FORUMS > Gaining Weight Forum Rules

Hey, so this is the first time I've started a thread since joining. I'm in a bit of a predicament. I am in grad school, and money is tight. I've been losing weight, because I don't have the resources to buy lots of food each week. I don't even fit my size 28 pants anymore, so this is getting a bit ridiculous.

I wanted to know if you guys had any tips on food items I could get on the cheap that are healthy for you and will keep my weight stable.

Thanks for any advice.

Mike

Oh and I already do Ramen, so don't say that please, haha.

Rice is cheap, eat that instead of wheat based pasta or bread. If you have a freezer handy, buying chicken in the family pack size is normally a better value. Frozen bagged vegetables are usually a decent price.

Can you cook? If you can (and even if you can not -- learn) then here is a list of things that I find cheap in my local grocery store:

Meats that are normally cheap:

Turkey (ground)
Tuna (chunk light)
Pork depending on cut
Fish - Porgies (though very bony)
Ground chuck beef (fatty but you can drain the fat)
Beef stew (though it takes forever to cook)
Chicken (that has not been clean).
Eggs

Vegetables that are cheap

Beans (good source of protien) - Buy dry, soak them for 2-3 hours throw out water and then cook them til done
Corn (depending on season)
Buy frozen vegetables,those are cheap you can reseal the bag and just microwave what you want.

Cheap starches ----
Rice is not so cheap these days, but a little goes a long way
Potatoes are normally cheap
Yams somewhat cheap
Pasta -- not the brand name kinds, but the bagged ones that come from italy or wherever else. I've seen sales that have them 2-3 for 1 dollar, or something similar. When you see them stack up. Ronzoni or Barilla is totally overated.

Make omelets, and mix them with vegetables and left over meats, whatever you can find. You might surprise yourself what you can create. They are quick and easy I find.

Look out for sales at your local supermarket, take advantage of them. With 1lb of ground meat and whatever bargain pasta sauce, I could normally make 3-4 meals out it back in college. You can even make your own pasta sauce with some ketchup, tomato sauce, onions, and whatever other vegetable you have (add a little sugar for tartness).

Mostly remember, this (the predicament) is just for a little while. Certainly been there done that. Keep your head up and look out for sales. Its generally cheaper to cook than to buy. look on the internet to find recipes that are simple that use the ingredients you have ;)

Potatoes are cheap sources of carbs, as already mentioned. And a baked potato is very easy to microwave, quicker and more energy efficient than a conventional oven, as I learned from instructions on a potato bag:

1. Wash

2. Puncture the skin in a few places with a fork.

3. Wrap in a white paper towel (preferably without printed designs, which can cause the paper to scorch)

4. Microwave on high anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on size and number. You'll have to experiment to learn your microwave's power. Pause at mid-point and turn the potato(es) over.

5. Remove hot (hot, hot, hot!) and immediately wrap tightly in aluminum foil, let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Eat!

I made this suggestion to another RJ member, before realizing that he lived in the UK... DUH! But in Virginia, check out your local supermarket, or Sam's Club, Costco, or similar, that now often carry rotisserie-cooked whole chickens for about $6, hot and ready to eat.

If you have a frig large enough, you can keep it a couple days and get maybe 3 or 4 meals out of it, and chicken is great protein. They're surprisingly inexpensive for all you get, saves you the hassle of cooking it yourself (leftovers from the frig can be micro'ed if you prefer it warm), don't taste half bad, and chicken goes with most veggies. And makes sandwiches you can take to campus, so you don't have to spend money at the cafeteria.

Thanks, guys! I'm going to take all this advice to my supermarket!

I really appreciate your posts.

Hey...I understand your budget concerns but try to avoid ramen....loaded with saturated fat and sodium.....why don't you substitute it for a whole grain as your carb base...such as oatmeal.....and be open minded....it's not just for breakfast

Quick, cheap, and good for you: Here's a great meal that my grandmother made often for her kids and grandkids. Good hearty Italian immigrant fare (simplified for the 15-minute cook):

Pasta Fagioli

Heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat... probably about 1/4 cup. Slice up a couple of cloves of garlic and cook the garlic in the olive oil. Just as the garlic begins to turn to a golden hue, pour 2 cans of cannelini beans into the pot--the beans with their liquid. Simmer.

Boil up pasta in a separate pot. I like to use Medium Shells or my favorite for this dish is Chiocciole, which may not be easy to find in many places. Cook the pasta till al dente in salted water. Drain, then combine the pasta with the beans and olive oil sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle a bit of raw olive oil on top.

That's probably all of about $3.00 and 10 or 15 minutes for a really satisfying meal, and you'll have leftovers, too, for lunch the next day. Best with champagne or vinho verde... but that adds to your bill!

Do you have any friends/family that have a Costco membership, or similar type bulk store? Best things I buy there are cottage cheese, eggs, chicken breasts, ground turkey, apples, etc. If you have a freezer, as someone else mentioned, buy in bulk and freeze.

If you're going to your local supermarket, shop around the outside edges of the store, as that's where the healthier products tend to be (meats, veggies, dairy, etc).

One thing I've found that is great for making wraps or whatever, are LaTortilla Factory low carb/high fiber/protein whole wheat tortilla's. They taste pretty damn good, are great for you and low in cal. and are pretty cheap too.

Try cooking brown rice with chicken broth instead of Ramen, it's much better for you and will taste about the same. As others have said, lots of veggies, frozen or fresh depending on how fast you would eat them, russet potatoes (just read an article that says that russets are more nutrient dense than baby reds, etc). I always keep a tub of the organic greens handy, $4 at Costco and it'll last you a week or so, toss in some fresh broccoli or whatever and you have a healthy and filling salad.

Basically just learn to shop smartly, avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils, try not to buy/eat anything "white" (bread, rice, etc). You may pay a bit more, but it will also satisfy your hunger and sate you for longer than something cheaper.

Good luck!

Even cheaper than going to the supermarket is the "Meal Deals" that these big super markets that sever food have going on. . I went to Whole foods@ around 8:00pm after working out and got a big box of food ..Meat with 2 sides for $5.99 . i went in there to buy something to prepare but there is no way i can buy that much food for that price.

walmart

TheIStrat saidI don't even fit my size 28 pants anymore, so this is getting a bit ridiculous.

Oh, you're such a bitch!

$5 footlongs.

Buy from the bulk sections of the supermarket if you can find them. QFC/Kroger has them and so do a number of other places. Be willing to give up a little on quality when looking for meats (unless you have dietary restrictions).

Stock the freezer with frozen foods and find a friend that has a Costco membership.

When I was in college, I ate Ramen noodles all the time. It was cheaper than the college dining plan and I was broke. I mean really broke. LOL. I don't eat Ramen noodles anymore.

However, Progresso soups are pretty good and go on sale a lot, so you could pick those up. Also, fresh produce is good for you and a little comfort food (in moderation of course) is cheap and makes you happy. Of course, if you can cook, that's even better. I cannot boil water and last year I set the stove on fire! (Not kidding).

I wish you the best of luck and an abundant table! ;-) Daniel

I second the suggestions to buy whole chickens, not only are they cheaper, but when you fabricate them you can keep the bones and make chicken stock, which included with veg trimmings makes a great soup base. throw in some frozen veggies and pasta or rice and you have a week of meals, from water and waste

buy in bulk eg. I buy a 10kg sack of rice each time. That lasts me a few months. I get my chicken from a poultry processing and slaughter place. They supply to most of the supermarkets around here and I pay 50% of what the supermarket charges. Eggs, tuna, pasta(non-gourmet) and usually from Italy(the home of pasta, so should be better than anything else). Buy fruit and veg that are in season, again from markets rather than supermarkets; or get frozen. Keep a lookout for specials when you're out shopping.

Money is really tight right now because I'm between jobs, so I'm saving everywhere possible. I'm not especially clever in the kitchen, but for what it's worth, here's what I've been doing:

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
I use low-fat cheese that I buy on sale, cheap whole wheat bread (even though the more expensive "no high-fructose corn syrup" variety is my preference), and "Brummel and Brown" spread. I sprinkle green onion and sesame seeds on the bread -- and sometimes basil or tarragon -- before grilling. The sesame seeds and green onion add lots of flavor. Great with tomato soup which isn't real expensive either.

Oatmeal Pancakes
I've found a couple of recipes on this site, and they're great:

http://www.realjock.com/gayforums/299070/

Oatmeal!
and yeah, check out the oatmeal thread here on RJ, Dean_pdx has already posted the link just above this one.

look at the local supermarket ads (usually found in the store if you miss it in the paper) and then you'll know what's the good sale item but you can fix fresh spinach (drizzle with some olive oil, salt and pepper, a little balsamic vinegar if you have some) just heat in a pan til it cooks down and my supermarket has a "reduced" meat section that always has a dozen packages of various things. Usually 30 - 50% off. There are always seasonal fruits and veggies on sale, so add a meat selection (hamburger patty fried (lean of course) or 1/2 breast of chicken cooked). Grocery store is usually much cheaper than eating out and often you have left overs. Spaghetti is an example, Hunts cans are always 10 for 10 around here...a buck a can, that's enough sauce for at least 3 meals and the spaghetti or other pasta, just see what one is on sale. Meal made right there for only a couple of bucks... inexpensive whole wheat bread with some smart balance, parmesan cheese and garlic powder and your meal is complete. Add a glass of 2 buck chuck and you're now gourmet! Bon Appetite!

I always buy the 3 lb bags of frozen chicken breasts at Walmart.There are usually 6 large chicken breasts in each pack for about 6.00. You can buy a hamburger press for about 1.49 as well and then buy family style packages of Lean ground beef for relatively cheap to bring the cost down to about .90 for a good sized burger.On Sundays , you can usually find these hamburger packs at 2 for one at your local grocery.Or you can buy a can of black beans and a can of diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions for about a 1.50, cook them together alone or over rice for a tasty meal..

Also. Look for supermarket openings. They have great deals and free food for the first week they are open. Omelets are a super suggestion.

I have already accepted I will never have a 28 waist again, but the thought is nice.

Two words:

TACO BELL

Or, if you don't like that...

99-Cent Store.

im sorry but i saw walmart as a solution. so i had to jump in. i know is cheap, but life with out walmart is soo much better, i dont wanna rant about it in here but DONT GO TO WALMART, they are destroying america one mom and pop shop and one small town's and neigborhood's downtown at a time, thank u, now im getting out of my soap box.
instead do beans, i invested on a 6 quart pressure cooker i boughht at the ethnic store( 3rd world countries have been doing things on the cheap for hundresds of years and they are kind enough to bring that culture here, take advantage of that if u r lucky enough to have those stores), life is soo esay with this pressure cooker...
once a week i trow a pound of beans (whatever u like there are dozens to choose from), cover with one inch of water, turn it on hi till the pressure valve goes crazy about 10-20 min, i turn off the heat and come back in 30 min or an hour (the pressure will keep the beans cooking long after u turn it off) once is safe to do so, open the pot( there is a clicking sound from the safty seal, ull learn to hear for it) throw grains, (rice, bulghur, cuscus, semolina, quinoa) mixing grains and beans assures u r geting all the essential aminoacids. (im vegeterian) then i chop whatever veggy was on sale and throw in there, water to cover the top, turn on till the pressure valve goes crazy again about 5 -10 min (since soup it was hot already), turn off, come back in 30 or and and put in smaller containers, too cool faster (dont want to breed bacteria, this is supposed to last a week!) and easier to handle, and to the refrigerator, then each time i get a bowl of it out, i season differently (cumin, tumeric, paprika, italian seas, pepper, sage, cheese, homade mayonaise, soy sauce, sweet and sour, sour cream, coconut cream and curry yumy!) and it is like a diferent meal every time, so u dont get burn out on it by the 4th or 10th time.
hit me up if u have questions, i know a pressure cooker is expensive, but for me it alrady paid itself long ago, and the noise and the idea of that much pressure can be scary, im still respectfully scared of it, thats why i leave the kitchen and come back only then the noise of the pressure valve comes on, only to turn it off, then i leave till i hear the safe click, im a pussy i know!
good luck in ur studies

Buy a chef's knife, a heavy iron skillet, and learn to master mexican cuisine. You can make tons of meals from the same basic core of ingredients.

Have a look at this:

http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22145/52070-20-healthiest-foods--1?CMP=DC_0059_TAG

Here is a last resort idea. When I was in grad school, at the end of the semester when the stipend money was gone, we used to go to the local "Charity Store." a local place kind of like "Goodwill" store. They had these, commercial sized cans of food that were like a buck a piece, because there was no label. It was like Russian roulette, sometimes you scored with an huge can of peanut butter of Ravioli, but one time we opened up a can of Brussels Sprouts!

Find your closest, good Chinese Buffet. I still get a jonesin' from time to time for a MSG fix, $5 for all the food you need for a day.

zeebyaboi saidTwo words:

TACO BELL

Or, if you don't like that...

99-Cent Store.

Taco Bell sounds good ;)

Hey bud, fellow student here as well!

grocery list:

- frozen vegetables (not the expensive stuff, the dirt cheap no name brand of peas/carrots/beans/etc)
- frozen skinless/boneless/etc chicken usually comes 10 to a bag
- also, look for turkey burgers or chicken burgers that arent breaded, theyre usually cheap (just learn to deal with the fact that eating cheaply means no fresh items, lol)
- eggs (again, not expensive kind, just remember everything has to meet standards, its just the fancy packaging that makes the "top" brands think they could charge more)
- oatmeal
- dont be dumb and buy bottled water (buy a brita water filter instead, i got one for 12 bucks) (PS, bottled water actually takes fuel and more water than whats in it, on average, to manufacture)
- minute rice (the big box of it - larger box means cheaper when you work it out)
- maybe potatoes if u have time to cook

so thats the staples u should pick up, because think all u really need is breakfast, and then for every other time u eat it durin the day (even breakfast like i do) u just need a palm sized amount o protein, 1/2 cup o carbs, and all the vegetables u want. im able to use one chicken breast for two meals, same with the chicken/turkey burgers.

hmm, so ya, ur diet gets real boring, but make sure u pick up a lil fun item for urself, lol, sumthin sweet if u have a sweet tooth and salty if not and just keep these for those cravings u get, but dont splurge on em, keep it cheap!

i get all these things at a basic grocery store, i dont go to those costcos or sams club because face it, we're students, we're not going to invest in that membership, and if ur like me, u dont feel like carrying a 48 lb box of rice through public transit, haha.

good luck


Patrick

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

What a super awesome site!

Buy a slow cooker and learn how to make good stuff.........you can buy all sorts of vegetables and cheap meats and make great meals.

Usually ground turkey meat is cheap, low fat and tastey.

I have a George Foreman grill........i buy big cuts of meat family style at cheap prices and slice them up to grill............add a few veggies....yum.

TheIStrat saidThanks for all the advice, guys!

What a super awesome site!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>It is a great site for sure !!! these guys are all tops !!!! OOOOPS !!! no pun intended !!! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I save money by buying bulk at a SALVAGE GROCERY STORE !!! Surely you have one near you. The food is good, its just in dented cans, maybe a cut on a box (but the contents are safe inside in a plastic bag, or they cannot sell it. Some of the dates are run out, or about to, but honestly I have never bought any rotten food there. I am always able to buy whole grain breads (pepperidge farm) for $1.00 a loaf, DelMonte Peaches canned in their own juice for .69 per can. Most items I save at least a $1.00 per item. those peaches taste no different because the can is dented. I am always able to find canned stews, frozen meats in bulk, a wide variety of items. Find a Salvage Grocery store and you will cut your food expense in half at least. Good luck !!!

TheIStrat saidThanks for all the advice, guys!

What a super awesome site!

Hey so here are some tips I have for you my friend:

Here are some staples of mine that I incorporate into my diet. It is in essence the Mediterranean Diet.

1. Lean Meats (poultry, turkey, fish) - No, you do not need the expensive, organic fish that is on ice at the store. If they have a special - buy in bulk and vacuum seal it. It keeps in the freezer. If not get canned tuna or salmon (high in omega 3s) Last week, I went to Whole Foods. They had a special for boneless, skinless chicken breast for $3.99 - So I ended up getting 4lbs on chicken for roughly $16 - Which would have been the same price for 1lb had I gotten it at Harris Teeter.

2. Dark Leafy Greens/Veggies - Super cheap! You can also get them in bulk frozen. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of mine - cheap and nutritiously dense - high in fiber too.

3. Fruits

4. Legumes - Very cheap and packed with fiber and protein

5 Nuts (you name it- walnuts to almonds) Also, peanut butter - smooth or crunchy - packed with protein, fiber, heart healthy fats, vitamin and minerals.

6. Dairy/Yogurt

7. Eggs - cheap and packed with protein and essential nutrients - Choline, which is good for your brain - no wonder they always called eggs brain food when we were kids.

8. Whole grains - Fiber One Cereal rocks - I get the one that is 57% of your daily fiber - keeps me full - It works great not only for breakfast in the morning, but for nights I do not get home until 8pm from work. I throw some nuts (pun intended) and a banana and it is a light meal before bed. Also, pasta, and couscous is cheap - go with whole wheat.

Again - go with what is cheap yet dense with nutrition.

Here is a recipie for you that I made tonight:

Bombay Chicken CousCous

1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped or canned (whatever is cheap)
1 tomato chopped
1 box of curried couscous (Near east is what I get - it is inexpensive)
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
2 Tblspoons of olive oil

Cook the couscous per instructions with the curry packet. Chop the chicken, add chicken, olive oil, tomatoes and almonds. Stir the mixture. You can serve hot or chilled (like a salad) - It makes 3-4 servings that you can keep individually portioned in the refrigerator - YUM! inexpensive and healthy


Bombay Chicken CousCous

I just read the thread title as "can anyone offer cheap eating tops"

I was perplexed until I read the thread started.. still.. didn't make sense but understood it better

Is there an Aldi's grocery store near you? We have a few of them in Chicago and I can eat like a king on $40 a week. Most of my food is fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, chicken and salad greens.


For a treat I go to Subway and spend $5 of a foot long sub. It's not all that unhealthy if you make it right.

Walmart for dry goods, Albertson's for meat

TheIStrat saidHey, so this is the first time I've started a thread since joining. I'm in a bit of a predicament. I am in grad school, and money is tight. I've been losing weight, because I don't have the resources to buy lots of food each week. I don't even fit my size 28 pants anymore, so this is getting a bit ridiculous.

I wanted to know if you guys had any tips on food items I could get on the cheap that are healthy for you and will keep my weight stable.

Thanks for any advice.

Mike

You're 5'9" and worried about a 28 inch waist? Get real. You're not 12 any more. You're quite right. It is ridiculous to worry about a 28 inch waist at 5'9". Stop it. It makes you look stupid, and like a fairy.

Bulk carbohydrates like rice, oatmeal, grits, are cheap, cheap, cheap.

Go to your local grocery store around 9:00 p.m. every night (not Walmart). They'll have meat at discount that's expiring. You'll often get it for 1/2, or even 1/3, of what you would pay otherwise, and there's nothing wrong with it.

Read his post again, Chucky -- slowly.

ObsceneWish saidRead his post again, Chucky -- slowly.

I'm glad you said it.

I was in grad school and was also in a bind. I pretty much followed what a lot of people mentioned on the other posts. I specifically chose to do :

Fruits and Veggies -I bought frozen broccoli and frozen mixed berries. Not the best choice but cheaper the fresh produce.

Tomatoes- I bought canned and made healthyveggie stews.

Meats( I bought canned) -Chicken, Turkey,Tuna- It is typically cheaper than meat out of the butcher/meat dept. Again not the best choice but when you only got dollars , It works.

Good luck and I feel your pain with grad school.

Joecifer said

ObsceneWish saidRead his post again, Chucky -- slowly.

I'm glad you said it.

Or I was going to say it....

I've been doing it for years now. Yay grad school.

Watch for sales on large batches of meat, of any variety, then separate it out into bags and freeze it.

Learn how to make filling, healthy meals without a ton of meat. Rice and beans are your friend.

Learn how much protein you need in a meal, fill the rest with veggies and low-cal fillers (cabbage, for example).

Cook in bulk. I never make less than a full dutch oven of just about anything. Once you've made it, separate it out into meals in small tupperwares. If you're me, eat the same thing all week. If you're not, then do this twice and alternate, or freeze some.

I live on 25$ or less a week in food, and that includes a gallon of milk.

Eat what I feed my dog: boiled organic chicken and lamb mixed with rice and carrots. the rice is boiled in chicken stock

It costs me about $10 for five day's worth ... should last you the same amount of time.

That, combined with other less expensive suggestions in this thread, should be good for awhile.

OK couldn´t resist:

get your date to pick up the bill all the time. Talk about cheap

I was unemployed at the end of last year/beginning of this year. I lived off brown rice and lentils. They make a complete protein and some bulk spices made the difference (Garam Masala is your friend).

But, in addition to what you eat, where you get it can save you a bundle. Your big grocery store will charge you handsomely for produce and dairy. Look into buying a farm share. You can get more greens than you could possibly eat for less than you can imagine. In October, I will be getting the meat from 1/4 of a cow for less than $2/lbs.

Ethnic grocery stores are wonderful places. I alternate between the Italian, Chinese/Korean, and Indian stores for insanely cheap produce. And you cannot buy fish cheaper than at Chinese stores.

MunchingZombie saidI was unemployed at the end of last year/beginning of this year. I lived off brown rice and lentils. They make a complete protein and some bulk spices made the difference (Garam Masala is your friend).

But, in addition to what you eat, where you get it can save you a bundle. Your big grocery store will charge you handsomely for produce and dairy. Look into buying a farm share. You can get more greens than you could possibly eat for less than you can imagine. In October, I will be getting the meat from 1/4 of a cow for less than $2/lbs.

Ethnic grocery stores are wonderful places. I alternate between the Italian, Chinese/Korean, and Indian stores for insanely cheap produce. And you cannot buy fish cheaper than at Chinese stores.

I could not agree with you more, MunchingZombie

chuckystud said

TheIStrat saidHey, so this is the first time I've started a thread since joining. I'm in a bit of a predicament. I am in grad school, and money is tight. I've been losing weight, because I don't have the resources to buy lots of food each week. I don't even fit my size 28 pants anymore, so this is getting a bit ridiculous.

I wanted to know if you guys had any tips on food items I could get on the cheap that are healthy for you and will keep my weight stable.

Thanks for any advice.

Mike

You're 5'9" and worried about a 28 inch waist? Get real. You're not 12 any more. You're quite right. It is ridiculous to worry about a 28 inch waist at 5'9". Stop it. It makes you look stupid, and like a fairy.

Bulk carbohydrates like rice, oatmeal, grits, are cheap, cheap, cheap.

Go to your local grocery store around 9:00 p.m. every night (not Walmart). They'll have meat at discount that's expiring. You'll often get it for 1/2, or even 1/3, of what you would pay otherwise, and there's nothing wrong with it.

TheIStrat: "Hey, so this is the first time I've started a thread since joining. I'm in a bit of a predicament. I am in grad school, and money is tight. I've been losing weight, because I don't have the resources to buy lots of food each week. I don't even fit my size 28 pants anymore, so this is getting a bit ridiculous.

I wanted to know if you guys had any tips on food items I could get on the cheap that are healthy for you and will keep my weight stable."



Also PB &J is not a bad idea just to add variety to your lunch cycle.

Or, you could eat your dog. That would be really cheap.

Tapper saidEat what I feed my dog: boiled organic chicken and lamb mixed with rice and carrots. the rice is boiled in chicken stock

It costs me about $10 for five day's worth ... should last you the same amount of time.

That, combined with other less expensive suggestions in this thread, should be good for awhile.

If you live near a chinatown or asian grocery, buy noodles in bulk.

Funny... millions of suggestions

doesn t anyone like LIVER, ha ha ha

Call your parents and tell them you're starving.
I'm serious.
This is deplorable.

Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans are cheap.

Bananas are cheap.

Peanuts are cheap. (Almonds arent, but you should invest in them.)

Eggs are cheap.

Packets of frozen veggies arent expensive either.

Dont eat Ramen Noodles, they have no nutritional value.

Take care of yourself while youre in school, once you step out and start earning- you will look back and be glad you didnt abuse your body.

Good luck with your graduation.

Wow - I'm amazed to read about so many healthy choices here - with the exception of Taco Bell - maybe that one was a joke. All I can add is to make some good soups - from scratch - with a base of V8 juice, lots of carrots, celery, all natural lentils, and green peas, lean chicken breasts and whatever else you might like. My take is that you can eat much better on a slim budget at home - not going out to fast food joints. Stay out of those. Drink water - and add lemon or other juices to it.

Peanut Butter

get it with out sugar added.


Make your own whole wheat pan bread in the oven with whole grain flour, water, sesalt and some olive oil

HEALTHY and CHEAP

Seafood medley and noodles sounds nasty but you can live off it and boy is it CHEAP & tasty

When I want to go cheap I think of how long it will last me. You should always think about how much you are spending and make it stretch as long as possible. Here's what I do:

Meatloaf

1 pkg McCormick meatloaf seasoning mix
2 lbs. lean ground beef
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup dry flavored bread crumbs (Garlic & Herb or Parmesan works well)
1 can French Onion soup
(you can omit the seasoning mix but the french onion does make it tasty)

Mix it all up cook at 375 for an hour and when it's done drain it and you can eat off it for a few days.

It's better if you have it with sides like rice or pasta. When you buy rice get some that will last you for awhile. I bought a 48oz jar and it has lasted me quite a while.

Tuna is good also. Buy a few cans and it should last you for many sandwiches.

Buy a bag of potatoes and get creative. I made potato chips a couple of times. Just slice them up, put them on a cookie sheet, stick them in the oven. Don't remember what setting or how long I cooked them for though.

Wow, this thread has been revived for awhile now and I didn't even notice

Jockbod48 saidWow - I'm amazed to read about so many healthy choices here - with the exception of Taco Bell - maybe that one was a joke. All I can add is to make some good soups - from scratch - with a base of V8 juice, lots of carrots, celery, all natural lentils, and green peas, lean chicken breasts and whatever else you might like. My take is that you can eat much better on a slim budget at home - not going out to fast food joints. Stay out of those. Drink water - and add lemon or other juices to it.

Oh, I am going to have to try to make that soup.

About fast food. I can eat many more meals I prepare with the amount I would spend on 1 meal at a fast food place.

Lemon and water is good. I have been mixing lemon with cranberry juice. So good! Just be careful of the effects too much lemon might have on your stomach.

The dollar stores usually have cans of chunk chicken breast, white tuna, and turkey breast. A buck a can, a little low-fat mayo, low carb tortilla, and you have a terrific wrap for lunch!!

Here is a quick, cheap and easy-to-make breakfast idea that is filling:

50grams of oatmeal
250ml of water or semi skimmed milk
handfull of dried fruit such as raisins, apricot or add fresh chopped fruit such as apples

Gently heat oatmeal and water in a pan for 5 mins. Stir occassionally so it doesn't burn and stick to the pan. Wait til it thickens. Pour into a bowl and leave to stand for 1 minute. Add topping of fresh fruit or dried fruit. Eat.

Preparation time, 5 mins, calories 300 max.

YAY For porridge

If you happen to live close to a China Town, a little shopping research can show you which stores have cheap ingredients these kind gentlemen have offered. Such as, looking for x-ingredient, a and b and c stores may carry it but b store maybe cheaper. Or that one store seems to carry a fresher ingredient that you need.

Just eat what I eat.... Potatoes, Beans, Fish, Soup ,Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Peanut Butter, Bananas, Oranges, Brown Bread, Brown Rice, Sweetcorn, green vegatables like Spinach, Brocoli, Sprouts I eat this stuff mainly because its very good for the complexion but turns out its actually a very cheap diet

It would be of great help if I knew your budget. When I was first losing weight (though I ate plenty - just healthy stuff) AND on my own with little money (to spend on food at least), I would make it on $40.00 a week.

My main resources:

Super Target

Buy in bulk when possible.

Cook for four and save leftovers.

Wine used in foods - the liquor helps to spice it up and make it filling, at least for me.

Lean Cuisines

Soups

Wheat Thins

Fruit - Apples can be quite filling AND cheap.

Does anyone shop at ALDI?

I love this store for most of my groceries, everything is private labels made just for their stores and they are WAY cheaper than the bigger chains and name brand products.. It's owned by the same company that owns Trader Joes , just targeted towards a lower price point clientele.

I see there are some located in DC.. check em out

Oh and Walmart is the devil!

stop eating
you'll lose weight, and save lots of money!

I avoid supermarkets. The goal is to get the most nutrition for your money, not the most food. Most of that pre-packaged crap has had their nutrition stripped away and a lot of salt and preservatives pumped in. Many health food stores like Henry's in California have a great bulk foods section where you get things like rice, beans, and oats out of bins for a small fraction of the pre-packaged brand name stuff. For example, quick cooking oats should be about 50-75 cents a pound vs. 2.00 for Quaker. Rice and beans the same. Also, you might be able to find whey protein powder in bulk for about $6 a pound.

Trader Joe's (there's one in Wilmington DE) always has the best prices on dairy. Non-fat yogurt for 2.50 for a large container (4 cups) of good quality stuff with no gum or other filler, and egg whites for 2.19 a pint (this is an awesome deal. Half what they charge for that frozen stuff on line). I chug it right out of the carton to help stay anabolic all day and night. Also, white tuna is only about a buck fifty a can, and pasta is about a dollar for a pound. That is like six servings of good high-quality carbs. TJ's is also a great place for your multi-vitamins. A month's supply for less than ten bucks.

The supermarkets are often the best places for meat however, if you catch the sales. Check the flyers they all put in the paper, usually mid-week. Von's in Ca. will have boneless skinless chicken breast for 1.79 a pound and it is times like these when you need to stock up the freezer with all the flats you can afford. Often, you can also find beef like sirloin or lean hamburger on clearance the day it expires, and beef is often best when aged a little bit anyway. Just make sure you cook it soon after purchase, or put it in the freezer right away.

For vegetables, produce markets usually have the best deals. Buy potatoes in ten pound bags which will keep for weeks. I like to cook up four or five in the microwave in the morning and eat them all day long. Bananas are nice cheap high calorie fruit without too much sugar. Also a great source of potassium.

Look for coupons in the Sunday paper for things you buy regularly and use them when those products are on sale. If the market doubles coupons all the better.

I'm on a pretty tight budget and trying to bulk up for bodybuilding. I try to get about 3500 cals a day, and about 250g of protein. I've been able to get it down to about six bucks a day as long as I don't eat out.

Just FYI, potatoes are a better source of potassium than bananas. I had to giggle at the last post.

A great investment is a bodybuilding cookbook. 'Muscle Meals', 'Muscle Chow' and 'Eating For Life' are all very good. Most of the recipes are easy, basic and inexpensive.

EGGS...lots of them and the egg whites...hig in protein and low fat...fruit too

You can eat healthy and cheap at the same time.

As others have said, oatmeal is cheap. Also filling and good for you.

Bananas are inexpensive.

In general, vegetables are relatively cheap, way less than most processed things. Like broccoli crowns. Even though they're $3 a pound, the crowns--since they come without the stalks--are so lightweight you can get a serving for about 35 cents. And broccoli is one of the best things you can eat.

Whey protein--even though a large tub of it is $20 or so--is actually cheap, considering how much is in the tub. Keep it twice as long by using half-a-scoop each time--instead of the full scoop--and you'll still get 12-14 grams of protein from it, depending on the brand you buy.

chuckystud saidJust FYI, potatoes are a better source of potassium than bananas. I had to giggle at the last post.

You're right. Thanks for pointing that out, and only giggling.

Sorry if this has been posted previously, but another cheap way to get fruits and veggies this time of the year is at your local farmer's market. Here in my town in NC, we even have a curb market two days a week that has a lot of organic growers.

Good food and since you're dealing directly with the growers in some cases, the prices can be cheaper as well.

buying individual fruits for lunch along with brewing tea. Consuming chicken for a lot of meals ... or ... you could bum out of cooking by having cereal as your mainstay. haha.

Bread's one of the most fattening things around and is relatively cheap. So, if you're concerned about weight gain, that could be an option. Just try to avoid bread made with white flour.

I'd also suggest buying smaller amounts of healthy foods, and resisting the urge to buy junk food that's "filling". Your health is one area where it doesn't pay to cut corners.

You might consider buying vegetable juices, if fresh vegetables and fruits are too expensive. Eggs are great for protein and should be cheaper than fish. Adding olive oil to salads could be a good strategy for weight gain, as well.

you have a b/f-can't he cook for you?? It's cheaper and easier to cook for 2 than 1.

If you live near ethnic markets, you can pick up produce, nuts, grains, meat and poultry cheaper. Things that cost so much in health food stores and upscale markets are sold as regular everyday food in ethnic places.

I live right in Chinatown and everything is about half the price than elsewhere in the city. The other day, rather than buying a bag of chips, I purchased a pound of fresh soy beans. Boiled them for a few minutes.....seasoned them..viola.

Can't go wrong with a George Foreman grill. I used it to make lunch for work just about everyday and it played a big role in me being able to save enough money for a downpayment on an apartment.

I bought steaks or chicken breasts and threw them on for five minutes. I'm Asian and I cannot live without eating rice so I always had rice with my meals. You can buy a $20 rice cooker at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

My computer is not working right now, but I have a list of 100 ways to prepare chicken breast in less than five minutes. I'll send it when my computer is back up.

chuckystud saidJust FYI, potatoes are a better source of potassium than bananas. I had to giggle at the last post.

Try yams.

Yellow potato and yellow corn are pig food and as you can see you are what you eat = chunckystud

GymBoyNY saidCan't go wrong with a George Foreman grill. I used it to make lunch for work just about everyday and it played a big role in me being able to save enough money for a downpayment on an apartment.

I love my George Foreman grill. You can grill practicaly anything and its a snap to clean up.....no pots and pans to wash.

Also, a slow cooker. Throw anything in there, even tougher cuts of meat along with potatoes and veggies and spices. Turn it on and when you get home th house smells so good from the aroma of a good meal. Somehow the meat comes out tender and the veggies are not overcooked.

I found this in on my computer. My favorites are # 21 and # 25.

50 Ways to Feed Your Muscles
By Phillip Rhodes
Men's Health

Every family argues about what to eat for dinner. But the Shrader family of Bluebell, West Virginia, took dinner-table combat to a whole new level last summer when 49-year-old Jackie Lee and his son, Harley Lee, 24, whipped out .22-caliber pistols and exchanged fire after sparring over how to cook their meal.

What food could trigger a kitchen gun battle? The harmless, boneless, skinless—and often flavorless—chicken breast, that's what.

Sure, this omnipresent cut of poultry is the leanest source of protein this side of tofu or fish—a single serving offers 26 grams of protein for the price of 1 gram of saturated fat. But it's boring as hell. And it doesn't help that most people eat their annual average of 88 pounds one of two ways: soaked in Italian salad dressing or slathered in barbecue sauce.

In my mind, that's exactly how I hear the Shrader feud erupting. "Marinade!" one might have said. "No! Barbecue sauce," the other yelled. Back and forth it went until it came to blows, then bullets. (Harley Lee took a slug to the head, but managed to survive.)

That's why I came up with this list—not one, not two, but 50 different ways to prepare a chicken breast. What good is eating healthy food if the boredom nearly kills you?

STIR-FRYING

Basic technique: Cut the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Cook them in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned. Then add the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.
Tip: Sesame oil gives stir-fries their distinct flavor. Its nutritional profile is similar to that of olive oil (i.e., high in the unsaturated fats you want). But if you don't have sesame, use canola or peanut oil, since olive oil can burn at high temperatures.

1. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 c green or red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2. 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/3 c matchstick carrots; 1/3 c chopped celery; 1 green onion, sliced; 2 Tbsp chopped, unsalted peanuts

3. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 c asparagus tips; 2 Tbsp chopped, unsalted cashews

4. 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/2 c snow peas; 1 c chopped celery

5. 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c (or more) chopped broccoli; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

6. 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c snow peas; 1/2 c green or red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1/4 onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce


BAKING

Basic technique:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the chicken breast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an internal roasting thermometer reaches 170°. Don't overcook it. Err on the side of tenderness. An overcooked, dried-out chicken breast won't give you salmonella, but you probably won't want to eat it in the first place.
Tip: Quickly searing the breast in a hot skillet will help avoid dryness because it locks in the bird's juices.

Sauced
Watery ready-made sauces like salsa will bake fine—some of the liquid will boil away as the chicken bakes. But thicker sauces, like barbecue or ranch, need water or broth mixed in, otherwise you'll be left with a sticky, blackened char.

Tip: Use a small baking dish to keep the meat covered with sauce.

7. 1/3 c salsa

8. 2 Tbsp jalapeño cheese dip, 2 Tbsp salsa, 1 Tbsp water

9. 2 Tbsp marinara sauce, 2 Tbsp water

10. 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce, 2 Tbsp water

11. 2 Tbsp ranch dressing, 2 Tbsp water

12. 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil

13. 3 Tbsp chicken broth; 1 Tbsp mustard; 1 clove garlic, crushed

14. 2 Tbsp condensed mushroom soup, 2 Tbsp water

15. 2 Tbsp pesto, 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium chicken broth

16. 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 c crushed pineapple with juice

17. 3 Tbsp chicken broth, 2 Tbsp light coconut milk, 1/4 tsp curry powder

18. 1/3 c chicken broth, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 Tbsp apple juice

19. 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce; 1 clove garlic, crushed

20. 2 Tbsp hot sauce, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp chili powder

21. 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp orange marmalade, 1/4 tsp rosemary

Rubbed
Rub one of the following spice mixtures evenly over each breast, then hit the chicken with a shot or two of cooking spray (not too much, though) to hold the rub in place and help form a light crust when cooking.

22. Tex-Mex style: 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, and oregano; pinch of salt

23. Southwestern: 1/4 tsp each black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, and hot sauce

24. French: 1/4 tsp each dried basil, rosemary, and thyme; pinch of salt and pepper

Crusted
A whisked egg acts like glue, holding the crust to the meat. It also gives your poultry a small protein boost. Crack one open in a shallow bowl, whisk it, and dip the chicken in it. Tip: Put your crust ingredients in a shallow plate instead of a bowl—it'll be much easier to coat the breast evenly.

25. Nut crusted: Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in 1/3 c nuts of your choice, finely chopped. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

26. Parmesan crusted: Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in a mixture of 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 Tbsp Italian bread crumbs, and a pinch of black pepper.

27. "Like fried": Dip the chicken in the egg, then roll it in 1/2 c crushed cornflakes or bran flakes. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Stuffed
Relax, this isn't hard. First, pound the heck out of the chicken breast with a meat tenderizer or the heel of your hand—you want it to be uniformly thin. (Just be careful not to tear it.) Then, arrange your ingredients on the breast, roll it up, and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine so it doesn't come undone while it's baking.

28. 1 slice Cheddar cheese, 2 slices deli ham, 1/4 tsp black pepper

29. 1 slice mozzarella cheese; 3 slices pepperoni; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

30. 1 slice mozzarella; 1/4 c chopped tomatoes; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

31. 1 small handful baby spinach leaves, chopped; 1 Tbsp blue-cheese crumbles; 1 clove garlic, crushed

32. 1 slice mozzarella, 1 slice salami, 1 Tbsp chopped roasted red pepper

33. 1 1/2 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 tsp oregano

34. 1 1/2 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp diced olives, 1/4 tsp lemon zest

35. 1 Tbsp pesto, 1 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp black pepper

GRILLING, SEARING, OR GEORGE FOREMAN-ING

Basic technique: Heat the grill, place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stove until it's hot, or power up the Foreman. Add the marinated chicken, cooking 3 to 5 minutes per side (6 to 8 total on the Foreman), or until an internal roasting thermometer reaches 170°F. The chicken doesn't stop cooking when you take it off the heat. If it's still hot, it's still cooking.


Marinades
Marinades need only about an hour or so to penetrate the meat. Whether you're cooking one chicken breast at a time or four at once, just mix the marinade ingredients well in a resealable plastic bag, drop in the chicken, seal, shake, and refrigerate.

Tip: If you're grilling, make a little extra marinade and reserve it in a separate bag or bowl. Brush it on the chicken during cooking to keep the meat moist.

36. 2 Tbsp bourbon, 1 tsp deli-style mustard, 1/4 tsp black pepper

37. 2 Tbsp bourbon; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed

38. 2 Tbsp white wine; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/4 tsp thyme

39. 2 Tbsp red wine; 1 tsp barbecue sauce; 1 clove garlic, crushed

40. 2 Tbsp Coca-Cola, 1/4