We just came out of an incredibly busy weekend! I ran the Air Force Half Marathon on Saturday (You can see pictures on Instagram here!) and pretty much went straight to church after my shower to volunteer for the weekend. And a bit of meal prep on Sunday- Double Chocolate Spinach Banana Muffins, and baked eggs for breakfast sandwiches. I’m ready to get back into my routine again!
I have two favorite buys from this weekend: One is the Pumpkin Spice Crispy Oats from Aldi, which we just LOVE. I may need to stock up. Second are the Chobani drinkable yogurts. I love it when foods have coupons on them; especially when they’re marked down and you can get them for FREE. Best Kroger trip in awhile!
I’m utilizing my pantry and freezer for a lot of our meals this week. Part of our problem (A good problem, mind you) is that some of our dinners make 6-8 servings. Allison never really touches them, so it feeds me and John for a few days, which is nice. But then add another couple dinners that ALSO make 6-8 servings, and suddenly we need another leftover night; so that means one of our dinners gets pushed into the next week. I’m totally fine with that, because it saves us some money!
As usual, here’s a disclaimer about my $30 weekly menus:
- I’ve lowered our grocery budget by choice. We’ve chosen not to pursue food assistance from the government.
- My pantry contains essentials such as rice, pasta, peanut butter, and baking items, as well as a little meat in the freezer. You may not be able to recreate this menu for $30 as I’m not exactly starting from scratch every week.
- I’m buying whole foods as much as possible- I won’t be perfect, but I’ll do what I can with the money we have.
- My menu may have more vegetarian meals, or just less meat in general- But I still aim to keep my diet high-protein due to my workouts, which is why you’ll see lots of Greek yogurt, eggs, and cottage cheese.
Aldi
Mini bagels: $1.69
Tortillas: $1.39
Bananas, 4.03 pounds: $1.53
Butter: $2.63
Strawberries: 1.29
Spinach: $1.19
Green grapes, 2.02 pounds: $1.80
Vanilla extract: $3.55
Eggs: $.59
Crushed tomatoes: $.79
Salsa: $1.19
Tomato paste: $.39
Milk: $1.45
Pumpkin Crispy Oats: $1.99, I was super excited to see these!
Total: $21.47
Meijer
Colgate toothpaste: $1.00
2 bags frozen broccoli: $1.00 each
Sweet potatoes, 3-pound bag: $1.00
Total: $4.07, and received a coupon for $2.00 off my next order
Kroger
ALL Laundry detergent: $.99
2 Chobani yogurt drinks: $.49 each, marked down
- Used 2 $.50/1 coupons that were on the drinks, making them free!
Sour cream: $1.25
Stoneyfield yogurt pouch: Free from Free Friday Download
Mentos gum: Free from Free Friday Download
Epic bar: Free from Free Friday Download
Total: $2.31
Weekly Total: $28.92. Not included above was parchment paper purchased at Dollar Tree. I still have a $2.00 overage that will carry over into next week.
Menu
Lunch is always leftovers. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were purchased in previous weeks.
Dinner
Corn chowder from freezer* (Didn’t make it last week)
Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole from freezer*
Small group- Making Cheddar Biscuits
Lentil Sloppy Joes* (Lentils in pantry, using a package of Sandwich Thins from freezer as buns), frozen veggies, fruit
Black bean* quesadillas, roasted sweet potatoes
Carrot Pancakes
Leftovers
Breakfast
Cereal
Egg and cheese* sandwiches on English muffins* (In freezer)
Oatmeal
Allison’s Lunch
Double Chocolate Spinach Banana Muffins, cheese*, strawberries, Goldfish*
What’s on your menu this week? Share in the comments below!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.
Michelle
Wednesday 19th of September 2018
Congrats on your marathon ? I’m a walker definitely NOT a runner! Hopefully hubby gets a job soon for you guys! You’re doing great.
Jaime
Thursday 20th of September 2018
Thank you so much, Michelle! He keeps getting interviews, so we're pretty hopeful. =)
Jennifer
Monday 17th of September 2018
Congrats on finishing your marathon! That’s quite an accomplishment! I did Walmart pickup yesterday and here’s our menu: Today: ziti in crockpot, rolls, salad Tues: leftovers with asparagus Wed: rubens with baked fries Thursday: pot pie, green beans, mash potatoes Friday: chicken & rice casserole, cucumber salad, rolls Sat: Church fall festival (will bring macaroni salad and eat picnic there) Sun: either tacos or hubby will grill something
Jaime
Monday 17th of September 2018
That menu sounds amazing! Especially the Reuben. I'm such a sucker for sandwiches.
Cristina
Monday 17th of September 2018
Your lentil sloppy joe recipe makes me want to buy a slow cooker!
Jaime
Monday 17th of September 2018
Girl! You can probably find a cheap one at a thrift store. =) My slow cooker has saved my life many a time!