Food Choices...on a strict budget

kanittaj
kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hey MFP friends,
I just started this journey about 3 weeks ago (yesterday) and my weight loss has been minimal. I'm a single mother and honestly I have been struggling eating the right foods. I go to the gym or work out from home 4 days a week. I try to kill two birds with one stone by buying snacks for my twins (4 yr olds) that I would also like. I have gotten animal crackers, cheese its (for kids; lower in calories), graham crackers, etc... I just feel like I am getting off track. Every time I look at my intake, I am under the calorie count but I am not getting enough protein. The thing is I'm not sure which foods are high in protein (and actually taste good). I'm on a budget but I want to make sure that I do the right things to move forward with getting healthy. Suggestions please (keep in my, I have some very picky 4 year olds).
Thanks so much!
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Replies

  • innocenceportrayed
    innocenceportrayed Posts: 569 Member
    Protein....hmm... boiled eggs and milk actually most dairy has lots of protein. Protein bars are great, most have anywhere from 10-20g of it.

    Oh and fresh lunch meat, like turkey and ham have protein.
  • pittsblue99
    pittsblue99 Posts: 277 Member
    Chicken, turkey, and fish are all high in protein. Being on a budget does makes things difficult (I understand that lol) so if you can get things when they are on sale and freeze part of it, that helps a lot. Also try making meals that you can get more than one meal out of. For example, when I make baked chicken, I use what is left and make soup the next day. Best of luck on your journey and feel free to add me if you would like another friend :happy:
  • leo02098
    leo02098 Posts: 106 Member
    I meet and exceed my protein macros by eating eggs, meat, cottage cheese, nuts, etc. My kids eat the same way I do, only they have a higher grain intake then what I do because I've been trying to limit my intake, I just feel better without them.
    Feel free to add me to see my diary if you'd like.
  • Anthonydaman
    Anthonydaman Posts: 854 Member
    Look for the butcher's specials in the meat dept. You can find some deals there. Also hit the roadside fruit and vegetable stands. better produce for a lower price.
  • RainbootsToBikinis
    RainbootsToBikinis Posts: 465 Member
    I would cut out the animal crackers and cheese its for you and your kids. There's no nutritional value there and they're expensive. Add in fruits and veggies for snacks instead. Chicken, ground turkey breast, fish, string cheese, greek yogurts are all good healthy sources of protein.
  • rose_mortem
    rose_mortem Posts: 147 Member
    Yogurt is amazing. People rave about Greek yogurt, but I find that it's just plain gross. Normal yogurt still has protein.
    I eat eggs obsessively. With a million ways to cook them, there has to be a way that your kids will like.
    Not totally sure, but I think there's some good string cheeses. I haven't had them since I was a kid, but they used to be my favorite.
    Nuts are good, high in calories but delicious all the same.

    I seem to get more protein when I don't try. It's everywhere -- dairy, meat (though I'm vegetarian), whole wheat breads and pastas, vegetarian faux meats, and everything else. Good luck finding something your kids like :flowerforyou:
  • Csitri
    Csitri Posts: 132 Member
    bump, would like to know some answers for this too.
  • I_am_katy
    I_am_katy Posts: 8
    If you buy cheap cuts of meat and then make a stew in the morning or leave the meat to marinate all day is a great way to get protein and veggies and it's relatively cheap! You can also make heaps and it goes really well as a cold lunch and leftovers
  • chellie47
    chellie47 Posts: 97 Member
    Cottage cheese, tuna and Greek yogurt are mine.
  • myrydythg
    myrydythg Posts: 6
    milk and eggs are cheap and is high in protein also what i do is buy the meat sales and when boneless chicken breast is on sale i stock up and freeze it.
  • Kourtne_KK
    Kourtne_KK Posts: 60 Member
    bump momma on a tight TIGHT budget.
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    Dried beans and lentils! A very cheap source of high quality protein. And yummy, too!
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    lite tuna in water should be affordable and its protein.
    See if you can afford sliced turkey cold cuts. Very healthy if sodium is not an issue for you.
  • Phera
    Phera Posts: 269 Member
    Peanut butter is a good source of protein, kids like it, and it's reasonably cheap. I get most of my protein from dairy in the form of cottage cheese, protein shakes, and Greek yogurt. String cheese is another kid friendly source of protein.
  • kanittaj
    kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
    I actually keep fruit and eat a ton of it. Strawberries, nectarines, apples, etc. Thanks so much for the advise. I appreciate it.
  • JAGgirl47
    JAGgirl47 Posts: 70 Member
    I love black beans and rice topped with a lgenerous heap of salsa. If you buy the beans dried instead of canned, they are pretty economical. You get a complete protein, plus fiber and your kids might even like it. This dish is a family favorite...of course, they embellish theirs with shredded cheese too!
  • daryllynn515
    daryllynn515 Posts: 17 Member
    Hi there! Here are a few suggestions for you:

    Chaboni Greek Yogurt - high in protein and comes is lots of flavors. Usually on sale for 5 for 5
    Almonds
    Chickpeas
    Eggs
    Powdered Milk
    Tuna

    Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!!
  • bethvandenberg
    bethvandenberg Posts: 1,496 Member
    eggs, meats, dairy, nuts, avacado, broccoli, beans, etc.

    I find my kids started eating whatever I was. best of luck
  • littlehedgy
    littlehedgy Posts: 192 Member
    Tuna. its really really cheap. and you can throw it in a salad for you and make tuna grilled cheese for the kids. Edemame. Which may come off as expensive, but if you have a grocery outlet or a winco near you they may have deals. I got a 4 pound bag of single serving edemame pouches for 8 bucks. Buy meat in bulk then freeze individual portions
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    Also, look to see if you have an Aldi store near you. It RULES.
    http://www.aldi.com/
  • tothetide
    tothetide Posts: 21 Member
    Cheese itz have alot of sodium and you want to stay away from foods high in salt and fat. When it comes to protein, you want lean meats in your diet (when in doubt go with grilled/baked chicken). Also peanut butter is a great source of protein, it is a little high in calories but it's worth it and paired with some apple slices, it would be a great and un-costly snack for you and your kids. Oh! And try to go for natural foods, just compare prices and nutritional info before buying! :)
  • kanittaj
    kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
    :smile: Thanks so much guys for all of the advice. I have another question, which yogurt is better. I tried Yoplait strawberry cheesecake yogurt and I honestly did not like the taste. I have resorted to eating frozen yogurt because regular yogurt was not good. Thanks again for everything! I will increase my protein by eating eggs in the am w/ whole wheat toast. And I will eat some of the meats you guys listed. I can't eat fish, but I love chicken so I will go from there.
  • mariakhar
    mariakhar Posts: 5 Member
    Yogurt is amazing. People rave about Greek yogurt, but I find that it's just plain gross. Normal yogurt still has protein.
    I eat eggs obsessively. With a million ways to cook them, there has to be a way that your kids will like.
    Not totally sure, but I think there's some good string cheeses. I haven't had them since I was a kid, but they used to be my favorite.
    Nuts are good, high in calories but delicious all the same.

    I seem to get more protein when I don't try. It's everywhere -- dairy, meat (though I'm vegetarian), whole wheat breads and pastas, vegetarian faux meats, and everything else. Good luck finding something your kids like :flowerforyou:

    Eggs, especially egg yolks, are really high in cholesterole. So I wouldn't advice eating them "obsessively". My mums cardiologist says 3 eggs a week max.
  • alexbusnello
    alexbusnello Posts: 1,010 Member
    Yogurt is amazing. People rave about Greek yogurt, but I find that it's just plain gross. Normal yogurt still has protein.
    I eat eggs obsessively. With a million ways to cook them, there has to be a way that your kids will like.
    Not totally sure, but I think there's some good string cheeses. I haven't had them since I was a kid, but they used to be my favorite.
    Nuts are good, high in calories but delicious all the same.

    I seem to get more protein when I don't try. It's everywhere -- dairy, meat (though I'm vegetarian), whole wheat breads and pastas, vegetarian faux meats, and everything else. Good luck finding something your kids like :flowerforyou:

    I love plain Greek yogurt. But for those that don't like it by itself, add a little honey or fruit. I have it in my oatmeal a lot with fruit and honey. Regular yogurt (especially flavored) have added sugars in them. You can just add fruit to Greek which has 10x more protein depending on the brand,
  • AlyssaJoJo
    AlyssaJoJo Posts: 449 Member
    Farmers Market! If you have one go every week. I'm on a very slim budget and love that I can get two bags full of veggies for under 20 bucks! Plus I feel better about the fact that I'm helping people with in the community by buying them! :happy:
  • kanittaj
    kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
    Eggs, especially egg yolks, are really high in cholesterole. So I wouldn't advice eating them "obsessively". My mums cardiologist says 3 eggs a week max.
    [/quote]

    Thanks. Ok so it may be good to have cereal one day and eggs another. That is very helpful information. Thanks so much Maria.
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
    Beans! Chickpeas (a.k.a garbanzo beans) are super cheap and so nutritious. You can make hummus for a veggie dip, and have veggies & hummus for snacks instead of crackers -- much healthier AND cheaper. Roasted chickpeas are also a great snack; you can experiment with spices for you and the kids.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Animal crackers, cheez its and graham crackers aren't the best snacks for kids either. Can you cut up fruit/veggies the night before for them and yourself? What about some of the higher protein granola bars. Are they old enough to eat nuts? Popcorn? You can make trail mix. It is high in cals but is filling and not too expensive if you buy ingredients in bulk and make your own.
    To save money we buy lean meats in bulk, separate into smaller packages and freeze them. Also fruits, even bananas can be frozen. Do you have a blender? My grandsons loveee smoothies and you can add protein to those too.
    Do you have an Aldis where you live? I buy a LOT of veggies and fruits there for very little money.
    Can you grow any of your own veggies? I know it's too late to get started this year but I save a LOT of money growing my own tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, green beans, herbs and berries. If not, a local farmers market may be a good option for you.
    I eat eggs daily. I boil a bunch of them and then dont eat the yolk, I feed it to my cat rather than throw them out! lol Once or twice a week I will make omelets. You could add cheese or meat to the kid's omelets and keep yours veggie.
  • j1wright
    j1wright Posts: 286 Member
    I buy all my meat on sale and the local grocery store and the rest of my food comes from Aldi's.

    My go to's for protein is omelet's, peanut butter sandwiches, string cheese, peanutbutter crackers, and meat. I have been wanting to get protein shakes but I have yet to splurge on mix or premade shakes.

    I have two kids and I am the only one that works so I totally understand. I am on a budget as well, Aldi's really helps me out.
  • kanittaj
    kanittaj Posts: 36 Member
    Thanks guys. More food ideas. I love it!!!

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