Healthy, Happy, and Budget-Savvy: Delicious Ideas for Two
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Hello There!
The New Year brings a fresh wave of energy and inspiration to try new things—whether it’s getting creative in the kitchen or finding smarter ways to eat well on a budget. This year, I’m all about simple, satisfying meals that check all the boxes: high in protein, low in carbs, quick, easy, and delicious! If you’ve been looking for a way to spice things up without breaking the bank, keep reading—this is the perfect place to start.
Why Healthier Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
When people hear "healthy eating," they often think of boring salads or complicated meals. Trust me, it doesn’t have to be that way! I’m all about simple, satisfying, and quick recipes that feel indulgent while keeping the carbs low and the protein high. Bonus points if they come together faster than takeout!
First up is my Garlic Butter Steak Bites, a savory, protein-packed dish that takes minutes to prepare. Tender steak cubes are seared to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home. I recently tried a new herb with my steak bites. I’m usually a classic salt, pepper, and garlic kind of girl, but this time I branched out—and wow, it was worth it! It was a simple change that took the dish to a whole new level. If you’ve been stuck in a flavor rut, I encourage you to pick up an herb or spice you’ve never used before. Cooking is an adventure, and even small tweaks can make a world of difference.
One of my go-to quick snacks is egg salad lettuce wraps—so satisfying, light, and perfect for those days when I want something refreshing and protein-packed. It’s a low-carb twist on a classic favorite that’s both light and filling. The twist comes from a spicy relish with a little bit of heat I add to it. Every time I make egg salad, I think of my sweet neighbor Dot, who gave me one of my favorite kitchen tools. I wish I knew the name of it, but it’s incredibly versatile and makes prepping ingredients a breeze. Every time I use it, I remember her kindness and feel grateful for the many memories I have of her teaching and sharing with me in her kitchen.
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Both recipes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Check out my full video tutorial for step-by-step guidance, and don’t miss the recipe breakdowns to help you plan smarter.
Eating Well on a Budget
Let’s talk dollars and cents for a moment. Groceries are expensive, but with a bit of planning and creativity, healthy eating doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here are a few tricks that have helped me:
Shop Sales and Stock Up Smartly: Keep an eye out for discounts on meat and produce, then plan meals around what’s on sale.
Maximize Versatility: Eggs, lettuce, and steak can each be the star of multiple dishes.
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Make extra and reinvent leftovers for tomorrow’s meal.
One of my go-to quick lunches is egg salad lettuce wraps—so satisfying, light, and perfect for those days when I want something refreshing and protein-packed. Paired with juicy, garlicky steak bites, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is totally doable on a weekday.
Start Small, Celebrate Every Win
If your goal this year is to eat better, start with just one meal. Plan one high-protein, low-carb dinner, or swap out a carb-heavy lunch for something lighter. Small changes add up over time, and it’s all about consistency, not perfection. Enjoying your food and feeling good about your choices is the best motivation to keep going.
I’ll be sharing even more tips and meal inspiration in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Here’s to a year of smart choices, delicious meals, and enjoying every bite.
Lord Bless You, Michelle
Michelle Morris is a food enthusiast, passionate cook, and devoted wife who finds joy in creating delicious meals. As a firm believer in Jesus, she strives to infuse her cooking with love, kindness, and gratitude for the blessings in her life.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles
Cost per serving: Approximately $6
Ingredients (Serves 2):
• 8 oz sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces ($7.50)
• 2 medium zucchini (spiralized into noodles) ($3.00)
• 2 tablespoons butter ($0.25)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.25)
• 1/4 teaspoon sage ($0.10)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add steak bites, season with salt, pepper, and sage, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Zoodles (3 minutes):
• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add zucchini noodles and toss to coat in the garlic butter for 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and cook until slightly tender but still firm.
• Serve steak bites over the zucchini noodles and garnish with fresh herbs. (I used sage)
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Cost per serving: Approximately $2.50
Ingredients: Serves 2
• 3 hard-boiled eggs ($0.75)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ($0.20)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ($0.10)
• 1 teaspoon pickle relish (optional) ($0.10)
• 4 large lettuce leaves (like Romaine or Butterhead) ($0.75)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
• Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.
• In a bowl, mix the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, relish (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Stir everything until it’s well combined and creamy.
• Lay out the lettuce leaves on a plate.
• Spoon the egg salad onto the center of each lettuce leaf.
• Wrap the lettuce around the filling to create a neat, hand-held snack.
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