How to Eat Plant Based on a Budget

A very common misconception about eating plant based is that it is expensive, but that’s not true. Well, you can do it the expensive way but you don’t have to. The ingredients that are expensive are all the mock meats and processed stuff, which are fine to eat now and then, but maybe not the best to build a healthy foundation on. In this video I challenge myself to eat under $5 for a whole day, yep not per serving, for a WHOLE DAY!

You find all recipes of what I ate during the whole day down below 👇🏼 or in my app

Breakfast: Simple Banana Pancakes

0,58 US$/serving

This recipe is also found in the Fivesec Health app, search for “Simple Banana Pancakes“ in the app.

Ingredients for 1 serving

For the pancakes
1/2 banana
1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup plant milk

For the topping
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/4 banana

Steps

1. Add all the pancake ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken

2. In a non-stick pan without oil, cook the pancakes on medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side

3. When the pancakes are done, top with peanut butter and chopped bananas!

Lunch: Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese

0,81 US$/serving

Ingredients for 4 servings

For the sauce (4 servings)
300g russet potato
1 medium carrot
1 1/2 cup water (or plant milk)
6 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp tapioca flour (starch)
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dijon mustard

For the pasta
2 1/2 cup whole wheat pasta

For the topping
1 tbsp bread crumbs (or panko)
2 cup broccoli florets

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/390F

2. Chop the potatoes and carrots in bite sized pieces, then add to a pot and let simmer until they are fork tender (about 10 minutes)

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Chop the broccoli into smaller florets

4. Drain the potatoes and carrots when done, then immediately add to a high speed blender together with rest of the sauce ingredients

5. Blend the sauce in a high speed blender (900W+) until it's completely silky smooth

6. Drain the pasta and transfer it back to the pot together with the sauce & broccoli, stir to combine

7. Now add the pasta to one big or two smaller baking dishes (for 4 servings I used 2 smaller ones, 21cm x 15cm / 8.2inch x 5.9inch)

8. Sprinkle with bread crumbs on top and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the top starts to get slightly golden

9. Serve as it is or with a side of salad!

Snack: Apple & Peanut Butter

0,91 US$/serving

Ingredients for 1 serving

1 apple
1 tbsp peanut butter

Steps

1. Slice the apple and dip it in the peanut butter!

Dinner: Simple Bean Chili

2,36 US$/serving

This recipe is also found in the Fivesec Health app, search for “Simple Bean Chili“ in the app.

Ingredients for 4 servings

For the rice
1 cup brown rice, dry

For the chili
1 yellow onion
4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp cumin, ground
1/2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper, ground
440g mixed beans, drained
800g crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
8 tbsp frozen corn kernels
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

For the topping
1 fresh lime (optional)
4 tbsp fresh coriander

Steps

1. Start by cooking the rice according to the package

2. Meanwhile, chop the onion and mince the garlic, then add to a pan on medium heat and sauté until the onion is soft

3. Add all of the spices (except liquid smoke, be careful with the chili if you don't like it spicy) and a splash of water if needed and let it cook into a paste

4. Now add the drained beans, crushed tomatoes, corn kernels, water, and the liquid smoke, cover with a lid and let simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally

5. When the chili is done, serve in a bowl with rice and top with coriander and lime!