Healthy on a Budget - Groceries you discovered

You can make fresh broccoli last about a week if you cut a sliver off the bottom of the stalk when you first get it home and stand it in about two inches depth of cold water for an hour or so (usually it'll draw up quite a bit of water). Then put it in a thin plastic bag (the sort from the supermarket fruit/veg aisles that have a few air-holes punched in them) and store upright in the fridge (I use a glass in the veg drawer). The bag will get a build-up of condensation so you need to clear that a couple of times during the week so it doesn't drip onto and spoil the broccoli.

Making sure to utilize all that I buy. Leftover meat and veggies can become soup, a quiche, an omelette, a salad topping. Save the bread butts in the freezer for croutons or bread crumbs. If there is a little peanut butter left make overnight oats right in the jar. If there's a little mayo left add some vinegar and spices and shake it up- salad dressing! Take the last bit of cereal and put it in the top of the next box. Try to throw away as little as possible. Also don't buy stuff just to try it- I used to throw away almost full boxes of crackers, chips, cookies. Now I choose the brands I know will get used. This also cuts down on the amount of junk we eat and makes the shopping trip faster and easier. Favorite cheap eat-- overripe bananas, my store sometimes gives them away for free. I peel them and freeze for smoothies or make bread, muffins or cake.

Savoy cabbage...because it's cheap as green cabbage but has superior texture/crunch. 2$ a day to cover my entire vegetable budget...this + eggs + tuna + EVOO (bulk from Asian supermarket) where the foundation of my broke college student diet. Kale is also ridiculously inexpensive when bought unpacked