What to eat when you are broke!!??

Rahsgirl1099

Sooo its nearing the time before pay day again and we have run out of funds and I am almost completely out of healthy options. This is where my mind goes crazy and I am in need of support :O(

rosemaryhon

I'd suggest frozen veggies, eggs, whatever meat is on sale (often chicken thighs), whatever produce is on sale (salad makings), beans, and along that line. In my experience probably unhealthy foods can be just as expensive.

Acg67

Sooo its nearing the time before pay day again and we have run out of funds and I am almost completely out of healthy options. This is where my mind goes crazy and I am in need of support :O(

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

Cp731

In the summer veggies from my garden
Every other month all the veggies from what I froze from the summer and fall.

bleedingdesu

if you can find a store that does bulk foods (I know winco in the west does), quinoa is great! I can get it for two bucks a pound. Beans, rice, canned and frozen vegetables.

Joannesmith2818

When i am skint....which is alot.....I buy a big bag of potatoes, which can be jackets, boiled, or even wedges....beans and some meat thats on offer. I also freeze meat some times, so during the hard times I can still eat protein lol.
Also make larger portions of thing and freeze some of it for anouther time. I live off frozen portions when my money runs out!!

Melo1966

Potatoes, cheap, filing and they are good on protein, fiber and potassium.

LauraMacNCheese

Sooo its nearing the time before pay day again and we have run out of funds and I am almost completely out of healthy options. This is where my mind goes crazy and I am in need of support :O(

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

Sam's Club has whole chickens for right around $5.00 & they're bigger than you'd find in most grocery stores.

scarrletti_girl

Ramen and soup is cheap. I know they are higher in sodium, but when your broke, but they are low in cals.

joannbartosh

I am on low income and Link right now and have the same problem. I have been taking to eating small amounts of food several times a day and it keeps me from having to make big meals. Everything that has been suggested I agree with, but if you don't have the money it is harder to do. I enjoy getting fruit from Aldi and getting some vanilla yogurt and eating that as a meal. It is cheaper than buying the mixed stuff. Just my suggestion.

SyntonicGarden

Sooo its nearing the time before pay day again and we have run out of funds and I am almost completely out of healthy options. This is where my mind goes crazy and I am in need of support :O(

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

Sam's Club has whole chickens for right around $5.00 & they're bigger than you'd find in most grocery stores.

Agreed... And if you're not averse to it, you can make a great soup stock from the carcass...

KarenJanine

Porridge/oatmeal for breakfast
Soups / stews made from any leftover veg/meat/fish and padded out with beans or lentils
Chick pea curries, rice, pasta, etc.

toaster6

If you need cheap meat, check your grocery's meat section for meat they're pushing to sell that day. Last week we got nearly two pounds of salmon for about ten bucks and about a week's worth of chicken breasts and thighs for 6 bucks. I usually buy meat in bulk and just portion it out and freeze it so I don't have any waste. Also try looking for food at smaller markets-- they usually have lower prices. I know some dollar stores sell groceries as well-- the selection isn't the greatest but it's cheap.

Kidlaa

I also go through this sometimes and frozen vegetables are life savers. I buy a bag of frozen mixed vegetables for about $1 or $2 a bag and usually lasts me about a week. Also, tuna cans (.75 cents a can), eggs, tofu ($1.50 a square), and brown rice ($1.50 a small bag) are cheap and can last for a couple of days. Grilled tofu, brown rice, and sauteed mixed vegetables make a great meal!

rosemaryhon

If you need cheap meat, check your grocery's meat section for meat they're pushing to sell that day...

Great mention ^^ ~ I've gotten meat 1/2 price when it's on or near the expiration date. OP, if you don't see any in the meat case, you might want to ask the butcher at your grocery store if they have any you could buy. Same for produce, ask the manager. Last week I noticed a bunch of yogurts which were the day before expiration, I showed the manager, they dropped the price in 1/2.

labeachgirl

Buy a bag of frozen chicken tenderloins, each one is a good portion size
Buy store brand marinades to jazz up the chicken
The clearance racks in the back of the store have marked down bread
Look for tortillas on sale for $1 - good for wraps and make you fuller
Make a big batch of chili (make you own, not the individual cans) and freeze it in small containers
Make lasagna - portion size into small containers and freeze
Ramen - throw in scrambled eggs (or whites), a little cooked rice and more frozen veggies to make it into a bigger meal

kmpublishing2

Try experimenting with dried beans, oats, and even frozen veggies. Watch for sales and even coupons-- but make sure the coupon actually SAVES you money over other similar options, since they tend to be for more expensive name brands.

Timshel_

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

Agreed. Whole chicken or other cheaper parts is good. Same with pork (like pork butt of shoulder roasts).

eep223

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

Agreed. Whole chicken or other cheaper parts is good. Same with pork (like pork butt of shoulder roasts).

Yes! Whole chicken and ground beef are cheap. Lentils. Rice. Potatoes. Really, I'm always skint. I shop the sales and jazz things up with onions, herbs, and hot peppers (all cheap).

rose228822

Sooo its nearing the time before pay day again and we have run out of funds and I am almost completely out of healthy options. This is where my mind goes crazy and I am in need of support :O(

Dry beans, rice, pasta, whole chickens to break down if you can afford it, ground beef

I agree with all the foods listed above and if you don't mind "generic" there is yogurt and the above ingredients are great for homemade soup! I also buy all my meat when it's on sale and freeze it so when the price zooms up I still am able to still have meat as part of my meal...one thing that has really increase the amount of my groceries and lowered my grocery bill is portion control...I was eating triple the amount that I am eating now and can't believe how less often I need to fill my pantry:)

geekette411

I slice a large zucchini, yellow squash, and an onion and saute them with a large can of diced tomatoes. It's cheap and makes about 6 cups/servings of delicious low cal goodness!

pizzaquixote

Get to an Aldi's if you have one. Eggs are 68 cents a dozen, and a great source of protein. Greek Yogurt, 45 cents. Add in some bananas and that is some decent nutrition until more $$$$ comes your way

cosmic8o8

Eggs, potatoes, and rice. If you have a Dollar Tree in your area, you can get frozen veggies for $1/lb.

bearkisses

tuna is usually cheap nad you can get a few sandwhiches out of it...or even salads out of it. you can use mustard instead of mayo.

LowFatMama

Making a big pot of stew does not cost much & it will last you days! Its what I made last night & it will be my lunch for the whole week

fightingthefood

I make omelets using one whole egg and 3 egg whites, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup tomato and 1/2 cup chopped onions plus 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Add a little water so omelet will puff as you cook it. Makes a big omelet that fills and is good for you. Also have made omelets using whatever canned beans I have on hand. (rinse to help remove excess sodium) My eight and nine year old daughters always want theirs with sardines cooked inside.

Fjcookie

When I don't have much money. I normally opt for some type of pasta, i.e. spaghetti with sauce no meat (not much protein), or tuna macaroni salad, beans and rice, eggs, or peanut butter sandwiches. All of these options are usually less than $5 and you can pair with with frozen vegetables.

Fjcookie

When i am skint....which is alot.....I buy a big bag of potatoes, which can be jackets, boiled, or even wedges....beans and some meat thats on offer. I also freeze meat some times, so during the hard times I can still eat protein lol.
Also make larger portions of thing and freeze some of it for anouther time. I live off frozen portions when my money runs out!!

I do the same as well, but I never thought to do in times when I am short on cash... Good idea! I normally buy meat when it is on sale and freeze it. That way I have plenty on hand and dont have to shop more often.

rosiesmama

Tell us what you've got, and we'll tell you what to do with it.