Eating on a budget

KGTraxler

I REALLY need help with eating on a budget. I am a graduate student with limited income. I live by myself so it's hard to grocery shop. I HATE buying good food and not finishing it before it goes bad. I workout 5-6 days per week with 2 one hour strength training sessions so right now my diet is 35% protein 35% fat 30% carbs. Tips? Ideas? Anything would be appreciated because I need to fix this for next semester.

Greenrun99

I live alone and try to stay within a budget.. One thing I do is shop around and use coupons.. I go to 2 big name grocery stores (both send out flyers) then go to aldi's for some of the other stuff when its not on sale and I know they have it cheaper.

When it comes to meat (chicken, beef, steak) when its on sale I usually buy alot and then it goes in the freezer for future, fruits/veggies I go where its the cheapest but most of the time you will find it cheaper at Aldi's, I know you don't think its good quality, but the normal fruits that are in abundance at the time you can find for dollars cheaper than a grocery store (example currently you can get pineapple for $2.99 on sale at some stores, Aldi's sale price is normally $.99 same with grapes, cantaloupe, others).. And their veggies the big name ones are normally cheaper, mushrooms broccoli carrots potatoes.

The other stuff you can always try Walmart if you have a grocery around you, and the packaged items check the fliers for coupons as that is normally has a coupon on it.

I know its a hassle to go to different places to shop, but if you want to save money its the way to go.. of course if you live outside of a city around only 1 store well its difficult.

jandueporti

I second Aldi as a suggestion - I love shopping there & you can't beat their prices (or their double money back guarantee).

I'd also suggest making larger meals and then portioning them into tupperware to freeze for homemade frozen dinners. It's a good way to save time and money; you can reheat one during the week when you have less time and also makes sure that what you bought isn't going to waste.

Coupons are another great option - using a store coupon and manufacture one can save a lot. I'm not sure where you're from, but there's an awesome site that I use which tells the best deals for which stores (she lives in Minneapolis and publishes shopping lists for each of our major grocery options each Sunday) called Pocket Your Dollars - it helps me a TON since I'm still pretty new to couponing! www.pocketyourdollars.com

Good luck! :bigsmile:

holleysings

Beans, frozen vegetables, oatmeal, and brown rice. Cheap, nutritious, and easy!

alcon79

When I lived alone I made a lot of soups and chilis because you could freeze portions, the items needed are generally low cost, and food like that always taste better after a few days.