In Need of Fiber/Carbohydrate Suggestions Please!!!

HeyMissNya
HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
edited November 30 in Food and Nutrition
Hello, thank you for reading. I'm a 23yr old FL native feeding my boyfriend, my cat, and myself on a VERY limited budget. I plan meals because it's cheap, but unfortunately I sometimes sacrificed nutrition for cost... not anymore. I'm determined to fill our fridge (and ourselves) with goodness, I just need a little help.

Typically, my shopping list includes:
3lb chub of ground chuck
8 chicken thighs
some sort of cheap pork chop
A dozen eggs
2 bags raw spinach
Tomatoes
Onion
Bag of potatoes (I prefer sweet, so we alternate depending on what's already at home)
Cilantro
Bacon
Canola oil
Instant white rice
Tortillas
chips/salsa
coffee creamer (we skip breakfast during the week, but drink a TON of coffee)
Bread
Bacon
Angel hair spaghetti
Green peppers
Brownie mix
Milk
Seasonal fruit (peaches, plums, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, citrus... we like everything)

Typically, I can feed us both for about a week on $30-$40, and we may need to run the store every so often for miscellaneous things. I buy meat in bulk, wash it, and separate it into dated portions, then defrost in the fridge all day so its easy to whip something up when I get home and its usually done by the time my boyfriend gets home. We live simple, but we eat yummy food... that isn't particularly good for us. I need help making substitutions and introducing new things on a limited buget.

In the year since we've been living together, we both got little poochy bellies lol. When we met, we had pornstar sex, now we act like old people: farting in bed, complaining about digestion issues, being sluggish... I honestly think that or diet and lifestyle is the cause and I wanna fix it, but idk exactly what to replace. Please help!!!!!
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Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    To make this list healthier by my standards, I would skip the bacon, replace some of the meat with fish (frozen and looking for whatever burgain you can find), I would replace the brownie mix with flour so I could be a bit more flexible when it comes to baked goods (and probably save some money there too), replace instant rice with regular rice (preferably whole grain) and add something like beans or lentils (cheap, can be used in different recipes and a great source of fiber) and if weight is an issue, I would not keep tortillas and chips at home, but just e.g. buy one serving for once a week treat.
  • WholeFoods4Lyfe
    WholeFoods4Lyfe Posts: 1,518 Member
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I was going to suggest adding beans to your diet. Beans are a cheap nutritional powerhouse high in fiber. But it may not help you bed farting problems.
  • melissa6771
    melissa6771 Posts: 894 Member
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.
  • WholeFoods4Lyfe
    WholeFoods4Lyfe Posts: 1,518 Member
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.

    I'm going to disagree with you on the bolded. Brown rice contains Phytates which prohibit the absorbtion of vitamins and minerals. Plus, most people aren't eating rice because of it's nutrition profile, so if what you are looking for is an easily absorbed form of glucose (and the OP was asking for carb ideas) then white rice is the superior choice.

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

    Different strokes.

    Heavy cream is usually pricey AND has an expiration date. If you don't use a whole lot, heavy cream is not worth the $$ every single week.

    Nothing wrong with brownies (from time to time). OP look for a pumpkin puree brownie recipe using a mix. That will add some fiber.

    Yes, veggies are great. Look for sales on frozen veggies, it's best to have a variety on hand.

    If I had to have fiber, and had no other way of getting it, I suppose I could force myself to use spaghetti squash. This is NOT like pasta. But my preference would be whole grain pasta. Zucchini "noodles." I like veggies, but eeeewww. Lifestyle changes. A life time of zoodles....nope.

    Ditch the bread? Um, no. Again, lifestyle change for me. Bread free won't be a forever thing.

    2% dairy products (for me) because that's what fits my calories. I get fats from other sources anyway.
  • melissa6771
    melissa6771 Posts: 894 Member
    Not to hijack the thread, sorry, but, On the brownie subject... Please don't buy boxed brownie mix. There are only like 6 ingredients needed to make brownies, the boxes are loaded with crap. You can even find a healthy recipe using real ingredients.
  • WholeFoods4Lyfe
    WholeFoods4Lyfe Posts: 1,518 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

    Different strokes.

    Heavy cream is usually pricey AND has an expiration date. If you don't use a whole lot, heavy cream is not worth the $$ every single week.

    Nothing wrong with brownies (from time to time). OP look for a pumpkin puree brownie recipe using a mix. That will add some fiber.

    Yes, veggies are great. Look for sales on frozen veggies, it's best to have a variety on hand.

    If I had to have fiber, and had no other way of getting it, I suppose I could force myself to use spaghetti squash. This is NOT like pasta. But my preference would be whole grain pasta. Zucchini "noodles." I like veggies, but eeeewww. Lifestyle changes. A life time of zoodles....nope.

    Ditch the bread? Um, no. Again, lifestyle change for me. Bread free won't be a forever thing.

    2% dairy products (for me) because that's what fits my calories. I get fats from other sources anyway.

    Like I said, that is what "I" would do. Those were my suggestions, I wasn't telling her that she HAD to do those things. Those are changes that I have made and have found success with. Maybe you could've been more helpful by creating a post with "your" suggestions instead of criticizing mine.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

    Different strokes.

    Heavy cream is usually pricey AND has an expiration date. If you don't use a whole lot, heavy cream is not worth the $$ every single week.

    Nothing wrong with brownies (from time to time). OP look for a pumpkin puree brownie recipe using a mix. That will add some fiber.

    Yes, veggies are great. Look for sales on frozen veggies, it's best to have a variety on hand.

    If I had to have fiber, and had no other way of getting it, I suppose I could force myself to use spaghetti squash. This is NOT like pasta. But my preference would be whole grain pasta. Zucchini "noodles." I like veggies, but eeeewww. Lifestyle changes. A life time of zoodles....nope.

    Ditch the bread? Um, no. Again, lifestyle change for me. Bread free won't be a forever thing.

    2% dairy products (for me) because that's what fits my calories. I get fats from other sources anyway.

    Like I said, that is what "I" would do. Those were my suggestions, I wasn't telling her that she HAD to do those things. Those are changes that I have made and have found success with. Maybe you could've been more helpful by creating a post with "your" suggestions instead of criticizing mine.

    Some of my suggestions ARE in there. Like I said.....different strokes. I'm stating there is no 1 exact way of approaching things.
  • melissa6771
    melissa6771 Posts: 894 Member
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.

    I'm going to disagree with you on the bolded. Brown rice contains Phytates which prohibit the absorbtion of vitamins and minerals. Plus, most people aren't eating rice because of it's nutrition profile, so if what you are looking for is an easily absorbed form of glucose (and the OP was asking for carb ideas) then white rice is the superior choice.


    I have never heard this before. I will look into it. I personally bounce back and forth between brown and white rice depending on my mood and what I'm having it with. Rice makes me hungry kind of quick either way. Unless it is my rice and beans recipe, which I love. Made with pigeon peas, healthy and filling. Great with some blackened salmon/fish. Gosh, now I'm craving that. Lol

    My preferred starch is potatoes roasted in a little olive oil with garlic.
  • tryin2die2self
    tryin2die2self Posts: 207 Member
    Can you go to a farmers market? If so, you can traditionally get your produce cheaper. That might help you stretch your budget a bit more.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    Can you go to a farmers market? If so, you can traditionally get your produce cheaper. That might help you stretch your budget a bit more.

    Actually, that's a great question! Since I'm ALWAYS looking for a bargain, I've checked out my local market and was surpised/dismayed that lot of things are cheaper at Walmart and Save-A-Lot. What I do look for when I shop there is (very) ripe fresh fruit, and things l have a hard time finding other places, like ginger, yuca, coconut, guava, cactus, and big bundles of collard/mustard greens... idk why it seems like the prices are a little inflated? Maybe for the kitschy/touristy appeal of outdoor markets in FL -_- lol
    I get my shopping habits from my mom, who fed 5 people, a cat, and dog WELL for $200 or less every two weeks... but my mom is obese. I'm trying to keep the good, ditch the bad. Still figuring out the process though.

    Thank you for the suggestion. Even though I don't always find cheaper food, I do find cheaper STUFF. Like a rug for $10 and a handmade silver/turquoise ring. Also, I'm learning that shopping at the end of the day usually makes for better haggling, but also riper/wilted items, so I generally go with specific items in mind.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    To make this list healthier by my standards, I would skip the bacon, replace some of the meat with fish (frozen and looking for whatever burgain you can find), I would replace the brownie mix with flour so I could be a bit more flexible when it comes to baked goods (and probably save some money there too), replace instant rice with regular rice (preferably whole grain) and add something like beans or lentils (cheap, can be used in different recipes and a great source of fiber) and if weight is an issue, I would not keep tortillas and chips at home, but just e.g. buy one serving for once a week treat.

    Fish is a good idea. We don't typically eat a lot of it. Sometimes I buy frozen shrimp to add to homemade sauce or boxed alfredo w/frozen peas and brocoli. He likes that. I guess, my concern is that I'm not sure how to prepare frozen fish. I can learn though... that's a helpful suggestion.

    Also, I keep enriched white all-purpose flour in the cupboard, but it lasts a loooooong time, so that and sugar are rarely on my list... I'm not much of a baker. My boyfriend is in charge of sweets, but if I could find some low cal, fiber full, yummy treats that don't taste "diet-y", I'd be open to trying them! This is very new, so if you have recipes and whatnot, lay em on me! Lol if I can get my boo healthier too without him knowing, that would be awesome!
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

    I appreciate all of your suggestions! You're very helpful.

    I personally try to avoid pork, but Travis would kill me if he couldnt have Sunday breakfast lol. I also admit that sometimes reuse the grease for other things instead of canola... for example, cornbread. I know I have to stop. I dont want to hurt him in the long run.

    I like whole milk and splenda in my coffee, but digs the hazlenut creamer plus sugar. Without it, he would rather skip the coffee entirely :/ any recommendations for sweet alternatives?
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    I was going to suggest adding beans to your diet. Beans are a cheap nutritional powerhouse high in fiber. But it may not help you bed farting problems.

    Haha! maybe not, but I was just reading about the fiber in black beans and lentils, so it miiiiiiight be worth it if it means we'll be cute again lol. When we met, he had a six pack, and though I wasn't even close, I wasnt as bloated and pudgy as I am now. I bet a few toots would be forgiveable if we got back to where we were haha! Good suggestion. I'm gonna take it, thank you.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.

    Okay, so I'm watching the brown rice battle unfold. Honestly, I have a little everything in my pantry: brown, yellow, long grain, parboiled, enriched... I like instant or the steam packs because I can whip up dinner quick before he gets home, but know it's not the best for us. That's why I'm looking for alternatives to rice in general. I tried pilaf and orzo but he hates it :/ cauliflower is okay, but I havent mastered prep yet.

    As far as brownies, YES!!!!! GIMME! I would love to impress him with homemade healthy sweets. You're gonna help me get a ring on it cuz I am a travesty with the baking lol. Help!

    Ground turkey is a good idea too. It doesnt come in as big of packs, but maybe I should just bite the bullet and stop being cheap. *sigh* I think you're right.

    And beans! Yes, beans are something another person suggested. They're on my new list, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to make suggestions. Very helpful!
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.

    I'm going to disagree with you on the bolded. Brown rice contains Phytates which prohibit the absorbtion of vitamins and minerals. Plus, most people aren't eating rice because of it's nutrition profile, so if what you are looking for is an easily absorbed form of glucose (and the OP was asking for carb ideas) then white rice is the superior choice.

    Very interesting! I never heard of phytates before :open_mouth: they sound scary! Lol. I love white rice. Its definitely a comfort food staple. Maybe not the instant version, but it will always hold a special place in my heart... and table! Thank you for the info!!! What other starches (preferably with substantial fiber count) would you recommend as sides for quick, easy meals?
  • Azercord
    Azercord Posts: 573 Member
    This doesn't directly relate to food but you could get a budgeting program. My wife and I did this to track our pennies and it really helped out. We were able to see where the money was going and how much, now we limit other areas and send that extra to our food budget. We tightened up the slack and were able to add much more to food (which is good because she likes to cook and I like to eat). Unfortunately this won't help with the farting in bed but everyone does this so it is ok. And don't stress the pronstar sex, that will come and go with long term relationships, just stay flirty, have fun, and keep practicing.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »
    I actually don't think that your list is that bad. What would I do?

    *ditch the canola oil and replace with EVOO or another high quality fat
    *ditch the coffee creamer (I am assuming that it is the junky kind) and just use heavy cream or half and half
    *unless you are a sadist, keep the bacon LOL
    *ditch the brownie mix
    *fruit is great, but maybe try to add a few more fresh veggies
    *toss the spaghetti and try spaghetti squash or get a Veggetti and try zucchini or squash instead
    *ditch the bread
    *consider making the switch to whole milk, the calorie difference isn't huge but you actually need fats in your diet to help aid in the absorption of the nutrients in fruits and veggies
    *I actually think that the chips and salsa aren't a bad treat as long as you can control your portion sizes

    Speaking of portion sizes, invest in a food scale, you can get a good one for less than $20 and then you can start weighing all of your portions to ensure that they are reasonable. Otherwise, I really do think that you are off to a great start.

    Different strokes.

    Heavy cream is usually pricey AND has an expiration date. If you don't use a whole lot, heavy cream is not worth the $$ every single week.

    Nothing wrong with brownies (from time to time). OP look for a pumpkin puree brownie recipe using a mix. That will add some fiber.

    Yes, veggies are great. Look for sales on frozen veggies, it's best to have a variety on hand.

    If I had to have fiber, and had no other way of getting it, I suppose I could force myself to use spaghetti squash. This is NOT like pasta. But my preference would be whole grain pasta. Zucchini "noodles." I like veggies, but eeeewww. Lifestyle changes. A life time of zoodles....nope.

    Ditch the bread? Um, no. Again, lifestyle change for me. Bread free won't be a forever thing.

    2% dairy products (for me) because that's what fits my calories. I get fats from other sources anyway.

    PUMPKIN PUREE?!? OMG why didnt anybody tell me this?! Yes please. Great idea.

    Pasta... I agree, zucchini noodles? Not for me. I like veggies in the mixture to make traditional pasta! Thats cool... but its still bread lol. I got spoiled working in a mom and pop Italian kitchen. They ruined me FOREVER! LOL. That being said, I actually do like the flavor of spaghetti squash with tomato or pesto. The nuttiness just works for me. I guess the struggle is finding YUMMY, healthy alternatives that I can afford and duplicate at home.

    Thank you very much for your response, I definitely feel you lol
  • WholeFoods4Lyfe
    WholeFoods4Lyfe Posts: 1,518 Member
    HeyMissNya wrote: »
    I don't think your listings that bad either. The only things I see that I would really take out are:

    the instant white rice, buy brown rice
    The coffee creamer, use half and half
    the brownie mix, it is very easy to make homemade brownies. I can give you some recipes if you like.
    Pork tenderloin in place of the cheap cuts, it's leaner and can be found fairly cheap.
    Lean ground beef, 90% lean or higher. I buy it in bulk on sale and freeze it in half pound portions. Or buy ground turkey.

    I would add some beans, cheap good source of protein and fiber.

    Maybe buy baked tortilla chips instead of fried?

    I eat bacon, but I cook it in the microwave between paper towels. Takes out a lot of the fat and calories.

    I'm going to disagree with you on the bolded. Brown rice contains Phytates which prohibit the absorbtion of vitamins and minerals. Plus, most people aren't eating rice because of it's nutrition profile, so if what you are looking for is an easily absorbed form of glucose (and the OP was asking for carb ideas) then white rice is the superior choice.

    Very interesting! I never heard of phytates before :open_mouth: they sound scary! Lol. I love white rice. Its definitely a comfort food staple. Maybe not the instant version, but it will always hold a special place in my heart... and table! Thank you for the info!!! What other starches (preferably with substantial fiber count) would you recommend as sides for quick, easy meals?

    I am gluten intolerant so truly I mostly steak with rice and potatoes for my starchy side. But that does not mean that they need to be boring. There are so many different varieties of potato you don't need to stick with just white baking potatoes. For example, I got purple potatoes in my farm co-op box this week. I sliced them and fried them and they were delicious. Plus, I always try to eat the rainbow and if I can bring in color through my starchy vegetables as well all the better. Carrots also make A great start seaside if you aren't stuck on white side like rice and potatoes and pasta. What I love about potatoes is that they are so versatile. You can fry them or bake them for mash them or a myriad of other things and they always are delicious.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    Azercord wrote: »
    This doesn't directly relate to food but you could get a budgeting program. My wife and I did this to track our pennies and it really helped out. We were able to see where the money was going and how much, now we limit other areas and send that extra to our food budget. We tightened up the slack and were able to add much more to food (which is good because she likes to cook and I like to eat). Unfortunately this won't help with the farting in bed but everyone does this so it is ok. And don't stress the pronstar sex, that will come and go with long term relationships, just stay flirty, have fun, and keep practicing.

    Haha! Awww :) thank you. I appreciate the advice. I really do love my Travis, pornstar sex or not lol. I guess that's why I'm freakin out a little. It's good and I want to stay good. We're going on year two, and I dont want to get complacent, ya know? I want to look cute for him, I want to feed him stuff that's good for him. He likes working out and I reeeeeeeeeally dont :/ so I think I'm part of the reason he doesn't anymore. My goal is to fix that. He does a lot of stuff I like, so its time to give back (I'm cringing. Lol)

    Budgeting help is a very good idea. I try to do it myself, but maybe we do need help looking at where it all goes. Great suggestion! I'll definitely talk to him about that and ways we can save. It goes beyond food. Good eye, sir!
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member

    Very interesting! I never heard of phytates before :open_mouth: they sound scary! Lol. I love white rice. Its definitely a comfort food staple. Maybe not the instant version, but it will always hold a special place in my heart... and table! Thank you for the info!!! What other starches (preferably with substantial fiber count) would you recommend as sides for quick, easy meals?[/quote]

    I am gluten intolerant so truly I mostly steak with rice and potatoes for my starchy side. But that does not mean that they need to be boring. There are so many different varieties of potato you don't need to stick with just white baking potatoes. For example, I got purple potatoes in my farm co-op box this week. I sliced them and fried them and they were delicious. Plus, I always try to eat the rainbow and if I can bring in color through my starchy vegetables as well all the better. Carrots also make A great start seaside if you aren't stuck on white side like rice and potatoes and pasta. What I love about potatoes is that they are so versatile. You can fry them or bake them for mash them or a myriad of other things and they always are delicious.
    [/quote]

    I hear about gluten a lot, but I really don't know much about it. I do know that I LOVE bread. I also know that it makes me fat and as soon as I stop eating it, I start looking FOINE!!! lol... However, tis delicious and I am but a mere mortal, powerless to its fluffy, flaky, crumbly seduction. *hangs head*

    Potatoes though? I can dig it. My boyfriend would be if we had meat and potatoes every single day lol, so maybe I should consider giving it to him if it will keep him trim AND happy. Haha.
    I like your suggestion about eating the rainbow. I guess we just need to think outside the box!
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    You are doing good on so many levels. You could ease in to this diet changeover, picking up on sales where you see them. I also vote for beans and lentils for fiber. They are cheaper than meat, too. You could make a spicy black bean chili for instance, very hearty and filling.

    It would pay to learn a few recipes, like brownies and pancakes. Here's a couple to try:

    http://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/microwave-mug-brownie/

    Pumpkin spice pancakes.

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/video-jamie-eason-pumpkin-spice-pancakes.htm

    I suggest replacing half the oat flour with regular flour for a newbie baker (It will be easier to flip). You can make your own oat flour by running oat flakes through your blender.

    For an inexpensive and hearty breakfast I always depend on my oatmeal. Steel cut oatmeal can be prepared the night before, 1 cup oatmeal to two cups water, bring to a boil and turn the heat off. Cover and let it absorb overnight. I then pour the leftovers in to mason jars to heat up through the week. Easy peasy for the busy working cook.
  • melissa6771
    melissa6771 Posts: 894 Member
    edited March 2016
    I will give you my regular brownie recipe and work on a healthier one. Real ones....

    Melt 4 oz unsweetened chocolate with 1 stick of butter, cool slightly, add in 1 cup sugar, teaspoon vanilla, 2 eggs, then fold in 1/2 cup,flour. Pour into 8x8 pan, bake at 335 ° for approx 20 min. Cut into 16 squares.

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings 16.0
    Amount Per Serving
    calories 132
    % Daily Value *
    Total Fat 7 g 11 %
    Saturated Fat 4 g 21 %
    Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
    Trans Fat 0 g
    Cholesterol 38 mg 13 %
    Sodium 54 mg 2 %
    Potassium 9 mg 0 %
    Total Carbohydrate 16 g 5 %
    Dietary Fiber 0 g 2 %
    Sugars 13 g
    Protein 2 g 3 %



    Oh yes! Steel cut oats! Here is a great recipe. I don't do it in the slow cooker. I follow it up until then and do it in a covered Dutch oven at 375 for one hour.

    http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/maple-hazelnut-oatmeal

    Here is my protein pancake recipe, for these, I do everything in the food processor, then add chopped Apple I do 1.5 the recipe, makes 12, I eat 3 at a time.

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/docs/2015/golden-pancakes.pdf

    I'm going to find my rice and peas recipe for you too and put it here. Found it. You can use any rice.

    http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/brown-rice-peas-melissa/

    Enchilada casserole

    http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/melissas-tweaked-bfl-chicken-enchilada-lasagna/

    Spicy black bean and couscous. Use any diced tomatoes with italian herbs. I buy whole wheat cous cous at trader joes.

    http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/spicy-black-beans-with-couscous/899b5eb3-5fa0-4fdb-9353-7018958c8559
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    edited March 2016
    The easiest to do with frozen fish is let it thaw in the fridge, pat it dry with a paper towel and then either brush with oil and grill it, or bake in a non-stick skillet. It does not take long to cook and does not really require much to make a meal out of it. Some lemon juice, or some curry powder, or whatever herbs you have available, and serve with a salad, or rice, or potatoes or just bread.
  • HeyMissNya
    HeyMissNya Posts: 39 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    The easiest to do with frozen fish is let it thaw in the fridge, pat it dry with a paper towel and then either brush with oil and grill it, or bake in a non-stick skillet. It does not take long to cook and does not really require much to make a meal out of it. Some lemon juice, or some curry powder, or whatever herbs you have available, and serve with a salad, or rice, or potatoes or just bread.

    Thank you! That actually sound easy! And yummy. I love curry. Thank you! I'm gonna check them out next trip :smiley:
  • Afura
    Afura Posts: 2,054 Member
    The FL Farmers markets tend to be sort of sporadic on what is there and good and where. I was near Tampa and the best market was over in St. Pete, about a 40min drive from me, but it was nice to hit now and again. I tend to find that those fruits/veg stay better longer (maybe I take care of them better?). Some of it's just going to be what's in season as well. Fruit stands on the side of the road, you can always see if they'll do a better deal if you're buying several things. It's hit or miss though depending on the operation.

    White rice, once you get the hang of it, is easy to make and cost a lot less than instant. I'll chime in with the oatmeal too, lots of great things you can make with them. Agreed with skip the chips and bake your tortilla's, less calories and you're already buying them! Also, shop the ads on Wednesday (Publix bogos :love: ).

    See if Sam's or Costco is having a membership drive or a groupon or split the cost with a friend, I don't get much out of my membership because I don't need that much (cooking for 1), but sometimes there are great deals on meat and veggies as well. If anything start buying in larger sizes if it's cheaper than smaller quantities. Less to haul around, especially if it's a stock item you always get.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Oatmeal in the big cans (steel cut or old fashioned)
    Dry beans! I love dry beans. So incredibly filling.
    Ditch the instant rice and buy big bags of regular rice (although I still don't know how to cook it)
    I second ground turkey but it's cheaper than beef here
    And I second whole grain pasta. It's the only kind I eat now.

    Then I'd just stalk sales and stock up on that stuff when it's on sale (and frozen veggies!).
  • melissa6771
    melissa6771 Posts: 894 Member
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Oatmeal in the big cans (steel cut or old fashioned)
    Dry beans! I love dry beans. So incredibly filling.
    Ditch the instant rice and buy big bags of regular rice (although I still don't know how to cook it)
    I second ground turkey but it's cheaper than beef here
    And I second whole grain pasta. It's the only kind I eat now.

    Then I'd just stalk sales and stock up on that stuff when it's on sale (and frozen veggies!).


    Did you see my post in recipes about perfect brown rice? Apply the same technique to white rice but for less time..

    Try this, it's the best way to cook rice. Always perfect, takes the guesswork out of it.

    http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/ricegrains/a/Rice-In-The-Oven.htm
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I think everything has been covered - your list looks full of healthy goodness. Just one thing, please don't throw away the pork grease - there's nothing wrong with natural fat, and you are on a limited budget, you say. My personal tips would be to avoid waste - meal plan, just buy the amounts you need of perishables for the next days, save leftovers, eat it up, use up everything before it spoils, don't take expiry date for gospel - check before you chuck. Nothing else you do or don't to matters, if you throw out a lot of what you buy. Then, buy store brand instead of name bran, buy in season, and look at the unit price.
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