Before I show you this week’s shopping trip, I have to share something because I’m BURSTING with excitement!!
You may have already seen this on Instagram, but if not- I signed up through ISSA to become a Certified Nutrition Coach! Something like this has been on my heart for awhile; I’ve seen friends trying and struggling to lose weight and I have this huge passion to help, but didn’t know how. After this 10-week online program, I’ll finally get that chance to help people set nutrition goals and stick to them!
And yes, this means that I can integrate all this into the blog! If this is something that interests you, hold that thought for a few weeks and I’ll be sure to update you when I get my certification!
I’ve got this plus another project going on, so I may not be posting new content for a short while (Besides grocery posts). Be sure to follow me on Instagram though, because I post there every day with updates!
So with all that said… Let me tell you about how I thought I’d have no money for food this week.
Between a game night that John went to on Friday, and the Superbowl party last night, I was spending a good chunk of money on food that we weren’t even leaving at the house for leftovers. After making my whole meal plan and seeing what little money we had left, I had a mini freakout and scrapped my entire meal plan.
Luckily, we had quite a few items in the pantry like mac and cheese and frozen stuff like hot dogs and ravioli. So this week is full of really cheap meals, and I’ll get back to normal next week!
Here’s what I was able to buy:
Aldi
White cake mix: $.85
Honey Grahams cereal: $1.99
2 containers whipped topping: $.79 each
Elevation cookie dough protein bars: $4.69
2 boxes pudding mix: $.47 each
Spinach: $1.39
Fresh jalapenos: $.79
Turkey bacon: $1.89
Sliced cheese: $1.79
Roma tomatoes: $.85
Ground turkey: $1.89
Baby carrots: $.89
Greek yogurt tub: $3.45
Pasta sauce: $1.89
Seasoned salt: $1.99
Cream cheese: $.79
Cottage cheese: $1.59
Zucchini, 1.89 pounds: $1.87
Strawberries: $2.49
Milk: $2.75
Loaf of bread: $1.29
2 packages Hawaiian rolls: $1.59 each
Bananas, 2.84 pounds: $1.25
4 blocks cheese: $1.69 each
2 dozen eggs: $1.15 each
Total: $51.14
Meijer
Irish Springs soap, 3-pack: $2.29, used a $.50/1 mPerks coupon
Red onion: $.75
Butterfingers: $1.00
Whole wheat macaroni: $1.29
Peanut butter: $2.39
Stonyfield Organic yogurt pouches: $4.99
2-liter soda: $.79
K-Cups: $4.99
Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble bars: $2.50
Lance cheese crackers: $2.50
Total: $23.22
Weekly Total: $82.22. This also includes $5.00 taken out for a Sam’s Club run. I saved up enough to buy toilet paper!
Menu
Lunch is always leftovers. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were purchased in previous weeks.
Dinner
Superbowl party- Making Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sliders and Butterfinger Trifle
Black Bean Soup from freezer*, Jalapeno Cheese Bread (I’m re-doing this post and making a video soon!)
Frozen ravioli*, homemade meatballs, frozen broccoli*
Kraft mac and cheese* with tuna*, frozen green beans*
Wellshire Farm uncured beef franks*, farro*, roasted vegetables (Forgot to buy these; I’ll get them this week!)
Pancakes
Leftovers
Breakfast
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal*- I made this as part of a freezer session. Watch the video here!
Cereal
Egg scramble with veggies (Zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, red onion)
Miscellaneous
Macaroni and Cheese for John’s game night
What’s on your menu this week? Share below in the comments!
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.
.Gina
Monday 3rd of February 2020
Congratulations on your completion of your classes. We are eating cheap as well. Homesick Texan Jalapeno Cheddar Buns, I also make them with just cheese. I make them smaller and use as dinner rolls and double the recipe. Mini turkey hamburger sliders, homemade Hershey's chocolate cake and buttercream frosting ( food allergies everything from scratch). Loaded oven potatoes last night with leftovers from the week, cheese, onion, jalep, cooked ground turkey. I have 10.00 left for milk and cheese. We will be eating out of the freezer and pantry. I am going to Try Beth from Budget Bytes new cottage cheese dip, since you blend the cottage cheese down I am hoping the texture changes to very creamy. I will also be making her homemade Naan Bread, and serving it with bean dip. Have a great week everyone.?
Jaime
Monday 3rd of February 2020
Thanks, Gina!!! Okay, I need to check out that cottage cheese dip. Cottage cheese is my jam and I'm always looking for more ways to add protein!