Clean eating on a budget.

chellebublz

I really want to get back to eating clean. I was eating pretty clean then have strayed the past few weeks but want to get back to it in March. Not cuz my progress has stalled because it hasn't, I just felt alot better digestive wise, energy wise, etc.

But I need to kind of plan my meals on a weekly basis and have a list, etc when I go grocery shopping. I want to spend around $100 a week. There is only my fiance, myself and our 12 month old. He eats what we eat, so we do try to plan our food around him. Which isn't that hard since he does have 8 teeth and can eat most things. We try to eat smaller meals so we can eat at regular intervals, I find that helps both of us stay on target and not feel starved or cheated.

Any ideas? Last time we weren't very prepared and ended up wayyyy overspending. Alot of our meals do revolve around chicken and brown rice with veggies, stuff like that. I like to keep it fresh and creative so my fiance stays interested in eating this way. He's a food lover. Maybe there are websites that help with this that I haven't found yet?

jjrichard83

Invest in a ton of spices. Because beans will be your friend. You can change the textures, blend them, eat them hot, cold, mashed, in soup, etc. spices are the key to not get bored. Also buy veggies in bulk. A case at a time- they will usually give you a discount on the entire box if you ask. So for 1 week, all recipes contain broccoli, next week it's cabbage, etc. it's a great way to experiment with different dishes. Many veggies last for months in the freezer when blanched. Maybe investing in a deep freezer wouldn't be a bad idea.

Bulk is the key though! I found a wholesale produce store close by. Google it and see what you get.

DesireeLovesOrganic

Beans, dried peas, lentils are cheap and filling too (with protein, fiber, and iron.) Lentil tacos are delicious! You can do them in lettuce "wraps" too. Quinoa?

chellebublz

All great ideas thanks! I have never tried Quinoa but have a box in my cupboard, I want to try stuffed peppers with quinoa instead of brown rice.

Spadowski

These are great suggestions. I really like allrecipes.com for new ideas because I can save & print the ones I like the most, and read reviews and advice from other cooks. I like to make a lot of casseroles and crock pot meals because there's always leftovers and that's a blessing when you're on a budget.

See if a friend has a Costco membership and then tag along or borrow their card (they only accept cash, debit, and AMEX). Basic membership is around $50/year and they don't pull that "convenient" automatic renewal trick like some places do. You'll be pleasantly surprised how many organic and whole foods they carry. They have a lot of organic milk, cream, cheese, butter & yogurt, organic tofu, cage-free vegetarian eggs, HFCS-free bread, cereals, Kashi granola bars, Annie's mac & cheese, Near East couscous, organic garlic salt, sea salt, Horizon chocolate milk, almond milk, organic vanilla Silk soymilk, agave nectar, coffee, salmon burgers, shrimp, sweet potato fries, Veggie Straws, fresh produce... I kinda go there a lot, can you tell? :laugh:

Bulk aisles are your friend. My co-op has a bulk spice section, which saves me a TON of money. They even have taco seasoning and spirulina! If you want to get out of your brown rice rut, black rice AKA 'Forbidden' rice takes the same time to cook, and has about the same levels of fiber. Plus it turns a super dark purple shade when cooked. I also save money by baking our bread. It's insanely cheap and I buy my flour from the bulk aisle at my co-op. Just make sure you use bread flour or all-purpose flour. And don't overheat your water or you'll kill the yeast and your bread won't rise. Here's my recipe, and I don't think anyone would know if was vegan unless you told them:

http://www.veganbaking.net/breads-and-muffins/667-no-knead-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread

chellebublz

Awesome recipe, I have it bookmarked! I don't eat bread but we keep stock of wheat bread for my son and fiance. So I just may have to try that xD

We don't have a Costco nearby but we do have a Sams Club and were considering trying it out. If you tell them you are thinking about a membership they will let you look around, so I've deft been thinking about that. Just wasn't sure how worth it it is.