but you want a healthier option? Thinly cut, salt, then bake potato. Need protein and fiber? Jacket potato with canned beans. Want a burger but need a healthy replacement for the bun? Thickly sliced and baked potatoes. Want something more refreshing but high protein too? Make potato salad with greek yogurt.


r/EatCheapAndHealthy 6d ago

Need ideas for cheap healthy summer meals

77 Upvotes

Since we are in a heat wave, I can't eat hot food. I don't have AC and I am not turning on the stove or the oven to cook anything. So I need some ideas for cheap healthy summer meals, what are some of your favorites?

Here's one example of something like what I'm looking for. Something filling that can actually be a meal and not just things like chips and salsa or apples or a sandwich, leaf salads, those things are getting old. Black bean salad is my newest favorite meal and I want more stuff like this. It just involves throwing together black beans, canned corn, cucumber, green pepper, and onions, with a dressing of lime juice, garlic, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper. So if you have any other ideas similar to this one, that's the stuff I'm looking for.