wtf? I don't understand everyone on this thread posting the highest calorie/carb/protein-rich foods they can think of?? Isn't OP asking for the opposite: something that feels filling without being artery clogging?
I think what you're looking for is high water content foods like rice, beans, lentils, couscous, stews and soups, jelly, and tropical fruits.
Here's some ideas for stuff you can probably eat a bucket of and are hella cheap and reasonably healthy:
- moroccan spiced vegetable couscous (lots of chickpeas and courgette those are very cheap)
- beef stew with diced potatoes, carrots, lots of celery. You can spread it even further by mixing with rice
- cold pasta salad: green pesto + lemon juice or a simple vinaigrette works great, you can have as is or add beans or salad veggies, try adding feta and sweetcorn to give it a kick.
- DIY jelly with fruit chunks. Oranges are good this time of year. Berries work great. Pineapple might make the texture a bit weird or stop it from setting. Pineapple is weird? You can always throw fruit in on top tho, idk.
- big ole chilli, lots of beans, you can try using seasonal vegetables like sweet potato, squash or pumpkin chunks. Again you can pair this with rice
- popcorn BITCH. Ok that might not be filling, but popcorn and chewing gum are great for habitual nibblers (or should i say chronic mastication hhheheh) popcorn might seem expensive but if you heat your own from kernels it suddenly gets very cheap.
- Also have a glass of water or watery drink! Iced tea works (branded ones usually very sugary tho but thats ok in moderation), or water with a splash of cordial (i like summer fruits or elderflower best when its very diluted) or a squeeze of lemon