nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

MyFitnessPal Community

Low budget food ideas/meal ideas

elphie754

webrocery shop weekly, but these next two weeks we need to cut our bill almost by half thanks to a payroll problem that led to both of my significant others without a paycheck this week. Was wondering if anyone had some good suggestions for low budget meals.

Must be gluten, wheat, barley, oat and red dye#40 free. Thank you!

Replies

jgnatca

I agree with the potatoes beans and rice. Get eggs and an onion too.

jgnatca

http://www.glutenfreebaking.com/how-to-make-gluten-free-latkes/

jgnatca

https://smittenkitchen.com/2014/04/three-bean-chili/

mybigfat

Get bone in skin on chicken and you can trim it yourself its a good 4 or so bucks cheaper

kommodevaran

Cook at home. Plan your meals. Balance your meals and eat up everything you buy (everything that is edible). Buy more of the cheap stuff and less of the more expensive stuff. Don't get sucked in by health claims and other advertising. Look at price per pound, price per serving, nutrients per dollar. Then buy what you'll actually eat, but leave the things you know you will want to overat.

Vailara

Pulses are your friend! If you like them, that is. Lentil and split pea soups and dahls, bean patties, vegetable chillies, Meditteranean-style bean stews.

elphie754

amyrebeccah wrote: »

Potatoes, beans, and rice ok? (just doublechecking). Also, if cornmeal is cheap you can make a nice soft polenta that can be eaten sweet or savory.
Top with eggs for primary protein. They're often the cheapest. Shop the sales for frozen or canned veggies. Even salsa can perk up an otherwise bland meal.

Potatoes, rice and beans are good-rice is actually a major staple here (we hav a rice cooker). Oatmeal is out though (even gf oats) since I'm allergic to oat it's self (found that out the hard way).

jgnatca wrote: »

http://www.glutenfreebaking.com/how-to-make-gluten-free-latkes/

jgnatca wrote: »

https://smittenkitchen.com/2014/04/three-bean-chili/

Thank you! Both sound awesome.

RodaRose

Recent thread with links about living inexpensively for two weeks:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10565773/tight-budget-grocery-list#latest

dutchandkiwi

Burdget bytes and Cooking on a bootstrap
Both have search functions that show up diet requirements when you enter it Persnoally a great fan of the second one, she knows how to cook well on nearly nothing (she was incredibly poor for a while, when her son was around2 years old, Her cooking saved her)

elphie754

RodaRose wrote: »

Recent thread with links about living inexpensively for two weeks:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10565773/tight-budget-grocery-list#latest

dutchandkiwi wrote: »

Burdget bytes and Cooking on a bootstrap
Both have search functions that show up diet requirements when you enter it Persnoally a great fan of the second one, she knows how to cook well on nearly nothing (she was incredibly poor for a while, when her son was around2 years old, Her cooking saved her)

Thank you both.

Chef_Barbell

Food pantry. Nothing wrong with taking help when you need it. That's what they are there for.

I also love budgetbytes website.

hltc13084

http://www.goodlifeeats.com/gluten-free-black-bean-quinoa-burgers/

I started making these and they are amazing. If you don't have all the spices just use garlic, onion powder, some hot sauce you like, salt pepper and lime. They are for real amazing. I was gf for a looooong time until the drs realized I had a bad gall bladder. You can cut a sweet potato into large rounds and use those as "buns".

Also, says to refrigerate it for like 20, instead put them in the freezer for 15

elphie754

Chef_Barbell wrote: »

Food pantry. Nothing wrong with taking help when you need it. That's what they are there for.

I also love budgetbytes website.

We are not in such a dire situation that we need a food pantry, it's just having to wait until the next pay period. I would actually feel guilty because there are others out there who truly need the food pantry.

hltc13084 wrote: »

http://www.goodlifeeats.com/gluten-free-black-bean-quinoa-burgers/

I started making these and they are amazing. If you don't have all the spices just use garlic, onion powder, some hot sauce you like, salt pepper and lime. They are for real amazing. I was gf for a looooong time until the drs realized I had a bad gall bladder. You can cut a sweet potato into large rounds and use those as "buns".

Also, says to refrigerate it for like 20, instead put them in the freezer for 15

These sound really good!

elphie754

Anyone use aldi? I've heard they are cheaper than some of the bigger name brand stores. Do they carry gluten free items or just normal grocery stuff?

We went to the local farmers market this morning-always have good luck getting awesome fruits and veggies at 1/3 of the price that you find in the grocery store.

Chef_Barbell

elphie754 wrote: »

Anyone use aldi? I've heard they are cheaper than some of the bigger name brand stores. Do they carry gluten free items or just normal grocery stuff?

We went to the local farmers market this morning-always have good luck getting awesome fruits and veggies at 1/3 of the price that you find in the grocery store.

The Aldi's in my hood has a gluten free section.

elphie754

Chef_Barbell wrote: »

elphie754 wrote: »

Anyone use aldi? I've heard they are cheaper than some of the bigger name brand stores. Do they carry gluten free items or just normal grocery stuff?

We went to the local farmers market this morning-always have good luck getting awesome fruits and veggies at 1/3 of the price that you find in the grocery store.

The Aldi's in my hood has a gluten free section.

Great! Will try shopping there first tonight.

elphie754

Went to Aldi-it's okay but not the best. They had a gluten free section but they didn't have the big brand (udis or schar) so we didn't get much. We ended up going to the regular grocery store instead.

fidangul

My mum sometimes buys fruit/veggies in crates or boxes from the wholesalers . Then she splits it between friends and neighbours. This way she saves tons plus because they weren't hanging about in the shops she saves on the shelf-life too. Therefore, they stay fresher for longer.

elphie754

fidangul wrote: »

My mum sometimes buys fruit/veggies in crates or boxes from the wholesalers . Then she splits it between friends and neighbours. This way she saves tons plus because they weren't hanging about in the shops she saves on the shelf-life too. Therefore, they stay fresher for longer.

I don't think there's anything like that around here but will look into it. We eat a lot of fruits and veggies so might be worth it.

dutchandkiwi

elphie754 wrote: »

Went to Aldi-it's okay but not the best. They had a gluten free section but they didn't have the big brand (udis or schar) so we didn't get much. We ended up going to the regular grocery store instead.

That is what Aldi does, to keep prices down. They don't stock many A-brands and instead focus on third party (basically let others produce the Aldi labels) as well as having some 'own' factories (read produce exclusively for Aldi as bottom prices).
Personally I don't shop there as I know some of their business ways/dealings and I don't like them.

MamaMollyT

Eggs, beans, lentils, barley, nut butters. I cook a whole chicken most weeks and throw the shredded meat in a container to use next few days then use bones to make stock. Then I simmer carrots/butternut squash or whatever veggie I want and make a puréed veggie soup.

CynthiasChoice

You might raid the depths of your own pantry and clean out your freezer and see what you can make do with.
Also, I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but some protein powders can really be economical and will keep you full.

Our local catholic church has a chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society that helps families when they find themselves in need of groceries. It's worth a call to your local church to talk to someone. If asking for charity bothers you, then you can always give a donation later and think of it as a loan just for now.

elphie754

dutchandkiwi wrote: »

elphie754 wrote: »

Went to Aldi-it's okay but not the best. They had a gluten free section but they didn't have the big brand (udis or schar) so we didn't get much. We ended up going to the regular grocery store instead.

That is what Aldi does, to keep prices down. They don't stock many A-brands and instead focus on third party (basically let others produce the Aldi labels) as well as having some 'own' factories (read produce exclusively for Aldi as bottom prices).
Personally I don't shop there as I know some of their business ways/dealings and I don't like them.

I honestly wasn't too impressed by them and don't think we will ever be shopping there again.

CynthiasChoice wrote: »

You might raid the depths of your own pantry and clean out your freezer and see what you can make do with.
Also, I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but some protein powders can really be economical and will keep you full.

Our local catholic church has a chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society that helps families when they find themselves in need of groceries. It's worth a call to your local church to talk to someone. If asking for charity bothers you, then you can always give a donation later and think of it as a loan just for now.

It's not that charity bothers me (while I was out on disability while pregnant I had nonissue accepting help from WIC) I just don't feel like we are in a situation where it is truly needed. There are many families in our area who need those items more than us, especially with summer coming and the children's meals programs ending in some areas. We can survive eating on a smaller budget for a week (with some planning) whereas that might be the only food that family is able to get that week/month. I would feel terrible to take that away from them.

EllaLeahB

Lentils!

EllaLeahB

You can make lentil soup, potatoes for baked potatoes and a side salad, I don't know how much you have to work with but I'm a single mom with two children, I am also gluten-free. The kids are not gluten-free, but I can make stuff work can you give me a price range and how many people are in your house? Maybe you can inbox me.

elphie754

EllaLeahB wrote: »

You can make lentil soup, potatoes for baked potatoes and a side salad, I don't know how much you have to work with but I'm a single mom with two children, I am also gluten-free. The kids are not gluten-free, but I can make stuff work can you give me a price range and how many people are in your house? Maybe you can inbox me.

Sent you a message.

HoosierMom2017

My favorite hot weather meal. Easy on $$$. Lots of nutrients.
3/4 c 1% cottage cheese w/ dill
Other veggies shown

elphie754

I wanted to thank everyone for the great ideas. Unfortunately the right budget has to stay for a bit (one of the adults in our house got injured and is out on injury which is barely half of the normal paycheck). Will be referring back to these ideas often for a bit.

Derf_Smeggle

I posted this in a thread last week. Maybe you can use it, and modify it as needed.

Legumes
Quinoa
Squash (simply microwave in the rind/skin)
Whole chickens, or rotisserie under $9.00

Curried cabbage and beets
1 head of cabbage
3 beets
2-3 tbsp Butter
Curry powder (add to desired seasoning)
((Start slow with the curry powder) )
Large skillet or wok
Spatula, ladle, or large spoon

Chop cabbage and cut up the beets. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the veggies. Stir in with curry powder. Cook at medium heat and stir until beets are tender, but slightly crunchy.

Hobo Stew
Large pot
Ladle
1/2 to 1 pound stew meat (optional)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 small can mushrooms
1/2 onion
3 small red potatoes
3 carrots
1 bag Winter Blend frozen vegetables
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen green beans
1 package frozen asparagus spears
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder

Cut up the potatoes, carrots, and asparagus. Dice the onion. You can first brown the stew meat in the bottom of the pot if you are adding it. Then add 1cup of water. Dump in all of the veggies. Add enough water to cover the veggies. Bring that to a simmer. Once at a simmer, add the cans of tomato and tomato paste. Stir it all in. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until potatoes are done. Add info seasoning when it's done and stir some more. Serve.

Both of these recipes make a lot of food. Takes care of a lot of cooking and is great filler for when you just don't have time or desire to cook.

Derf_Smeggle

Root Vegetable Bake

2 Potatoes
2 Sweet potatoes
2 Onions
2 Parsnips
6 Carrots
1 Rutabaga or 2 Large Turnips
3-4 tbsp Olive Oil
4 tsp Thyme
2-3 Cloves of Garlic
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper

**Be sure to peel the wax off of the rutabaga or turnips. All other veggies leave the skin on.**

Cube cut the vegetables into roughly 1" pieces. Thin slice the garlic (powder can be substituted). Mix together into a 15-17" baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixed vegetables, then add seasonings. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

**Alternate Cooking instructions: Using a 6 quart slow cooker, you can mix and season the vegetable. Then set slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours.