How to be Broke and and on a Diet?

Look for sales and buy a fair amount then. Shop at places more like Aldi, etc.

A while back I found tuna at 25c/can and bought a few cases. Yeah, it was more up-front, but I've been eating it for a while now. I get most of my fresh fruits and veggies at Aldi(as a matter of fact, that's about the ONLY place I get fruit), as well as my dairy and some of my meat. I get all the grocery store fliers (available online) and see if there's any cheap meat and vegetables, and then go there, and if it's REALLY low I stock up.

I don’t necessarily agree with everyone telling the OP that she shouldn’t worry about protein powder and should just get her protein from other sources. Quality meat is very expensive. Not to mention the fact that an individual need to find what foods/diet works for him/her. If the OP finds it easiest to get her protein in shake form, than more power to her for making a healthy decision that works for her. It’s more likely for her to continue with a healthy diet if she eats things she likes.

It’s so frustrating when people post a topic on MFP only to have others steer from the original question so they can throw out their opinion and not offer suggestions to the question being asked.

sassyjvg – I would suggest trying Amazon.com for your protein powder. You can buy a larger quantity to get you through several months, rather than buying it monthly, and usually you can get free shipping on larger orders. This is a seller that I’ve gone through before... http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Double-Chocolate/dp/B000QSNYGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337709272&sr=8-1.

Also, do you use coupons much? Most stores will allow you to double up on coupons by using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. I would look in your Sunday paper or on Coupons.com. Target stores are good about posting coupons on their website that can be combined with the coupons found online. Also chat with your friends that are also on a limited income and let them know to keep their eye out for sales on specific items you like, and you can do the same for them.

As for Popcorn – are you buying Microwave popcorn? That can tend to be pricy (and loaded with sodium) if you’re not careful. I would suggest buying an old school bag of popcorn kernals and popping it yourself in a skillet on the stove, its cheaper and healthier.

Hope my minor suggestions are helpful – and keep up the good work.

I disagree with this (in regard to the protein). From what you have listed, you have basically just swapped convenience foods. If you can't afford it, it's not a sustainable plan.

First of all - shop sales. Wal-Mart price matches (check their website for their policy). Farmer's markets are a great source for cheap produce. Don't have one by you? Try frozen veggies - pretty cheap and better for you (and better tasting) than canned. Same for fruit. Aldi's has pretty good quality stuff for considerably less than some stores. Also coupons - true that you don't usually see them for fresh stuff - but seriously - I get most of my hygiene type stuff for free or dirt cheap- which frees up more $ for the food budget.

I am coming to the realization that the way I have been eating lately, while highly successful, is not realistic to my budget and I don't know how I am going to transition to a more affordable diet, given my current budget. Right now and for the past 7 months, I have bought and used these items on a regular basis: Protein powder 27.00/month, pb2 4.99 bi-weekly, bananas(reasonablly priced) stevia 70ct box, bi-weekly, coconut oil 52 oz. 30.00 every 2 months, green tea 10.00/monthly, popcorn, 10.00 monthly. This does not include the required fruits and veggies, or leaner more expensive cuts of meat. Do you have any suggestions on cheap diet friendly eats OTHER THAN BEANS???

Unless your a vegetarian or have some other reason not to eat meat, then eating meat is usually way cheaper than protein powder. I agree with OPs, toss the protein powder and the coconut oil (both budget killers!) That gives you $52 more per month to spend on real food which is what our bodies are programmed for.

The basic staples I would say to buy each month with that extra $52 include: carton of eggs (2x month - $3 month), brown rice (1x month - $2 month), loaf wheat bread (2x month - $4), frozen chicken breasts (1x month - $1.99 lb - $8 for 4 lbs - approx 8 breasts), frozen tilapia fillets (1x month - $6 lb for 1 lb - watch for sales), baby carrots (2x month - $3), celery hearts (2x month - $4); I've only spent $30 and you have meat and bulk food items that are still healthy for you.

Watch for sales and buy fruits and veggies that are in season (remember seasons? You can cheat here and ask the sales clerk at the grocery store.) The nice thing about eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is that you get a chance to try different things and it makes it more difficult to get bored with one item. There is also nothing wrong with eating chicken thighs or legs which go on sale for under $1 per pound all the time. Yes, breasts have less fat but thighs and legs are still better and way cheaper than beef. I have also bought pork chops and shrimp for under $2 pound during sales. I supplement my veggies with frozen veggies because they are better for you and they go on sale for $1 all the time. When they go on sale I bulk up on broccoli florets and stirfry veggie mixes that I use for weeks. If you're worried about overeating or eating carbs buy a cheap measuring spoon and cup set and measure it out (I bought mine for 88 cents at Walmart, yes 88 cents for both teaspoons/tablespoons and cups.)

Plan your shopping trip thoroughly. I keep a running list of things I am out of on the fridge. I take a picture of it with my cell phone and take it with me to the store (smart right?) I stick to the list and my budget of $50 a week for two people and we both eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home at least 16 out of 21 meals (7 days times 3 meals per day.) On the Wednesday before I shop, I scan the grocery ads (either online or paper if I get a free copy that week) for sales and coupons. I have found the best everyday deals consistently at Walmart and Aldi but the local grocery stores like Albertson's also runs good sales (sadly they are in the process of closing my Albertson's and Publix is overpriced on so many items that I only shop sales there.) I am planning a party for Memorial Day and I found wheat(!) hamburger and hotdog buns at Aldi for 79 cents per pack of 8 (the cheapest price elsewhere is $2!)

Definitely planning meals helps and cooking a large quantity of a meal that you can then eat for several days or freeze in portions eg. bean chilli, soup, stews etc. Also you can cook a lot of tasty things using tinned or frozen vegetables which are often much cheaper (and won't go off), and you can stock up on frozen fish etc at the supermarket, it's much cheaper than fresh fish but just the same! Just try and get creative and keep an eye out for bargains when you're shopping :-) I'm always buying things on deals and keeping them in the freezer til I need them!

is your $10/month popcorn the pre seasoned bagged microwave kind? If so, I've found that you can pop corn in the microwave as follows: put 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper bag, put the bag in the microwave, and press the popcorn button if you have one (otherwise follow the "listen until pops slow" instructions on commercial stuff). It's cheap, doesn't require you to own an air popper, and you can put exactly what you want on it.

Some suggestions that tend to be reasonably priced:

Eggs
Brown Rice
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Oats/Oatmeal
Milk
Chicken (it's cheaper if you buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself instead of buying nicely prepared breasts all the time)
BIG bags of frozen veggies

What do you use coconut oil for?

I agree with others that you can eat healthy foods without spending a ton of money, but you can also spend a ton of money on healthy foods if you want to. I would consider most of the items you mentioned to be convenience foods. You can find ways to still use them but more sparingly (and make sure you are getting the best price you can). Experiment with other protein shake options (find recipes that don't use PB2 so that you can mix things up a bit, look at a variety of brands of protein powder or look for better prices on the one you like). Try drinking the shakes less often. Reuse your green tea bags a few times if you are going through more than one a day. Try different brands to see if there is a flavor you like so that you can cut back on the stevia (and with time you may find that you don't need the stevia). I also do the popcorn in a microwave with a paper bag recipe. It is yummy, easy, and cheap. You can also experiment with ways to drink water that you enjoy--add lemon or cucumber slices, etc.

aldi's is a less expensive place to shop for some things . oatmeal , whole grain bread , eggs , tuna , peanut butter ...look around for boneless skinless chicken breast..here i typically get it for 1.99 lb but there is a market that if i get 40lbs its 1.29lb so i go in with a few others in that case ..coconut oil is expensive but its good for you so if thats the only oil you get then i guess you should allow it for yourself...aaah yes and brown rice is good too. try buying fruits and veggies at a local outside market or grow some yourself if you can. you can freeze that stuff too ..i always look for sales too and take advantage of them ..coupons are always helpful for those on a tight budget