With the new season rolling around, it’s cause for a kitchen makeover at my house. For the past few weeks I have been pretty uninspired in the kitchen. Whether it’s the gloomy weather, my expanding belly making me tired or just lack of exciting ingredients—I needed a little inspiration to get excited about cooking again. 

After getting some of the nursery together and organizing my life a bit this past weekend, I am feeling a little less anxious and was able to actually sit down and meal plan again. I know I’ve talked about the site before but the Make More of Mealtime hub always has some great inspiration and BLT’s had been sounding amazing. When I saw the organic version on their site it inspired a little weekend lunch idea and off to the store I went. First, here are a couple ways I try to get healthy buys on a budget:

 

Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Sales: Right now, at Jewel Osco you can save $10 instantly when you spend $30 on participating Unilever products like Hellman’s, Lipton and Knorr. I saved grabbing my Mayonnaise plus the beefsteak tomatoes and fresh bread were on special so the meal cost me under $20 and I had some to spare for leftovers!

 

Plan Ahead: When I have sat down and meal planned prior to heading to the grocery I’m way more likely to not overspend and end up with things I don’t really need for the week. Ever wonder how your pantry gets full of so much stuff? Yea, me too!

 

Buy Sale Produce If You Can Use It Right Away: The ‘sale’ produce is never bad but expiring soon so if you have any ideas for dinner that night that any of it could work for, grab it! 

 
Cook Larger Portions for Leftovers: Luckily, my husband is not picky nor am I when it comes to leftovers. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to eat the same thing for days but cooking enough at dinner to last my husband and I through lunch the next day is always key! Even if it’s not the same meal. For example, if I make some roasted chicken for a salad for dinner, I will repurpose it into a quinoa bowl for lunch the next day and it saves me not only money but a ton of time cooking. 

 

Okay, back to my new favorite meal!

 

Although a traditional BLT may not be classically ‘healthy’ it’s always easy to put your own spin on it. I love using either the Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise or their organic version, both taste amazing. After grabbing that I picked up some organic beefsteak tomatoes—trust me, these taste way better than the traditional! Some spicy arugula to use as my greens to give it a little kick, center cut bacon-much healthier than traditional and fresh sliced multigrain bread. 

Another little pro tip: bake your bacon! Ever since I switched the way I cooked bacon a few years ago, I have never turned back and have converted quite a few of my friends also! Frying it on the stove causes so much mess and the oven makes it far more crispy and easier to blot after cooking it. I usually set it to 400 degrees and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, checking on it every few minutes. Every oven heats differently so just keep your eye on it the first time you do it and after that you should be good! I’m usually throwing 4-6 pieces in at a time and after you remove it, just dry it off on a paper towel and once the grease sets you can just roll up the aluminum foil and toss it out! Easy, right?

I prefer to toast the bread a little to start with a light dusting of fresh parmesan and then just layer as you like! The avocado adds so much protein and healthy fats to your meal and a creaminess that tastes great with the crispy bacon. You can add a dash of black pepper to the spicy arugula and viola! You are set for a fun weekend lunch or a picnic in the park! 

These will be perfect over the spring to wrap in butcher paper and take to the movies in the park with a side of fruit and some tea! What are some of your favorite spring time meals? 

 

 

 

 

This post was sponsored by Mirum Shopper. As always, all opinions are my own and thank you for supporting brands that make Lows to Luxe possible!