This is the most correct answer.
I cook seven nights a week and prepare basic simple food. My diet is 75% vegetarian/vegan (I eat meat infrequently; usually for weekend cookouts and/or big events). I do not eat out often. I'm middle aged. I'm at regular weight and work out periodically.
At my last physical my doctor said if everyone's numbers were like mine hospitals would go out of business.
Best bang for your buck is lentils or dried beans. Salads are also a go-to and economically feasible if you buy ingredients and prepare yourself. Chicken thigh is the most versatile cut, with pork shoulder being a distant second. Both are economical. Beyond burgers are my favorite meat replacement but are pricey.