READ: TOFU STEAK
We all know the struggle — you get to the meat section and boom, ang mahal na naman ng pork at chicken! 😩 As a mom trying to stick to a budget while keeping meals healthy and filling, I’ve learned to be a little more creative when it comes to protein.
The good news? Meat isn’t the only way to get protein. There are so many affordable, nutritious, and masarap alternatives out there that are kind to both our wallets and our tummies!
Here are my go-to affordable protein options when meat is just too pricey.
1. Eggs
The OG budget protein. Scrambled, boiled, tortang talong with egg — so many ways to serve this and it’s always filling.
2. Tokwa (Tofu)
At around ₱20–₱25 per block, tokwa is super versatile. You can fry it, cook it with tokwa’t baboy style (minus the baboy), or add to veggies!
3. Canned Tuna or Sardines
Canned tuna with pechay or sardines with miswa is always a win. Quick to cook and super affordable!
4. Lentils or Munggo
Munggo Mondays? Yes please! A pot of munggo with malunggay and tinapa or tokwa stretches a long way.
5. Beans and Legumes
Boiled white beans, black beans, or even garbanzos are filling, rich in protein, and perfect for stews and soups.
6. Peanut Butter
Not just for sandwiches! Try it with oats, in a satay-style sauce, or even in kare-kare. Nutritious and tasty!
7. Omelette with Gulay
Stretch eggs by adding tomatoes, onions, pechay, or kangkong. Tastes good and looks bongga sa plate!
We don’t always need to rely on meat to feed our families well. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can serve up delicious, protein-packed meals that are easy on the budget.
Have a go-to affordable protein recipe? I’d love to hear it! Let’s help each other save and stay healthy, mga mommies!
5 Responses
Sa mahal ng bilihin. Kelangan talaga mag isip ng yummy, healthy ulam..yet so affordable. Thank you for sharing this mommy. Laking tulong nito dahil struggle is real sa pag iisip ng ulam everyday
Sa mahal ng bilihin. Kelangan talaga mag isip ng yummy, healthy ulam.yet so affordable. Thank you for sharing this mommy. Laking tulong nito dahil struggle is real sa pag iisip ng ulam everyday
Sakto ang post mo, momsh! Kanina lang sa palengke, napa-‘Ha?!’ talaga ako sa presyo ng pork. Kaya ngayon, todo-gamit na kami ng itlog, tuna, at minsan tofu sisig — winner sa asawa ko at hindi halatang walang karne. Gusto ko pa nga mag-try magtanim ng konting gulay sa bakuran para dagdag tipid. Ganyan talaga ‘pag nanay, laging may paraan! 💪
Truth momsh! Parang every grocery run eh may price increase surprise na naman 😩 Kaya kami dito, naging besties na kami ng itlog at tofu! Minsan nilalagyan ko ng miswa o sayote para dumami at kumpleto pa rin sa nutrisyon. Laban lang talaga para sa pamilya! Salamat sa tips mo, nakaka-inspire maghanap pa ng ibang protein hacks!
Ay totoo talaga ‘yan momsh! Noong dati, meat palagi ang bida sa ulam, pero ngayon, tofu, itlog, at munggo na ang laging laman ng meal plan ko. Minsan sinasamahan ko ng konting meat para may lasa pa rin, pero tipid version na! Okay din ‘yung mga canned tuna minsan pag naka-sale. Excited akong makita rin ang suggestions ng ibang mommies dito. Tulungan na lang talaga tayo sa hirap ng panahon ngayon! 💕