is that it has a strong tendency to be high in carbs, highly processed, low in nutrition and low in protein. And it doesn't have to be that way. And I'm not saying it always is, either, I'm just saying that it effectivly tends to be that way, particularly in the US.
At least the highly processed, low nutrition and protein part. The high in carbs part is completely fine with me, because with me running 25+ miles a week I can use all the carbs I can get.
Protein:
Beans and lentils are your friend. I prefer lentils, myself, and they have the 2nd highest protein/serving behind soybeans.
I honestly know nothing about lentils....how does one prepare lentils??
Fresh Greens. I bought a bunch of mustard greens and kale for various cooking ideas as well as tossed salads. Each was about a dollar each and I never used all of them. Buying a head of lettuce and a head of radacchio will last you much longer and be cheaper than a bag of lettuce.
I really need to work on getting more leafy greens in my diet. I'm good about getting plenty of veggies, but they are mostly green beans and broccoli.
Keep an eye on the frozens for veggies you like! Even more expensive veggies tend to go on sale more when they're frozen.
Oh, I love the frozen veggies!! They're absurdly convenient and delicious!!
If you find meat just too expensive and like it, Sauerkraut is a great way to get the B vitamins you can't get from most veggies. You're not actually getting it from the cabbage itself; the fermentation/pickling process produces them.
Oh my....would pickles give me the same thing? I hate sauerkraut.
Think outside the box. For example. One of my common breakfasts is Plain Yogurt (I use it in many recipes plain, so I typically have one of your big huge cheap containers of it), DRY oatmeal, and raisins, drizzled with honey. Very cheap, tasty and nutritive. And in case you're wondering, I use dry oatmeal instead of granola because it's healthier (Granola is frequently deceptive when it comes to sugar) and very high in fiber. Additionally, if I get bored of it I can add nuts, or change the fruit, or leave out the oatmeal or yogurt, or heck I've even added cocoa powder before. Point is, don't be afraid to throw stuff in a bowl and hope it tastes good. As long as you at least think, you'll rarely come up with something you can't at least make yourself eat.
That actually sounds amazing.....I might have to give that a go. Probably not on long running days, as I don't imagine the dairy will sit well in my stomach on a long run, but on off days that would be a delicious change of pace I suspect.
Be picky about your rice. Make sure it's not just "Brown rice", but it's high fiber-high nutrient less processed brown rice. IMO, you're other wise wasting your time. But as I've mentioned, I'm not a huge grain-person.
Is there anything on the label indicating it's that style of brown rice, or will I just have to check the nutrition information? I usually just get the bag of Mahatma Brown rice...I didn't really realize there were different types other than the length of the grain.
Herbs/Spices They're expensive to buy, I KNOW, but they taste good and will keep you from being bored with even the same set of ingredients.
I agree with you completely here. I have an awesome selection of spices....keeping the selection maintained is pricey, but worth it!
Quality Cheese. This is my big "vice" when it comes to pricing. But that $7 small square of cheddar lasts me a good while because it's so satisfying, and it keeps me HAPPY.
*drools* I do love me some super sharp cheddar cheese.
Really, the trick is to stay flexible and move with the prices. I made cheap lamb burgers last week because I discovered some lamb ground beef in the Manager's Bargain Bin in the meat section. But it didn't cost me any more than making beef burgers from scratch would have.
Thanks for all the suggestions!! You seriously gave me a ton of great ideas!
Eating like you're poor....
- 24/03/2010 09:08:18 PM
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Student food: Pasta with lentils + canned tomatoes
- 24/03/2010 09:19:46 PM
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That sounds really good!
- 24/03/2010 10:33:09 PM
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the problem with "Eating poor"
- 24/03/2010 09:50:42 PM
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Exactly, and that's what I'm trying to avoid!
- 24/03/2010 10:45:19 PM
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Lentils are really easy
- 24/03/2010 11:35:47 PM
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Seems like it shouldn't be too tough
- 25/03/2010 04:16:07 AM
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sorry, I have no idea how squash freezes 
- 25/03/2010 12:03:53 PM
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- 25/03/2010 12:03:53 PM
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Yogurt with a spoonful of jam / preserve mixed with nuts is AMAZING. One of my favorites. *NM*
- 25/03/2010 04:15:16 PM
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I used to be poor and we didn't eat so good
- 25/03/2010 01:52:20 PM
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You can eat perfectly fine on a minimal budget
- 25/03/2010 03:13:59 PM
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I don't disagree that you can eat healthy on a budget
- 25/03/2010 05:37:41 PM
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I expect
- 25/03/2010 05:56:55 PM
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