What essential foods should I always have?

manvsfood
manvsfood Posts: 175 Member
edited October 4 in Food and Nutrition
Hello, broke college student here! I'm going to the store tonight with a budget of $100 dollars for a MONTH, cutting back so I won't have to take out a loan; What are some essential foods I should get? I have a list but I never end of getting everything I need.


My food diary is public, if you want to see my eating habits.

Replies

  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    Frozen chicken breast. Oats. Frozen Veggies (since they are cheaper). Rice.
  • slbeutler
    slbeutler Posts: 205
    Frozen chicken breast. Oats. Frozen Veggies (since they are cheaper). Rice.

    Ditto plus eggs
  • dargytaylor
    dargytaylor Posts: 840 Member
    crushed tomatos (i prefer the brand tuttorross). you can simmer a 28oz can with some garlic and italian seasoning and then freeze in individual freezer bags and have some spaghetti sauce.

    a can of these cost appx .99; garlic for 2 heads .79 (you will only need a few cloves from one head) and the italian seasoning you can get a jar for $2.00......so for $3.78 (plus of course the freezer bags) you can get quite a few individual packages of homemade spag sauce
  • swimmer54
    swimmer54 Posts: 29 Member
    If you like beans I would add dried beans. Canned would also work but they have a lot of sodium in them and just aren't as good as when you make them yourself. Cost more too. I ate some for lunch today, pinto beans, green pepper, onions, carrots, and a little ham and spices. It was beyond good and really filling. 1.5 cups and I was overly full.
  • neenaj33
    neenaj33 Posts: 347 Member
    Canned tuna, salmon, high in sodium but cheap and good protein
  • lottycat
    lottycat Posts: 333 Member
    Get lentils - really cheap, high in protein and you can do loads with them. Oats are a must - best brekkie ever! I'd get a tub of mixed herbs - they make any dish more exciting. Spray oil - for stir frys and roasted veg. Get veg that is in season, plus frozen berries and veg. Tinned tomatoes and various beans - great for chilli and pasta dishes. I'm veggie, so I always have frozen veggie mince/soya protein - also great for chillis and pasta things.

    Hope that helps a little :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,984 Member
    Eggs and rice. You can live off those with some veggies thrown in.
  • tattooedtwiin
    tattooedtwiin Posts: 246
    I think a bag of potatoes goes a long way as well. You can cook them so many ways, and they are a good filler.
  • elizamc
    elizamc Posts: 285 Member
    Pulses (lentils), pearl barley, split peas, canned beans and chick peas, quinoa. Add lots of lovely fresh veg, herbs and seasonings to make up soups and stews. YUM!
  • SLaw4215
    SLaw4215 Posts: 596 Member
    Since you are on such a tight budget.... you should consider the grocery stores have the best deals at the beginning of the month because that's when everyone gets their government issued food stamps, etc.. You might research your grocery store advertisements (web-sites) for Buy 1 Get 1 (or in some cases,,,buy 1 Get 2 deals)...with Thanksgiving right around the corner you might see some good deals on frozen veggies and fruit associated with fall (apples, pumpkin, cranberries, etc). Cheerios are a staple on my grocery list because there is a lot of variety (Banana nut, fruity, chocolate, multi-grains, etc)..good for lowering Cholesterol...and easy grab and go snack.... etc. and if you want coupons...try going right to the source....GeneralMills dot com etc. I am far from an Extreme Coupon-er but I did save over $40 and picked up a lot of what I need to feed a family of 3 for the next 3 weeks for about $140
  • Bosbes
    Bosbes Posts: 55 Member
    maybe you should post your list so we know what you are already going to buy.
  • daves160
    daves160 Posts: 600
    canned tuna, brown rice, frozen veggies, yams, frozen chicken breasts, whole milk.
  • yesthistime
    yesthistime Posts: 2,051 Member
    Canned tuna in water, oatmeal, beans, rice, corn tortillas, whole wheat noodles, spaghetti sauce, peanuts, yogurt, whole wheat bread, baby carrots, chicken (whatever cut is on sale, just remove the skin and bake), bananas, hot tea, and diet hot chocolate. Done :)
  • manvsfood
    manvsfood Posts: 175 Member
    maybe you should post your list so we know what you are already going to buy.


    Eggs
    Chicken Breasts
    Oats

    Rustic Crust Organic Pizza Crust
    Pepperidge Farm Classic Whole Grain White
    Orowheat Whole Wheat Bread
    Organic Valley Reduced Fat Monterey Jack Cheese
    Sargento Cheese
    Reduced Fat Part-Skim Mozerella Cheese
    Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese
    String Cheese
    Land O' Lakes Unsalted Whipped Butter
    Athenos Greek Yogurt
    Eggland's Best Organic Eggs (Brown Eggs)
    Applegate Farms Organic Roasted Turkey Breast or Hormel Natural Choice
    Simply Orange Groove, High Pulp
    Natural Peanut Butter
    Woodstock Organic Kosher Whole Dill Pickles
    Alexia Sweet Potatoe Fries
    Amy's Black Bean Enchilada
    Breyers Natural Vanilla, Ice Cean
    Wholly Salsa + Guacamole
    Toasted Artisan Recipes, Fire Roasted Chiptole
    Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips
    Wheat Thins, orginal
    Black Beans
    Orville Redenbacher's Natural Simply Salted 50% Less Fat Popcorn
    Whole Wheat Italian Breadcrumbs
    free range chicken broth
    Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce
    Simply Dressed
    Stawberry Preserves
    Heinz Organic Ketchup


    ---

    This is all I have so far :)
  • manvsfood
    manvsfood Posts: 175 Member
    Since you are on such a tight budget.... you might research your grocery store advertisements for Buy 1 Get 1 (or in some cases,,,buy 1 Get 2 deals)...with Thanksgiving right around the corner you might see some good deals on frozen veggies. Also... look for deals on Cheerios...there is a lot of variety (Banana nut, fruity, chocolate, multi-grains, etc)..good for lowering Cholesterol...and easy grab and go snack....

    Ditto! I alot of clipped coupons Sunday with the roomies, I have about 20 dollars worth of savings!
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
    Chicken, ground turkey, eggs, quinoa, veggies, black beans, fish, almond milk, quinoa flakes (i use instead of oatmeal) and then splurge on some fage 0% greek yogurt. It's worth it.

    Eating healthy can be expensive... but I'd be lost without my fage, quinoa, avocado's, walnuts and whey protein shakes. (plus the stuff above of course)
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Browse the grocery store circulars online before you shop so you can hit the best deals. Stock up when there's a good deal.

    I love Price Chopper because they sometimes have "buy one, get TWO free" deals on things like breads (I :heart: Arnold's Oat Nut, but not at $4.59 a loaf!) and English Muffins (honey wheat with Nutella is awesome!). And you can stick the extra in the freezer until you need it.
  • nakabi
    nakabi Posts: 589 Member
    dried beans (esp lentils), frozen veggies, chicken breasts, wholewheat tortillas, diced tomatoes, canned salmon.
  • skye15
    skye15 Posts: 19 Member
    Great topic!! I just about to post this as a matter of fact! ( another university student here) Usually I always make sure I have chicken, salsa, eggs.. love to hear any more ideas!
  • Ilovepeppers
    Ilovepeppers Posts: 396 Member
    They say healthy = expensive, but I think it is the other way around sometimes. I have a low budget too and it helps in eating better:
    Bagged beans (kidney, black, etc)
    Bagged rice
    Canola oil- cooking spray is healthier but close to $6! Instead I take a tiny bit of oil, put in a pan and take a napkin and rub it around the pan
    Frozen store brand veggies (or fruits)
    Fresh green bell peppers and corn cobs are inexpensive and stay well in the fridge for a while
    A bag of potatoes
    Buy peanut butter and soy sauce (i mix the two and pour over frozen veggies and rice for stir fry)
    If you can bake, buy some flour and baking powder (look up baking powder biscuit (or bread) recipe) it will provide you with biscuits for a loooong time.
    Also, with the flour and baking powder you can add water, the canola oil and (milk, eggs optional) and make a ton of pancakes
    Noodles (will last a coupe meals for one person) and cheap sauce
    Tub of oatmeal
    :)
  • SLaw4215
    SLaw4215 Posts: 596 Member
    maybe you should post your list so we know what you are already going to buy.


    Eggs
    Chicken Breasts
    Oats

    Rustic Crust Organic Pizza Crust
    Pepperidge Farm Classic Whole Grain White
    Orowheat Whole Wheat Bread
    Organic Valley Reduced Fat Monterey Jack Cheese
    Sargento Cheese
    Reduced Fat Part-Skim Mozerella Cheese
    Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese
    String Cheese
    Land O' Lakes Unsalted Whipped Butter
    Athenos Greek Yogurt
    Eggland's Best Organic Eggs (Brown Eggs)
    Applegate Farms Organic Roasted Turkey Breast or Hormel Natural Choice
    Simply Orange Groove, High Pulp
    Natural Peanut Butter
    Woodstock Organic Kosher Whole Dill Pickles
    Alexia Sweet Potatoe Fries
    Amy's Black Bean Enchilada
    Breyers Natural Vanilla, Ice Cean
    Wholly Salsa + Guacamole
    Toasted Artisan Recipes, Fire Roasted Chiptole
    Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips
    Wheat Thins, orginal
    Black Beans
    Orville Redenbacher's Natural Simply Salted 50% Less Fat Popcorn
    Whole Wheat Italian Breadcrumbs
    free range chicken broth
    Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce
    Simply Dressed
    Stawberry Preserves
    Heinz Organic Ketchup


    ---

    This is all I have so far :)
    The list is pretty specific...maybe compare Store Brand nutrition information and get a better deal... Have any friends who work for a grocery store...get a employee discount using their Loyalty Card? Get condiments for FREE at your local restaurants (Burger King uses real Helman's mayo!!) *not that I've done that but it's always tucked way back in my mind that I could
  • yesthistime
    yesthistime Posts: 2,051 Member
    Looking at your shopping list, I think you may be at $100 already... you have some pretty swanky foods on there LOL.
  • kristelpoole
    kristelpoole Posts: 440 Member
    Do you only shop once/month? If so, get long-lasting items like frozen veggies, frozen fish, apples, etc
  • kristelpoole
    kristelpoole Posts: 440 Member
    Also, maybe buy some ingredients to make your own enchiladas for the $5 that Amy's one will cost you - at least quadruples the volume/dollar.

    And make your own sweet potato fries or just bake them? Wayyyy cheaper.
  • manvsfood
    manvsfood Posts: 175 Member
    Looking at your shopping list, I think you may be at $100 already... you have some pretty swanky foods on there LOL.

    LOL, I might spike it up $50 because I love those foods :D
  • manvsfood
    manvsfood Posts: 175 Member
    Do you only shop once/month? If so, get long-lasting items like frozen veggies, frozen fish, apples, etc

    Why schedule is pretty crazy... wake up - workout - school - work - sleep, rise and repeat. I only go shopping for majority at the beginning of the month, but I go every week for fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • brandenocs
    brandenocs Posts: 146 Member
    Yeah after viewing your list, you're already there... I'd cut back on some of the snacks, and some of the cheeses. That way you can get semi-decent quality meals and just have leftovers. Leftovers are always a good thing.
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