How to be Broke and and on a Diet?

BeetleChe13

You could find a cheaper protein powder and buy your stevia in large bags instead of portioned packets. I agree that brown rice is very cheap and goes a long way while being filling. As for produce, except for bananas and strawberries, I get whatever is on sale when I go. Homemade soups are usually cheap to make in large portions, and if you add it on top of brown rice, it can go twice as far. My husband and I have found eating healthier is much cheaper than how we were eating before.

susannamarie

Look for sales and buy a fair amount then. Shop at places more like Aldi, etc.

A while back I found tuna at 25c/can and bought a few cases. Yeah, it was more up-front, but I've been eating it for a while now. I get most of my fresh fruits and veggies at Aldi(as a matter of fact, that's about the ONLY place I get fruit), as well as my dairy and some of my meat. I get all the grocery store fliers (available online) and see if there's any cheap meat and vegetables, and then go there, and if it's REALLY low I stock up.

MizzDoc

www.bountifulbaskets.org
See if there's one in your area. You get a lot of fruits and veggies, for 16.50 every Saturday. It's a Co-op thing, and a ton of fun. Plus, you don't get to pick your foods. It's a surprise every week

Wish this program was available in my area.

I wanted to piggyback off the above statement. Depending on where you live, you can check to see if you have access to the SHARE Food Program or Angel Food Ministries. These food banks/programs allow you to buy food (including frozen meats, fruits, veggies) for very reasonable prices. Each website offers a different monthly menu and sometimes special packages. These programs are often operated out of local churches or non-profits.

I usually get a monthly box which contacts potatoes, onions, some fruits (usually apples, oranges, or bananas), frozen meats of some sorts (chicken thighs, boneless chops, etc.), canned veggies, and other food items. All for $20.00.

cressievargo

I don’t necessarily agree with everyone telling the OP that she shouldn’t worry about protein powder and should just get her protein from other sources. Quality meat is very expensive. Not to mention the fact that an individual need to find what foods/diet works for him/her. If the OP finds it easiest to get her protein in shake form, than more power to her for making a healthy decision that works for her. It’s more likely for her to continue with a healthy diet if she eats things she likes.

It’s so frustrating when people post a topic on MFP only to have others steer from the original question so they can throw out their opinion and not offer suggestions to the question being asked.

sassyjvg – I would suggest trying Amazon.com for your protein powder. You can buy a larger quantity to get you through several months, rather than buying it monthly, and usually you can get free shipping on larger orders. This is a seller that I’ve gone through before... http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Double-Chocolate/dp/B000QSNYGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337709272&sr=8-1.

Also, do you use coupons much? Most stores will allow you to double up on coupons by using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. I would look in your Sunday paper or on Coupons.com. Target stores are good about posting coupons on their website that can be combined with the coupons found online. Also chat with your friends that are also on a limited income and let them know to keep their eye out for sales on specific items you like, and you can do the same for them.

As for Popcorn – are you buying Microwave popcorn? That can tend to be pricy (and loaded with sodium) if you’re not careful. I would suggest buying an old school bag of popcorn kernals and popping it yourself in a skillet on the stove, its cheaper and healthier.

Hope my minor suggestions are helpful – and keep up the good work.

I disagree with this (in regard to the protein). From what you have listed, you have basically just swapped convenience foods. If you can't afford it, it's not a sustainable plan.

First of all - shop sales. Wal-Mart price matches (check their website for their policy). Farmer's markets are a great source for cheap produce. Don't have one by you? Try frozen veggies - pretty cheap and better for you (and better tasting) than canned. Same for fruit. Aldi's has pretty good quality stuff for considerably less than some stores. Also coupons - true that you don't usually see them for fresh stuff - but seriously - I get most of my hygiene type stuff for free or dirt cheap- which frees up more $ for the food budget.

Elizabeth_C34

I don’t necessarily agree with everyone telling the OP that she shouldn’t worry about protein powder and should just get her protein from other sources. Quality meat is very expensive. Not to mention the fact that an individual need to find what foods/diet works for him/her. If the OP finds it easiest to get her protein in shake form, than more power to her for making a healthy decision that works for her. It’s more likely for her to continue with a healthy diet if she eats things she likes.

Lean protein sources (fish, chicken, beans, legumes, etc.) are cheaper and better nutritionally than protein powders. Protein supplements are expensive especially if you're replacing your lean protein sources with powders.

I fail to see how this is "off topic." I simply offered a suggestion to help ease the cost burden of getting protein in the diet.

seebeachrun

I am coming to the realization that the way I have been eating lately, while highly successful, is not realistic to my budget and I don't know how I am going to transition to a more affordable diet, given my current budget. Right now and for the past 7 months, I have bought and used these items on a regular basis: Protein powder 27.00/month, pb2 4.99 bi-weekly, bananas(reasonablly priced) stevia 70ct box, bi-weekly, coconut oil 52 oz. 30.00 every 2 months, green tea 10.00/monthly, popcorn, 10.00 monthly. This does not include the required fruits and veggies, or leaner more expensive cuts of meat. Do you have any suggestions on cheap diet friendly eats OTHER THAN BEANS???

Unless your a vegetarian or have some other reason not to eat meat, then eating meat is usually way cheaper than protein powder. I agree with OPs, toss the protein powder and the coconut oil (both budget killers!) That gives you $52 more per month to spend on real food which is what our bodies are programmed for.

The basic staples I would say to buy each month with that extra $52 include: carton of eggs (2x month - $3 month), brown rice (1x month - $2 month), loaf wheat bread (2x month - $4), frozen chicken breasts (1x month - $1.99 lb - $8 for 4 lbs - approx 8 breasts), frozen tilapia fillets (1x month - $6 lb for 1 lb - watch for sales), baby carrots (2x month - $3), celery hearts (2x month - $4); I've only spent $30 and you have meat and bulk food items that are still healthy for you.

Watch for sales and buy fruits and veggies that are in season (remember seasons? You can cheat here and ask the sales clerk at the grocery store.) The nice thing about eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is that you get a chance to try different things and it makes it more difficult to get bored with one item. There is also nothing wrong with eating chicken thighs or legs which go on sale for under $1 per pound all the time. Yes, breasts have less fat but thighs and legs are still better and way cheaper than beef. I have also bought pork chops and shrimp for under $2 pound during sales. I supplement my veggies with frozen veggies because they are better for you and they go on sale for $1 all the time. When they go on sale I bulk up on broccoli florets and stirfry veggie mixes that I use for weeks. If you're worried about overeating or eating carbs buy a cheap measuring spoon and cup set and measure it out (I bought mine for 88 cents at Walmart, yes 88 cents for both teaspoons/tablespoons and cups.)

Plan your shopping trip thoroughly. I keep a running list of things I am out of on the fridge. I take a picture of it with my cell phone and take it with me to the store (smart right?) I stick to the list and my budget of $50 a week for two people and we both eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home at least 16 out of 21 meals (7 days times 3 meals per day.) On the Wednesday before I shop, I scan the grocery ads (either online or paper if I get a free copy that week) for sales and coupons. I have found the best everyday deals consistently at Walmart and Aldi but the local grocery stores like Albertson's also runs good sales (sadly they are in the process of closing my Albertson's and Publix is overpriced on so many items that I only shop sales there.) I am planning a party for Memorial Day and I found wheat(!) hamburger and hotdog buns at Aldi for 79 cents per pack of 8 (the cheapest price elsewhere is $2!)

DesireeLovesOrganic

Can you get coconut oil on Amazon? I get the Nutiva organic unrefined 50 something oz jug on Amazon (free shipping and I do "subscribe and save" to get it at the cheapest price) and it lasts for a LONG time (I use it as moisturizer and mild sunscreen and to cook in cast iron because it doesn't produce free radicals at high heat like olive and other oils. It still has 130 cal per tablespoon though so I do it sparingly.)

I don't eat meat and I only buy it for my family about once or twice a week (organic, free range, I am picky about not supporting factory farms but it's $$$$) but cutting back on that saves so much money. But we love beans and rice meals so if you don't like that that might be harder. Quinoa is cheap and filling. Vegetarian chili is delicious, filling, and mega cheap (even with all organic ingredients) You can serve with cornbread (cheap.) Forks Over Knives has a great cornbread recipe (filled with veggies, spicy and perfect with chili!) Whole wheat organic pasta and organic pasta sauce will feed a family of 5 for about $5 (add some veggies on the side and good to go! LOL) Some other cheap ideas: homemade pizza with whole wheat crust and lots of veggies. Burritos/tacos (I do the Ezekiel Sprouted Corn tortillas, 120 cal for 2, non-GMO organic corn but only about 3.50 for a pack of 12) with black or pinto beans (1.09 per can of organic beans x 2 for my family), piled on with homemade salsa (3.49 for 6 organic romas, I use only 2 to make the salsa) and avocado ($2.) I buy stuff we use a lot in bulk (onion, garlic, sweet potato, etc.)


Packing lunches for work and school saves a lot too. I kind of have the theory we can pay now ($$$ on healthy food) or pay later ($$$ on medical bills from not having healthy food.)

Are you able to grow anything? I live in southern California with a tiny yard (near a 10 lane across freeway so not like out in the country or anything) but in just a small amount of space, we can do cilantro, cantaloupes, bell peppers, hot peppers, beans, squash. I know the weather of different areas make a difference but just if you can do a few herb or veggies that add flavor you can make almost anything taste better without the expense of buying it fresh each week.

poptastic

Definitely planning meals helps and cooking a large quantity of a meal that you can then eat for several days or freeze in portions eg. bean chilli, soup, stews etc. Also you can cook a lot of tasty things using tinned or frozen vegetables which are often much cheaper (and won't go off), and you can stock up on frozen fish etc at the supermarket, it's much cheaper than fresh fish but just the same! Just try and get creative and keep an eye out for bargains when you're shopping :-) I'm always buying things on deals and keeping them in the freezer til I need them!

sarahrbraun

Hello,
I have been surprised to see a lot of posts on the message boards about individuals buying protein powder. Is this something that has been prescribed by a doctor? Typically you can get plenty of protein through a normal diet and if you are looking to save some money, eliminate the protein powder all together. Perhaps focus on some cheap sources of proteins like beans (yes I am not the biggest fan either) or eggs which are very affordable. I also agree with the tuna comment in the prior post. Hope this helps!

I went to protein powder because of it's helped curbed my appetite, is quick and taste great! Also it was a sneeky way for me to get water in my diet seeing since I dont care to drink it much. I like all the suggestions I've been given thus far. Sounds like it's time for me to wean myself off of conveinence and start eating with the family. Maybe I can start using the bagged popcorn and not microwaved.:noway:

Google it, but you CAN microwave regular popcorn in a brown paper lunch sack. I bought a 2# bag of popcorn for like $3, and 100 bags for $2....

Emily_Katherine

is your $10/month popcorn the pre seasoned bagged microwave kind? If so, I've found that you can pop corn in the microwave as follows: put 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper bag, put the bag in the microwave, and press the popcorn button if you have one (otherwise follow the "listen until pops slow" instructions on commercial stuff). It's cheap, doesn't require you to own an air popper, and you can put exactly what you want on it.

myfitnessnmhoy

It's sad that it IS more expensive to eat healthy than to eat junk food

I'm sorry, but it's simply not.

It's more expensive to eat healthy RESTAURANT fare, true, but well-selected healthy foods are often cheaper than junk food for at-home eating. You just have to put a few minutes' effort into it and a little thought.

At my local Hannaford:

2.5lb Boneless/Skinless chicken breasts (6 breasts): $6.99
16oz Hannaford frozen peas and carrots: $0.99
4.5oz minced garlic in olive oil: $1.49
8.5oz Colavita olive oil: $4.99
2 lb Della Brown basmati rice: $4.79

Total: Under $20.

Chop a chicken breast, stir-fry in minced garlic, add frozen peas and carrots, serve over generous helping of rice (1 cup). Makes 6 meals. Total cost: under $3.34 per meal. And you'll have LOTS of olive oil, garlic and rice left for other meals.

535 calories, 58 carbs, 5 sugar, 18 fat, 32 protein. The frozen chicken breasts are a little high in sodium, but far less than most prepared meals.

It takes about 10 minutes to cook (you'll sit in line at the fast food place longer than that!). You can cook as much as you want at one time because it keeps for days, and freezes wonderfully. I call it "bachelor chow" because when my wife is traveling I eat this exact meal for supper very frequently (sometimes with pasta instead of rice, or with different spices or different frozen veggies for variety).

If you eat it right out of the frypan, you'll have seven dishes: The pan, a saucepan you cooked the rice in, the cutting board and knife you used for the chicken, a measuring cup, a measuring spoon, and a fork. If you're feeling fancy, use a plate for an 8th dish.



And I've used almost all processed foods for those meals. If you buy whole chickens and cook them yourself, then strip them and freeze the meat, it's a LOT cheaper per meal. Store-brand olive oil is also cheaper, as is store-brand minced garlic or even garlic powder. Non-basmati brown rice may be cheaper than basmati. The point is, I picked my ingredients largely at random, you can shop a bit and probably save 50 cents a meal or so.

bowlinmoe

Some suggestions that tend to be reasonably priced:

Eggs
Brown Rice
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Oats/Oatmeal
Milk
Chicken (it's cheaper if you buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself instead of buying nicely prepared breasts all the time)
BIG bags of frozen veggies

Kany

My diet consist mainly of eggs, tuna (canned), oatmeal, lettuce, and fruits. It's within my budget and also for my convenience (since I don't cook).

Snoopy108

What do you use coconut oil for?

kelfromhell

Gardening also will give you some exercise while you grow your foods........ Most cities have community gardens or maybe you have a friend with spare land and you can share..... growing your own tomatos and herbs that you can use or can could help. I know I can eat for $40* a week and we eat a wide variety of meats and fish , rice vegetables and stirfries. If you can save up and buy meat in bulk either direct from a farmer or from costco, that could help too. I find that if there is a will there is a way, and if you just really don't want to give up your powder or coconut oil, then you have to cut out elsewhere. I don't buy either item even though I like and can afford them. I just deteremined it wasn't a necessary expense. Of course, I find cable TV an unnecessary expense and many people argue with that too!

* That's not a budget, just my norm when I buy what I want to make the food I want.

kristinL16

I agree with others that you can eat healthy foods without spending a ton of money, but you can also spend a ton of money on healthy foods if you want to. I would consider most of the items you mentioned to be convenience foods. You can find ways to still use them but more sparingly (and make sure you are getting the best price you can). Experiment with other protein shake options (find recipes that don't use PB2 so that you can mix things up a bit, look at a variety of brands of protein powder or look for better prices on the one you like). Try drinking the shakes less often. Reuse your green tea bags a few times if you are going through more than one a day. Try different brands to see if there is a flavor you like so that you can cut back on the stevia (and with time you may find that you don't need the stevia). I also do the popcorn in a microwave with a paper bag recipe. It is yummy, easy, and cheap. You can also experiment with ways to drink water that you enjoy--add lemon or cucumber slices, etc.

IsMollyReallyHungry

I did not have time to read all of the post but I try to buy certain items on sale. Buy fruits and veggies in season. I definitely agree with the comments on skipping the protien powder. Buy fish and chicken when on sale. You can do it but it takes pre-planning. Also some things are cheaper in bulk at Costcos or Sam's club.

maryjay51

aldi's is a less expensive place to shop for some things . oatmeal , whole grain bread , eggs , tuna , peanut butter ...look around for boneless skinless chicken breast..here i typically get it for 1.99 lb but there is a market that if i get 40lbs its 1.29lb so i go in with a few others in that case ..coconut oil is expensive but its good for you so if thats the only oil you get then i guess you should allow it for yourself...aaah yes and brown rice is good too. try buying fruits and veggies at a local outside market or grow some yourself if you can. you can freeze that stuff too ..i always look for sales too and take advantage of them ..coupons are always helpful for those on a tight budget

Serenstar75

Contrary to popular belief, it's not more expensive to eat healthy.

Buy less food = save money.

I'm not sure where you're shopping, but just getting a little of chicken to last this week and some fruits and veggies that more than likely WON'T be enough for this week was over $57. I could get a lot of crap food if I wanted to for that $57 and feed us for a lot longer than this stuff will last. I don't go for expensive organics or fancy cuts of meat at all. But I have to feed two people on what I have as income and it's just not much. I'm eating better and trying to help him eat better also, and our only splurge this week to buy a box of pancake mix and some sugar free syrup. Oh and he wanted chips earlier this week. What we buy becomes healthier every week, and unfortunately because of that becomes less and less food to make it through the week. Maybe you live where it's more affordable.

Edit: I just found there's an Aldi store. I didn't know our town had one. I'll check there for deals. I know in my hometown out of state, the food was AWFUL quality.

sassyjvg

What do you use coconut oil for?

I use coconut oil for my smoothies, occasionally frying meat, skin care, and I was going to try it as a mosquito repellent. It is very versitile.