Apart from making you dread glancing at your grocery bill, the ceaseless rise in food prices may have introduced you to, or deepened your relationship with, “struggle meals”. These budget-tender, scrumptious dishes are put together with the odds and ends of your pantry and are the superheroes of your nutritional journey.

To begin with, let's appreciate the versatile bean. Stir-fried with vegetables, it forms a perfect plant-based struggle meal. Budget favorites like canned beans, frozen vegetables, and rice band together to pack a flavorful punch while ensuring your diet doesn't lack any protein or fiber.

Ever thought about bringing together ground turkey and lentil chili in a large scale crockpot rendezvous? This combo gives you a budget-friendly, nutritionally superior meal. You can even freeze leftovers to grace your plate on hectically busy days.

Moving ahead, canned tuna might be your best confidant for a nutrient-rich, quick-fix. Combine it with a salad of white beans and whole-grain crackers to add fibers to your protein intake. If tuna isn't your thing, don't fret; nutrient-rich alternatives like salmon or sardines are just as effective.

Meanwhile, have you ever looked at oats as a treasure-trove of nutrients? They're a brilliant addition to your heart-healthy and weight management regimen. Additionally, being a good source of digestible fiber makes them a go-to for your pantry.

Lastly, who said spaghetti was just a comfort food? Pair whole-grain spaghetti with canned beans and frozen vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.

The key to mastering the art of healthy struggle meals is simple: observe what you've got, plan creatively, and let sales guide your shopping cart. A frugal diet doesn't have to be boring or repetitive. With low-cost dried or frozen herbs, and a pinch of creativity, your meals transform into nutritious, culturally appropriate, flavorful experiences.