Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do. I always leave it as long as possible because I know that once I get to the store, I’m going to spend way more money than I want to. Groceries are a necessity, and trust me…. I love food. It gets draining, though, spending money on something month in and month out. Recently though, I’ve started eating even healthier than my pescatarian diet calls for. I’ve cut out most of my dairy, dropped back to skim milk, and I’ve amped up the amount of fish that I eat because it’s a great way to get healthy protein and help my genetically unfriendly cholesterol levels.

I didn’t realize until recently how much eating fish and other seafood is really helping my budget. I buy shrimp, salmon and tilapia. Probably four meals a week contain one of these because it’s a great way to eat healthy and save money. I buy the shrimp that you have to peel but do not have heads. I get about 60 frozen shrimp for $4.29 at my grocery store. That is about four servings, so that’s my primary protein for just over $1 a meal. Then I buy salmon, frozen, for $10. I get four big fillets in that package which can actually be split in half, so again, 8 servings at just over $1 a piece. Now the Tilapia, that’s another $10 a bag, and another 8 fillets or so. With a well-stocked herb and spice cabinet, you can do so much with just these nice base proteins. Any of these can defrost in water in about 15 minutes, or can be left in the fridge for the day. Mix them with rice and vegetables, maybe some stir fry sauce or a mix of spices on the seafood and you have simple and good food.

Budget Friendly Seafood Dinners

Shrimp and Spinach Wrap

Ingredients:

• 10 Raw Shrimp (defrosted)
• 1 Flour Tortilla or Wrap
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Spinach
• 1 Small Tomato
• 4 Tbsp Plain Non-Fat Yoghurt
• Grilling Spices

Take any kinds of grilling spices you like, or just use salt and pepper. Spray a non-stick pan with Pam, or use a small amount of olive oil. Coat the shrimp in the spices an sauté for 6 or 7 minutes until cooked.
Dice the fresh tomato into small piece. Smear the yoghurt over the tortilla, then add the spinach, tomato and shrimp. Roll up and enjoy!

Grilled Salmon with Potatoes and Veggies

• Salmon Fillet (defrosted)
• Butter, Salt and Pepper
• 1 large or 2 small potatoes (yukon gold is best)
• 1/2 Cup or more frozen peas and corn

Poke the potatoes all over with a fork, then rub them with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them in the microwave for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, put veggies in a pan on the stove and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer.

Put a small amount of butter or olive oil in a pan. Sprinkle salmon fillets with salt and pepper and then saute in the hot pan for about 3 minutes or more each side.
Strain the veggies, put everything on a pretty plate and eat.

Fish Fry Tilapia

• Tilapia Fillet (defrosted)
• Fish Fry Seasoning
• 1 Cup Salad or Veggies
• 3/4 Cup Cooked Rice

Fish fry mix is wonderful. It’s seasoned well, not as unhealthy as you think, and very inexpensive. If you buy a pack of it, you’re only going to use a couple of tablespoons and you can keep the extra in a jar with your other seasoning.

Coat the tilapia on either side with the fish fry mix. Spray or add a little oil on a pan and get the pan super hot. Add the fillet to the pan and cook, turning it over every minutes or so until it looks cooked and a little crispy. Usually 6-8 minutes. Eat with salad or mixed veggies, and rice with salt and pepper.