HOW TO EAT FOR $11 A WEEK | EMERGENCY EXTREME GROCERY BUDGET | NOV 2020

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 6 май 2024
  • My name is Christine, and welcome to Frugal Fit Mom! Welcome to another case of eating for a week on an extreme budget! What's for dinner for a single person for only $11 this week.
    Previous Emergency Extreme Grocery Budgets Playlist - • Extreme Grocery Budget...
    How to Cook dried beans - • HOW TO COOK DRIED BEAN...
    Beef Cabbage Stir Fry - www.budgetbytes.com/beef-cabb...
    Frugal Fit Dad Channel - / @frugalfitdad
    Andrew's Rubik's Cube Channel- / @candycuber1
    Want to work with me? Contact me at: contact@tablerockmanagement.com
    FREQUENTLY USED/MENTIONED ITEMS
    Get 20% off your first order - Misen.co/ffm
    FREE gift at Thrive Market - thrivemarket.com/FrugalFitMom
    $80 off 4 boxes of Green Chef - GreenChef.us/frugalfitmom80
    1 month FREE of Audible here: audible.com/frugalfitmom OR text "frugalfitmom" to 500-500
    Get a free gift set with Grove - grove.pxf.io/frugalfitmom
    Get $25 off Daily Harvest - bit.ly/31619Ma
    Get 2 free stocks with Webull - act.webull.com/k/7SpUOUoVYtQ4...
    Get 2000 Bonus points with FETCH rewards: FP9XH
    Join Ibotta - ibotta.risj.net/E65yD
    TopCashback - www.topcashback.com/ref/fruga...
    Want a send a letter the old fashioned way?
    P.O. Box 50472
    Idaho Falls, ID 83405
    Shop my Favorites on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/frugalfitmom
    00:00 Intro and Food Resources
    2:41 Shop with me
    7:37 Cook with me
    13:38 Chat with me
    Disclaimer
    All links are affiliate links and may give me a small percentage by clicking through them. You are not required to click through any of my links.

Комментарии • 1,2 тыс.

  • @FrugalFitMom
    @FrugalFitMom  3 года назад +79

    Forgot to link the Pantry on a Budget video! Here you go - ruclips.net/video/ThjXSKmmFQg/видео.html

    • @mattiadizard7431
      @mattiadizard7431 3 года назад

      Dollar tree stores used to have ground turkey

    • @rusrus6125
      @rusrus6125 3 года назад

      Почему так мало блюд????

    • @moses777exodus
      @moses777exodus 3 года назад

      Thanks for sharing, Lord-Jesus-Christ com

  • @ladyema8836
    @ladyema8836 3 года назад +1119

    I remember when I was young, my friends dad took us grocery shopping with him, his wife sent him with a list. I remember him choosing name brand stuff, and I told them why we used the off brand stuff and it was just as good. So he said, ok awesome, its cheaper we will go with it. When we got to their house, his wife was so mad and made a big fuss about it, I felt terrible, and they got into an argument. I was only 10 at the time, my mom was a single parent and we sometimes didn't have much to eat. I remember tortillas, ramen, and bologna and spam and eggs. Also beans. These were staples in our household, and we were blessed to have any ketchup at all, wether it was Heinz or Parade. This video reminded me of those times. And I sit here on my lunch break eating my spelts and rice from whole foods I can see how far we have come and how blesses my daughter and I are to not only be able to have food, but to be able to choose food we want. Sacrificed alot to get here, but I don't forget those days. I am more appreciative because of it.

    • @karinaserna2291
      @karinaserna2291 3 года назад +28

      How moving.Thank you for sharing!
      =)

    • @carriem7832
      @carriem7832 3 года назад +51

      It’s the hard times that make us appreciate when we are blessed.....if that lady looked into it the same companies were on both labels......kuddos to you for sticking to your ideals and teaching your daughter how to be frugal ....
      I get tired of so called homesteaders acting like they’re living the homestead life but buying fancy buildings, expensive greenhouses and flying off to weekend getaways....throwing lots of greens etc into their compost when it could feed the homeless.....just saying.
      At least on this site we are being shown you can eat at a decent cost if you are willing to work at it.

    • @wendymcbridemarinecorpscom8811
      @wendymcbridemarinecorpscom8811 3 года назад +17

      What a moving story. It has bothered you all these years. BLESS YOU, SISTER!!🙏🏻💕

    • @littlesquirrel5007
      @littlesquirrel5007 3 года назад +8

      I hear you, and brings back not so fond memories for myself.

    • @janedoe9421
      @janedoe9421 3 года назад +40

      My mom fed a family of 8 on my dad's income of a auto body man in the mid 70's, I don't know how she did it, but to me, being the youngest, she made something amazing out of nothing. Plus we always had Jello🤗

  • @pancakespandemonium
    @pancakespandemonium 3 года назад +573

    I turned on today’s video and my 6 year old snuggled up and said “ ooh she’s one of my favorite mom girls that you watch!”

    • @rorydodds4581
      @rorydodds4581 3 года назад +27

      "Mom girls" lol too cute

    • @EvadoCouto
      @EvadoCouto 3 года назад +3

      @@rorydodds4581 that’s exactly what I came to comment on. So adorable.

    • @MaryTheresa1986
      @MaryTheresa1986 3 года назад +2

      Omg that's precious! Your daughter is adorable. 💖💖

    • @pancakespandemonium
      @pancakespandemonium 3 года назад +2

      @@MaryTheresa1986 awww thank you!!

    • @stacysherman6758
      @stacysherman6758 3 года назад +2

      Adorable and smart!!

  • @amyf1383
    @amyf1383 3 года назад +59

    You speak with such compassion and dignity to those of us who are struggling. I love that about you.

  • @Olivia-bt9hs
    @Olivia-bt9hs 3 года назад +152

    My college had a food pantry and the school did a lot to keep it stocked at all times. They also kept feminine hygiene products. I needed a tampon during class and walked to the food pantry and they gave me a gift bag I could fill up. Some of my professors used to "match" canned and pantry donations too. Such a great resource

    • @peanut6265
      @peanut6265 2 года назад +1

      That is cool

    • @chandaharkins4418
      @chandaharkins4418 2 года назад

      So cool! I've worked at three different colleges, and I don't remember any of them having a good pantry. I hope they all do now.

    • @gaylegreene
      @gaylegreene 2 года назад

      That’s so goody

  • @janetflewelling7902
    @janetflewelling7902 3 года назад +244

    I used to spend $ 25 per week which included sanitary and cleaning products. This is in Canada where we pay more for food. Thanks for saying no one should be ashamed of being food insecure. Even my family didn’t know. Food bank was not an option at the time as I had no car and then they had limited hours and I had to work. Farmers at farmers markets helped me as did grocery store workers who told me when to come to get reduced stuff. God bless anyone struggling.

    • @isabellebreton8284
      @isabellebreton8284 3 года назад +4

      How do you do 25$ à week in Canada? I find it impossible

    • @janetflewelling7902
      @janetflewelling7902 3 года назад +35

      It was a while back. Mostly stuff from scratch. Plant foods like oatmeal rice and beans. Bulk barn was my friend. Rotisserie chickens would be heavily marked down Thursday nights so I would buy one for the week. I am single so was not feeding a family. Frozen or canned veg unless it was from the discount rack or farmers market. I got friendly wth some of the farmers and some of them would let me buy cheap produce bundles to help clear their stock. I ate in season. Lots of potatoes onions and carrots. I ate carrot greens that most people throw out. I ate dandelions when I could. Eggs were a good protein source. I made my own granola. Made soups. Stuff like that.

    • @milomilo55
      @milomilo55 3 года назад +13

      @@isabellebreton8284 I'm managing to do it now for hubby and myself in Canada (about $125.month incl cleaning supplies, toilet paper and other non-food stuff) and I do it very much like @
      J Flewelling did.
      From scratch, and lots of beans, lentils, rice, root veggies like carrots, potatoes, onions, etc, canned tomatoes and tomato paste and buying sale items (our store recently had 5lb bags of potatoes for $1 so I bought 4 bags), less meat and/or larger cheaper cuts e.g., pork shoulder and learning how to use every part incl. skin, fat, etc. and more eggs as a protein source.
      The emersion blender I found on kijiji for $5 has been used to death. If you add a chopped/diced potato to lentils as they cook you can blend up the smoothest creamiest soup possible (has to do with the starch in the potato), simmered apples blend into applesauce and leftover mashed potatoes can be turned into great potato pancakes with a little flour, grated onion, milk and an egg.
      Pork skin (cut from that shoulder) with most of the fat removed (to be rendered into fat for refried beans), sprinkled with parmesan, a little salt, pepper and oregano - rolled up like fat cigars, tied with kitchen string and simmered in tomato sauce (made from canned tomatoes) for couple of hours adds flavor and body to the tomato sauce and becomes melt in your mouth tender. Can be fried to crisp up the texture.
      The one thing I do miss though is variety in fruits, veg and cheeses since I buy what's on sale, which recently has meant lots of apples, oranges, cabbage, carrots and onions, and less cheese though I do make my own ricotta cheese, when I find discounted milk that has to be used asap, which is great on noodle dishes.
      I've learned to cook more _ethnic_ dishes since many countries don't have the same reliance on meats that N. American dishes do. The pork skin rolls are Italian in origin and I make a lot of Mexican, Asian and Central/Eastern European based dishes.

    • @janetflewelling7902
      @janetflewelling7902 3 года назад +2

      @milomilo55. Lol...yes, the downside of eating in season. There were times in winter I seriously considered hurting someone for asparagus. Best of luck.

    • @milomilo55
      @milomilo55 3 года назад +2

      @@janetflewelling7902 Thanks. I share your feelings when it comes to asparagus and also fiddlehead greens - which I love.

  • @merriebaldwin
    @merriebaldwin 3 года назад +155

    My hubby and I are both government employees who were furloughed a while back. It was really scary but a friend told me about your videos. They were huge helps. Since going back to work and being paid I have worked on building a working pantry and a lot of my food insecurity is gone through knowledge gained from you and preparation. God bless you for sharing your knowledge and reminding people to not have shame about it because so many are living check to check and life happens.

  • @cynthiamyers4265
    @cynthiamyers4265 3 года назад +301

    Using half a pound of ground meat when the recipe calls for a pound is something I still do today. Cheaper and healthier. Make up for the bulk with chopped veggies or cooked lentils or rice.

    • @janebirdsong8949
      @janebirdsong8949 3 года назад +11

      I have started mixing either ground pork or sausage in with my hamburger. I find sausage gives all of the meat a better flavor and I have cut back and I'm using less than a pound for whatever dish I'm making.

    • @Me-mb1ex
      @Me-mb1ex 3 года назад +7

      My mom used to do this and now any time I use the full pound a recipe calls for, it feels like WAY too much beef.

    • @littlefox9436
      @littlefox9436 3 года назад +3

      Completely agree with this!! I use lentils and veggies too. 😁

    • @valeriavagapova
      @valeriavagapova 3 года назад +4

      The other day I used only 450g of ground beef (only ~1 USD) for a Bolognese sauce recipe and replaced the rest of the suggested amount of meat with ground soya chunks! It made for a full pan of sauce (about 8 servings for me and my family) and it was delicious :)

    • @juliegolick
      @juliegolick 3 года назад +6

      For recipes that call for ground meat, I'll usually do a pound of ground meat + 2 cans of beans or chickpeas, and that will last me for a full week of suppers or lunches. Sometimes I just do the beans / chickpeas and leave out the meat altogether; it depends on what else I'm buying that week.

  • @dawnsechrist659
    @dawnsechrist659 3 года назад +344

    When I'm out of syrup, I'll microwave brown sugar with a touch of water and BOOM...syrup

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад +34

      Make larger but thinner pancakes (little thicker than crepes). Add butter/ cinnamon sugar and/or jam (little packets around?) And roll 'em up...😋

    • @dazem8
      @dazem8 3 года назад +2

      good idea! 🥞

    • @sheilapaul4649
      @sheilapaul4649 3 года назад +5

      That's all I grew up with it was awesome my dad would make it all the time, so good 👍 😊

    • @ericavandegrift6219
      @ericavandegrift6219 3 года назад +7

      You must not be from New England lol. That’s blasphemy!

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад +13

      @@ericavandegrift6219Real maple syrup simply cannot be surpassed...I agree! 😍 ..... But I think/hope she was suggesting a cheap fix if you've run out... LOL

  • @deneandoll9922
    @deneandoll9922 3 года назад +370

    You know Christine is popular when you open a video that says "posted 9 min ago" and it already has 693 views! So happy to see the success :)

    • @nailsarelife
      @nailsarelife 3 года назад +23

      You're so right, and she deserves it. She is amazing and funny, and she has some of the best advice for saving money and feeding a big family on a budget. I love her so much!

    • @carolynw.2381
      @carolynw.2381 3 года назад +9

      also 5369 views and 105 comments, ive seen 30k views and only 100 comments

    • @karincope3019
      @karincope3019 3 года назад +5

      Just under 15,000 at 4 hrs .

    • @sandicrounse5273
      @sandicrounse5273 3 года назад +4

      Me too!! She has a lot of good information on her channel. Also, just a delightful person and family.

    • @GinaKayLandis
      @GinaKayLandis 3 года назад +5

      She's incredible - informative, funny, relatable - all around amazing.

  • @kjnailzit
    @kjnailzit 3 года назад +337

    I adore these videos. They are so beneficial for people in food insecure situations. Thank you so much for keeping this type of content relevant 😊

    • @susanbehring8309
      @susanbehring8309 3 года назад +4

      Me too

    • @caroll6261
      @caroll6261 3 года назад +4

      I was one of the working poor and could not afford food😖

  • @crtney
    @crtney 3 года назад +27

    I’m a single lady with no kids but I just love watching all your videos 🙏

  • @Kissmyass5150
    @Kissmyass5150 3 года назад +228

    Looks like I’m not grocery shopping this week. I have ALL these ingredients in my fridge.....that’s a first 😳

  • @tabathawagner9887
    @tabathawagner9887 3 года назад +16

    Here in Ohio - we have bent and dent stores. They are in Amish country, usually only cash. Food is sometimes close to 90% off. The options are food close to expiration, discontinued or dented. It’s amazing how cheap you can get food.
    I just found out about these a few months ago and I’m 40. It’s a whole new world. Not to mention cheap produce in the season months the Amish grow.

    • @katiemartell6520
      @katiemartell6520 2 года назад +1

      So wishing we lived near Amish country. We are in Wa state and I hear so many good things about food stores in Amish country.

  • @AB-zr8pu
    @AB-zr8pu 3 года назад +218

    Shopping multiple stores nets the best overal price, but... a lot of people living with food insecurity also don't have gas or even a vehicle to make multiple stops so i think doing these extreme meal videos with ingredients from only one store is more realistic.

    • @reneea7811
      @reneea7811 3 года назад +9

      Truth! Thank you for this comment!

    • @steviegallagher1801
      @steviegallagher1801 3 года назад +9

      I'm not in a food desert or food insecure or any of that, but since the pandemic hit i've been trying to go to only one store. and I sure have seen my grocery budget climb!

    • @Lisawhatshersname
      @Lisawhatshersname 3 года назад +7

      So true! So many times I'm too tired to do more than one, so only one shop it is.

    • @maryallen1017
      @maryallen1017 3 года назад +14

      Sometimes driving to 2 or 3 different stores cost more in gas & time than trying to save a dollar or two.

    • @Crackrzz
      @Crackrzz 3 года назад +6

      My husband and I use public transit and backpacks. I go to multiple stores and read flyers (apps). And one has points for things I buy often, that can be cashed in when you hit 10, 000 to 20,000, and sometimes there's concurrent sale. We do buy fresh meats more often (I don't buy much beef except frozen meatballs). I'm in Canada.

  • @anitayodermarshall2561
    @anitayodermarshall2561 3 года назад +60

    Greek yogurt is basically strained to become thicker, so you can put it into a cloth lined colandar over a bowl and stick it in the fridge for a couple of hours to strain some of the whey off. That's how I make homemade Greek yogurt - I prefer the thicker texture. Great video, BTW! When my babies were little, I fed 4 of us on $14 a week. It truly was a struggle, but it made me so much more savvy when shopping for food.

  • @TheTruthHurts6666
    @TheTruthHurts6666 3 года назад +84

    I love cabbage stir fried over low heat with butter for a long time until they're caramelized. It tastes amazing and is a good side dish for any main dish.

    • @mepo4460
      @mepo4460 3 года назад +4

      Same 🥬🧈❤

    • @amandagillard4116
      @amandagillard4116 5 дней назад

      Me too. But it works for any thing green, spinach, silver beet, even Brussel sprouts.

  • @winbalingit8502
    @winbalingit8502 3 года назад +17

    Your positive energy and can do! Attitude ROCKS!! You da bomb girl!!😁👍🏽👍🏽

  • @vanessabarnes2169
    @vanessabarnes2169 3 года назад +20

    Nothing stopping you from having pancakes for dinner! Yummy

  • @heatherbarber760
    @heatherbarber760 3 года назад +35

    Love the friends shirt! I'm a newly single Mom with 2 teenagers at home so these videos are gold to me! Your positive and upbeat videos are such a blessing!

  • @kikihammond5326
    @kikihammond5326 3 года назад +57

    FYI, you don't have refrigerate soy sauce. There so much salt in it that it is shelf stable. It won't hurt it to refrigerate it, but sometimes fridge space is at a premium, so thought you may want to know.

    • @aliciah8666
      @aliciah8666 3 года назад +4

      Yep I keep a small bottle in my easy grab cupboard near salt n pepper and refill it with my 1L jug I keep in the pantry so I don't have to lug out the jug every time I cook 🤣

    • @kathyconger2188
      @kathyconger2188 3 года назад +2

      I didn’t know this! Thanks for the info!

    • @Crackrzz
      @Crackrzz 3 года назад +1

      @@aliciah8666 If I could find a big jug of Kikkoman reduced sodium and fill my fancy little Hello Kitty bottle with it, I'd be quite happy. But I would likely have to hit a wholesaler for that. I can only find a bigger glass bottle that fills the fancy one maybe 2 or 3 times.

    • @Bettyboop991
      @Bettyboop991 3 года назад +4

      @@Crackrzz if you have an asian supermarket near you check there. They usually have huge containers even half gallons.

    • @Crackrzz
      @Crackrzz 3 года назад +2

      @@Bettyboop991 Oh right. That makes sense. Never even thought of that. Thanks so much. 🙂

  • @ericavandegrift6219
    @ericavandegrift6219 3 года назад +21

    Oh I remember what that was like. I had my son when I was 19 and we were on food stamps then. And I had no car. There were times I ate nothing but buttered noodles so that my son could have the protein/produce in his diet. And also, things like Pinterest weren’t a thing yet. When my husband enlisted in the Air Force and we had some better income and I went to the commissary the first time I didn’t know where to start! It’s taken years of practice meal planning and shopping to get to where I feel like I could make our food budget stretch if I need to.

  • @jujube2407
    @jujube2407 3 года назад +36

    I got the kids great value complete pancakes on clearance this week... 48 cents a box because they had purple and orange sprinkles... well I can add my dollar tree rainbow sprinkles to "fix that" I took all 6 boxes on the shelf... kids loved them... and the other 5 boxes are up on my if things get bad and the store is bare...just add water and my kids will LOVE THEM!!! i heard Christine in my head congratulating me on my thriftyness!!!

    • @FrugalFitMom
      @FrugalFitMom  3 года назад +5

      That is awesome!

    • @His-Dew
      @His-Dew 3 года назад +2

      When she brought up pancakes and servings. One way we stretch and make more with less is Table Spoon Pancakes! I use a table spoon of mix and my littles love them and eat way less than suggested serving as well as husband. Plus less clean up with hand dipping them. 😁

  • @Brianna_Little_Apple_Mama
    @Brianna_Little_Apple_Mama 3 года назад +130

    Struggle meals always refers to the “packet drawer” you could easily go get condiments sauce even butter for free!

    • @Rachoswald
      @Rachoswald 3 года назад +17

      I LOVE Frankie!!

    • @proudmammaof6148
      @proudmammaof6148 3 года назад +14

      I was thinking the samething. I don't throw away any packets now. I think if Frankie when I see condiment packets. Lol

    • @PunkPolish82
      @PunkPolish82 3 года назад +7

      @@Rachoswald Me too! He's adorable. ❤

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад +14

      Every time I go to/thru Taco Bell I get a couple extra "fire" sauce.....my favorite....to use later. If you drive thru when they ask "any sauce?" just say "yes, please". they always give you way more than you need! (Try the fire sauce on scrambled eggs.....hmmmm) And Wendy's will most always give you 2 of whatever sauce you ask for, also

    • @firequeen2194
      @firequeen2194 3 года назад +3

      I agree! I tend to grab extras for the camper but confess their are a lot of them in my normal pantry as well, 😉😍

  • @ashleycapps1720
    @ashleycapps1720 3 года назад +7

    Been married since I was 19...our 13 yr anniversary is this coming May. And boy o boy do I wish I had todays technology to help us out. Young broke and trying to make it! We could've use all the Christine videos we could get. But we did good on our own. Still 12/13 yrs later we shop frugally but still eat quite well. And I am so blessed my husbands always been on board because we have had extra money to make memories and experiences. Where alot of my friends were spending it on dinning out and movies out etc. To all those who do stuggle...PLEASE REACH OUT. We have had to go to pantries and ask around in our early years. But don't worry many people are so willing to help and point you in the right direction. God bless to all! Happy holidays!

  • @AyngeMackay
    @AyngeMackay 3 года назад +38

    My mother used to bulk up scrambled eggs with cabbage and onions, and I still prefer my eggs this way. I use about half eggs and half veggies, and I throw in a lot of garlic. So cheap and tasty and filling.

    • @alycewich4472
      @alycewich4472 3 года назад +2

      @Aynge Mackay - That sounds delicious, I'm going to try it. Thanks!

    • @ashesfall4
      @ashesfall4 5 месяцев назад

      trying this today! need to find a way to use up my cabbage!

  • @beatrizaceiton2685
    @beatrizaceiton2685 3 года назад +77

    When your brother's fridge is full of food and he eats just half. That's eating for 0 dollars.💟🇨🇦🥇👌👏

  • @sarawood5098
    @sarawood5098 3 года назад +20

    I have aspired to be a little more frugal and creative with my meal planning as a result of these videos 😊

  • @epilogue5429
    @epilogue5429 3 года назад +5

    I love how much you are helping people! Nobody should go hungry and nobody should be embarrassed to get help. We all need help at some point.

  • @priscalynne8804
    @priscalynne8804 3 года назад +14

    I love these extreme frugal meal planning videos. Real “food for thought” . You inspire me to not be wasteful when it comes to feeding the family.

    • @vidahappy-frugalspanglishv1528
      @vidahappy-frugalspanglishv1528 3 года назад +2

      You are right Prisca! There are many options when money is tight, you just have to be creative. Have a great day:)

  • @imkamahlangu3102
    @imkamahlangu3102 3 года назад +66

    Low eating budget is very essential,People who save to invest are having a great year already....Thanks for the guidelines @frugal fit

    • @robertlucas9438
      @robertlucas9438 3 года назад

      Just got to know that more money can be made available to invest from ones feeding if proper eating budget is adapted.....

    • @sarahgeorge5908
      @sarahgeorge5908 3 года назад

      @@robertlucas9438 Yeah,all thanks to the video which also helps me to improve my investment packages.

    • @user-du5fz8xc2d
      @user-du5fz8xc2d 3 года назад

      @@sarahgeorge5908 I believe that,
      Been looking to invest I think this is the best and right time,Gonna make my first move considering a proper low eating budget.

    • @imkamahlangu3102
      @imkamahlangu3102 3 года назад

      @@user-du5fz8xc2d When figuring out how to invest money,It's best to start with the basics,am sure any financial advisor will agree with that.
      These basics includes setting the goal of your investment and determining where to invest money to best achieve each goal.

    • @christophersmith5336
      @christophersmith5336 3 года назад

      Investors are making more extra income currently and I'll love to join the league.

  • @SassyCurlz
    @SassyCurlz 3 года назад +21

    You are just amazing, no joke! You are helping so many people just from these videos! God bless you 💕

  • @raebooker5452
    @raebooker5452 3 года назад +55

    Could you do a video on seasonings? Like maybe a herb and seasoning tour and perhaps a list of your top ten must haves and top five splurged you find necessary.

    • @ms.s3215
      @ms.s3215 3 года назад +9

      For spices, I shop the bin of spices that are 2 for $1 at a local grocery. For spices, you should get what you like. My top 3 favorites are garlic, onion, and parsley. I use cinnamon and paprika regularly. It varies based on what you like. I do not like the red pepper or spicy or salty but those are my choices. What is your taste preference and what is your budget? Spend a few dollars on spices to make your food taste how you like it.

    • @raebooker5452
      @raebooker5452 3 года назад +7

      @@ms.s3215 I typically use garlic powder, onion powder, and a mixed herb blend. I think when the seasoning begins to cost over five dollars for a typical sized jar, that's too expensive. Occasionally, I'll add a couple bay leaves.

    • @jtidema
      @jtidema 3 года назад +2

      @@raebooker5452 Spices last a LONG time though... so when I spend more on them at least I know I'll have them a while. Oregano and Basil are staples for me - when we make pizza at home adding those just makes it SO much better. Garlic I prefer minced if I can get it, and that also lasts a long time in the fridge.

  • @jillygirl2024
    @jillygirl2024 3 года назад +12

    Yesterday, I went to my local grocery store for ice cream and squash. While there,
    I found two 4 pound boxes of premade, 100% frozen All Beef Patties regularly $17.99 reduced to $8.99 - 16 patties so $.50/serving ! I bought both boxes !
    I also found boxes of Organic Turkey burgers 15 ounce packages 4 servings regularly $9.99 now $4.99 and bought two of those . At $1 25/serving they are a little high but also include veggies in with the meat mixture so are very healthy.
    I was so excited I couldn't wait to share with my favorite RUclips channels

  • @paulaspeak4338
    @paulaspeak4338 3 года назад +27

    The lunch you made is called "Eggroll in a bowl". I make it quite often and is very yummy as I'm sure you know.

    • @krisb294
      @krisb294 3 года назад

      Right?! I think the new name for it is pretty cute/catchy. Though she is not wrong in calling it a stir fry: in the great depression that was called a stir fry.
      Sort of like 'diy hamburger helper' of now vs the GD's 'chop suey'.

  • @evelynkrull5268
    @evelynkrull5268 3 года назад +36

    In college my husband and i ate on $10 (for both of us) a week and whatever was donated by our family and our college food pantry.
    A lot of meals were just rice with gravy on top

    • @sarasorensen2650
      @sarasorensen2650 3 года назад +6

      My kids are big fans of rice and soy sauce or rice and butter.

    • @evelynkrull5268
      @evelynkrull5268 3 года назад +1

      @@sarasorensen2650 I always loved rice and Worcestershire sauce

    • @Meep55412
      @Meep55412 3 года назад +4

      The first year me and my, now, husband lived together we were given a big bag of pork crumbles. I made that thing last for months. We also only had $10 a week to eat on. Very lucky we lived within walking distance of a food pantry, Walmart, and a Dollar Tree. Eggs, rice, potatoes, and that add water pancakes were the staples.

    • @jennifera4872
      @jennifera4872 3 года назад

      @@sarasorensen2650 I love rice with soy sauce and butter.

    • @villiehaizlip7626
      @villiehaizlip7626 3 года назад +2

      My fave kid meal was rice with the first bowl with butter only and the 2nd bowl was with butter and a tablespoon of white sugar sprinkled on top for dessert.

  • @KentuckyGinger
    @KentuckyGinger 3 года назад +3

    I like how you stress not being ashamed of food insecurity, and places people can go to get food.

  • @faylinameir
    @faylinameir 3 года назад +28

    If you’re in need of help dial 211 to find local resources. Also if you’re a veteran call your local VA hospital and they will give you resources for food assistance specific to veterans. If you’re active duty call the local NMCRF office.
    Call local churches, food banks, department of health and human services, news stations can usually tell you resources. Even some grocery stores could tell you where to go. Our local Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods donate to food banks and they can tell you where it goes.

  • @nothingtoseehere213
    @nothingtoseehere213 3 года назад +127

    I would also add that the local VA offices offer food banks for veterans dealing with food insecurity. Thanks for this video!

  • @RTCPhotoWork
    @RTCPhotoWork 3 года назад +25

    One of my favorite toppings for pancakes is applesauce. It's especially delicious if you sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the pancake batter. You can get a big jar of applesauce for pretty cheap and last you a few weeks.
    If you can only get Italian seasoned meat, it can work for Mexican-inspired food. Just add some chili, cumin, and a little extra garlic. It might get weird if there's a lot of rosemary and sage but if it's mostly garlic, oregano, and basil you're golden. 👍👍

    • @alycewich4472
      @alycewich4472 3 года назад +2

      @RTC PhotoWork - Thanks for the suggestions. Another thing you can do with the pancakes is slice up a banana, pour out the batter into a pancake, then add a few slices of the banana. You end up with banana pancakes that have been caramelized. No topping needed. YUM!

  • @reddragun43
    @reddragun43 3 года назад +9

    Using less ground meat than called for was an everyday occurrence in our house. I have used as little as a quarter pound per meal. There were many weeks when my oldest and I had a 10 pound bag of potatoes and a bottle of ketchup for our meals that week.

  • @firequeen2194
    @firequeen2194 3 года назад +29

    OMG Christine! We’re getting an Aldi! Right across the street from Walmart 😆. The sign finally went up. We have them in the area but quite a ways away, this one is literally 2 blocks away. I’m so excited, I have ants in my pants. On a side note, we’re getting a 1/4 beef in 10 days. We got a great deal, came out to about $2.25/lb WITH processing (approx. $350 total which I’m splitting with my mother). Liver, ribs, roasts, steaks, and a huge amount of ground beef. You can’t buy any of those items for $2.25 a pound in my area. Color me thrilled.

  • @nataliehennessey5187
    @nataliehennessey5187 3 года назад +74

    Tip for the pancake mix- if you are able to afford whole milk, use that instead of water. The extra fat is more satiating than carbs + water in the pancake mix!

    • @tiffanybramlette6998
      @tiffanybramlette6998 3 года назад +4

      Good to know. I have one kiddo that has to have whole milk because lower fat milks cause him diarrhea. Apparently the lower fat milks have more lactose

    • @tiffanybramlette6998
      @tiffanybramlette6998 3 года назад +2

      @James yeah a lady at wic finally told me about it. It had been puzzling us for a while cause you kinda assume or are told all the milks are the same beside the fat content.

    • @blushingmommy
      @blushingmommy 3 года назад +3

      I believe the mixes that require only water already have powdered milk in them. No need to double the lactose.

    • @nataliehennessey5187
      @nataliehennessey5187 3 года назад +15

      @@blushingmommy That is true, but the tip I shared was more for increasing the fat content of the meal in an effort to provide more satiety in the meal! :)

    • @Michelle-pn9xt
      @Michelle-pn9xt 3 года назад +7

      @@blushingmommy The pancakes will taste better if milk is added.

  • @susie3228
    @susie3228 3 года назад +10

    Another idea to help in completing your recipes if people remember to keep their take out condiment packets and use them in hard times, Honey, jelly, butter ketchup dressings ect you may not Use it but if it's offered with the take out pick something and keep in fridge.

  • @tessbennett3796
    @tessbennett3796 3 года назад +15

    Seeing the grocery haul tossed on the counter made me laugh harder than it should have. This was fun to watch.

    • @no_peace
      @no_peace 2 года назад

      How to basic vibes lol

  • @milktoast8071
    @milktoast8071 3 года назад +15

    I love that you use quite a lot of asian condiments like sesame oil. It’s such a pleasant surprise for me

  • @velocityakaslothmom8083
    @velocityakaslothmom8083 3 года назад +10

    My local YMCA in portage Indiana is doing food boxes every week and lunches and dinners for whoever needs them

  • @Mary-sm3lc
    @Mary-sm3lc 3 года назад +6

    I know how much work and time goes into these videos and they're one of my fave type of video so thank you! X

  • @lindaclark4997
    @lindaclark4997 3 года назад +8

    Another cheap meal that makes a lot of servings is a bean soup.
    1 lb beans, (I uses Great Northern or Pinto)
    1 onion chopped
    1 -2 c diced ham. (Ham hocks, ham steak, leftover ham bone *do not use glazed* )
    1-2 large russet potatoes diced.
    Put beans, onion and ham into crock pot, fill with water and cook on high for 6 to 8 hrs. Test for seasoning once it starts bubbling. Dont worry if it seems salty, potatoes you add 1 hr before eating will take care of the saltiness. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.
    Great Northern beans break down and make it very creamy. If you use ham hocks, be sure to remove the bones, and fatty skin before serving.

    • @GinaKayLandis
      @GinaKayLandis 3 года назад

      I did not know potatoes are in besn soup!! Thanks for the tip!

    • @lindaclark4997
      @lindaclark4997 3 года назад +1

      @@GinaKayLandis it's how my mom always made it. Maybe it was a way to stretch it. Idk but its good.

  • @thaliadula4082
    @thaliadula4082 3 года назад +5

    Love these videos, I have 5 people in house and it saves me so much on my food bill to reference and apply these meals to daily life. Thank you so much for these wonderful suggestions!☺

  • @dietitianmama
    @dietitianmama 3 года назад +132

    If you have children, reach out to your local public school- even if your kid is not enrolled. The USDA has authorized free school meals for all kids 1-18 through the end of the school year. Also if you have small kids, WIC is an awesome program which has proven to save more money than it costs to operate- because good nutrition reduces illnesses in children.

    • @jodidonaldson2923
      @jodidonaldson2923 3 года назад +4

      The school meals least in my state has been pushed out for free meals until the end of the school year!

    • @eleveneleven11114
      @eleveneleven11114 3 года назад +4

      So thankful for the free school breakfast and lunches this year!

    • @dietitianmama
      @dietitianmama 3 года назад +10

      Me too! I’m a registered dietitian and a big proponent of the school lunch program. Participation in the program has been down so much nationwide that the USDA has authorized free school meals until the end of the school year for all kids in the United States everywhere. I’ve gone to pick up meals a couple of times for my children just so they feel a little bit more connected to the school because we are still doing remote school only in my state. My kindergartner thinks it’s a treat and he feels special because he got some thing from his school.

    • @rebekahhansen1112
      @rebekahhansen1112 3 года назад +7

      So thankful for WIC when my boys were young . It helped tremendously as my food budget was also 100/ month. Back in the late 90's.

    • @sarahr3747
      @sarahr3747 3 года назад +7

      Same here .. late 90s early 2000s. We lived on 22k per year back then. Those were the days. I ripped paper towels in half, hung them to dry and reused them.

  • @lovelyfrenzy1
    @lovelyfrenzy1 3 года назад +5

    I had no idea college students could access things like food assistance. Thank you for letting us know that. As a young couple, we are trying to buy our first house while he goes to school and I work as a classroom teacher. I was very nervous about how we were going to be able to feed ourselves, but after watching your videos and learning about the programs you mentioned. I feel so much better. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  • @ladyema8836
    @ladyema8836 3 года назад +39

    "Hey Friends" - Shirt: F-R-I-E-N-D-S - Love it!

    • @ginay4662
      @ginay4662 3 года назад +2

      I was thinking the same thing!!

  • @wendymcbridemarinecorpscom8811
    @wendymcbridemarinecorpscom8811 3 года назад +6

    What a SMART and timely video. God Bless you, Sweetie. I pray God Blesses you, my Sister. 🙏🏻💕

  • @michellefarah3631
    @michellefarah3631 3 года назад +7

    Christine is the bestie/big sister/auntie dreams are made of. 💕

  • @juulphilippart9612
    @juulphilippart9612 3 года назад +2

    I love how you show that you can eat enough, eat healthy and enjoy comfort food all on this budget.

  • @winbalingit8502
    @winbalingit8502 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for all your kindness and compassion!!🙏🏽 We all need it in these nightmarish times!!🙈

  • @samanthagoebel6006
    @samanthagoebel6006 3 года назад +19

    Good Morning Everyone, Hello from Alberta Canada it is currently minus 11 degrees c here. Fun fact of the morning!

    • @33snowgal
      @33snowgal 3 года назад +2

      Only -8 but lots of snow in Saskatchewan!

    • @mollybug7442
      @mollybug7442 3 года назад +1

      @@33snowgal it's only 4°c where I am

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад +1

      Currently 81° in Central Florida! Not bragging..
      as it is sticky and sooo humid ("feels like 89°|). We would love some cooler weather.

    • @vidahappy-frugalspanglishv1528
      @vidahappy-frugalspanglishv1528 3 года назад +1

      Hello everyone! Is kind of warm where I am at Samantha, have a great day:)

    • @gladyssymonds6377
      @gladyssymonds6377 3 года назад +2

      For difference in extremes it was 41 degrees celsius yesterday not really in too summer yet! But I have not seen or felt that sort of cold you get in Canada or America!

  • @kisses-a4045
    @kisses-a4045 3 года назад +5

    My family has hit a rough patch this year with covid and your advice, tips and tricks have been so helpful to help our family get through. I'm definitely subscribing.
    Thankyou 🙏🤍

  • @eileen4175
    @eileen4175 3 года назад +1

    Just the fact that mentioned that it’s okay to need help while you’re struggling, I subscribed and love it

  • @GratefulDeb270
    @GratefulDeb270 3 года назад

    Love love love the encouragement to folks to reach out if they need groceries! 💕

  • @oopssuedaisy
    @oopssuedaisy 3 года назад +40

    I need this! We just did a huge grocery haul and I bought tons of meat. And my husband informed me last night that he'd like us to eat vegan until Christmas. 🤣 Hunny, I just spent all our grocery budget.

    • @lia-liz2012
      @lia-liz2012 3 года назад +1

      😅🤣😂

    • @kjnailzit
      @kjnailzit 3 года назад +1

      This is tooo funny. I can definitely relate because my husband would have done the same thing 🤣

    • @suedraws4998
      @suedraws4998 3 года назад +4

      I generally eat vegan from thanksgiving to Christmas.

    • @kjnailzit
      @kjnailzit 3 года назад

      @@suedraws4998 ahhhhhaaa. I wish I could 😊

    • @oopssuedaisy
      @oopssuedaisy 3 года назад

      @@suedraws4998 is it due to the Nativity?

  • @haylauryn
    @haylauryn 3 года назад +6

    I exclusively use ground Turkey instead of beef! It’s cheaper and much healthier! You amaze me with the variety you can get for so cheap.

  • @reanetorgerson1016
    @reanetorgerson1016 3 года назад +2

    I absolutely love these videos! I've seen alot of these challenges on youtube, and I must say that you absolutely kill these challenges! Nice work girl 😁

  • @auntiesash
    @auntiesash 3 года назад

    I really enjoy listening to you while I'm working. Of course, that means rewinding now and then to catch a recipe. It helps me feel less isolated working at home.

  • @kengearoo
    @kengearoo 3 года назад +3

    I love these videos because it reminds me to be grateful and puts life into perspective a bit!

  • @maygenlowell6679
    @maygenlowell6679 3 года назад +31

    Chorizo, onions, and red wine vinegar and olive oil salad dressing in a frying pan over rice pilaf is delicious.

    • @FrugalFitMom
      @FrugalFitMom  3 года назад +3

      That sounds so good!

    • @mj9566
      @mj9566 3 года назад +2

      I'm stealing this it sounds so good

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад

      Now I have to try this! Sounds yummy. TFS

    • @happycook6737
      @happycook6737 3 года назад +1

      And make your own chorizo as cheaper and tastier. Just add the spices and such to ground pork.

    • @milomilo55
      @milomilo55 3 года назад

      @@happycook6737 I have to look up a recipe for that since I've never since those tubes of chorizo here in Canada and the actual sausages are super expensive here.

  • @ashleypeters5137
    @ashleypeters5137 3 года назад +1

    I love watching your videos when I’m eating or cooking dinner. I’m a college student and I enjoy my meal breaks waaaaay more every time there’s a new video out 😂

  • @shaystaves2934
    @shaystaves2934 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for all your videos! While I have always been frugal with my shopping, I've had to become VERY careful this last year after my husband was laid off and I became unable to work due to health issues. I love your attitude toward frugal dinners, making it more like a game getting the best deals instead of a hardship. Thank you for the inspiration!

  • @alejandraochoa5714
    @alejandraochoa5714 3 года назад +41

    If you leave the bean liquid with your beans, it'll make it just a bit more flavorful, AND you'll get more vitamins and minerals in your food👌 it also makes things a bit thicker

    • @christykaderman6484
      @christykaderman6484 3 года назад +3

      It looks like she did

    • @lolareh8756
      @lolareh8756 3 года назад +4

      Crush some of the beans a little and use as burrito filling or dip if you have some tortillas or chips around???

    • @alejandraochoa5714
      @alejandraochoa5714 3 года назад +1

      @@christykaderman6484 she sometimes drains and rinses beans, which is why I suggested she leave the liquid the beans cooked in. Its a pretty common practice and I really don't see the need for it

    • @christykaderman6484
      @christykaderman6484 3 года назад

      @@alejandraochoa5714 oh I thought u mentioned the liquid she cooked with

    • @73cidalia
      @73cidalia 3 года назад +6

      @@alejandraochoa5714 Some people struggle to digest beans and the liquid just makes us so much gassier. 😅

  • @naomikropp4298
    @naomikropp4298 3 года назад +3

    Even though I am not struggling myself, these are my favorite of your videos.

  • @gratituderanch9406
    @gratituderanch9406 3 года назад +1

    These videos are the best- especially COVID whee so many of us aren’t allowed to work. And it’s been 8 months now.
    You are being such a blessing to sooooo many people! Love these! Thank you

  • @megameg6038
    @megameg6038 3 года назад

    Randomly clicked this video and now a new subscriber. Always looking for new frugal meals but what I love about these is they actually sound tasty! Thanks so much for the savings ideas!

  • @heehooligan
    @heehooligan 3 года назад +6

    This is perfect!! My boyfriend and I are trying to save money and this is going to help me so much! Not to mention I love to cook so I can now save money and cook what I want! I'm subscribing and eager for more awesome tips!

  • @brigetcampos7785
    @brigetcampos7785 3 года назад +6

    Another frugal idea: Chorizo and egg burrito 🌯 😋
    Chorizo quesadillas
    Possibilities are endless, just have to be creative.
    Great video

  • @apricotsandpeaches1
    @apricotsandpeaches1 3 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for posting these videos! They are so helpful and hopeful in these times. Sending lots of Love and Light. 💚

  • @nitetygress
    @nitetygress 3 года назад

    Yey! You are like a friend at the end of a work day! I am blessed to be able to feed my family, but your frugal tips are so helpful to make sure we are working towards our financial goals. Also, so many meal inspiration ideas. You channel is really joyful and I’ve been bingeing all your content 🥰

  • @Nikadawn
    @Nikadawn 3 года назад +15

    Oo so excited! I spent most of my budget this week on freezer meals so I only have $30 left for next week 😅

    • @kjnailzit
      @kjnailzit 3 года назад +5

      Her videos come in right on time 😊

  • @meluvs2read
    @meluvs2read 3 года назад +4

    Your food challenges are my favorite of all your videos.. I get some good ideas from you.

  • @00Temporary00
    @00Temporary00 3 года назад +1

    The lunch and dinner recipes actually sound appetizing and filling! I’ve seen so many “budget” recipes I can’t imagine surviving on, so this is refreshing to see. We ate a lot of beans and cornbread when I was growing up. We never went hungry and my Mom did her best, but I wish RUclips had been a thing back in the day because we could have had a lot more interesting things to eat.

  • @trishcuster3343
    @trishcuster3343 3 года назад

    This all looks delish! I love this type of video, I used to feel bad about being lazy and giving my kids beans and rice every week, you make me proud that I am being frugal as well as giving them good nutrition. Keep up the good work!

  • @snowprincess7846
    @snowprincess7846 3 года назад +8

    Could you do an extreme budget fridge restock? For when a refrigerator goes out and the food inside spoils.

  • @tanishacalderon9861
    @tanishacalderon9861 3 года назад +26

    Closest I have ever come to first .. gonna get my wife ur "I like big books and I cannot lie" and
    "bookmarks are for quitters" tees. Please keep inspiring families like ours and not like ours lol 🐼💪

  • @TheRealLydiaSenn
    @TheRealLydiaSenn 3 года назад +1

    Christine, you are a light. I know these videos help so many.

  • @sherrytangirala8590
    @sherrytangirala8590 3 года назад

    Your remarks starting at 1:50 made me admire you even more. So many people are struggling these days. Thank you!

  • @mindcache5650
    @mindcache5650 3 года назад +13

    Bag of rice, tins of beans, eggs and milk. Done. Beans and rice. Scrambled egg. Survival

  • @Mpc0919
    @Mpc0919 3 года назад +9

    Watching these have inspired me in so many ways from stocking my pantry to Ibotta to budget challenging myself.

  • @LJ-be3sm
    @LJ-be3sm 2 года назад

    Great video to remember so many who are struggling to get by. Having someone like you walk through the whole shopping a d cooking process is super helpful.
    My husband is from eastern Europe and he recalls tough times when his family had very little to eat. His frugal shopping comes through even now and helps keep us on a budget. We're blessed now to be able to help others in need. God bless Christine!

  • @LifePrepared
    @LifePrepared 3 года назад

    Finally! I video that has prices in line with what it actually costs in my area. It is easy when you can find super cheap food but to see actual costs is so much more helpful.

  • @MotherMuse
    @MotherMuse 2 года назад +3

    Holy cow.... this seems actually doable. My first thought was my kids will resist eating the lunch but def would eat that breakfast. I'm going to try it! I'm also a mom to 4 who was married to a schoolteacher for 14 yrs. Thanks for sharing! xo

  • @kat-M-
    @kat-M- 3 года назад +27

    I’d love to see how you dry the jalapeños into red pepper flakes sometime. Yours always looks so good!

    • @laurajackson1264
      @laurajackson1264 3 года назад +3

      I leave mine on the counter until they become hard and shriveled. I store the whole until needed. Use my food processor to grind.

  • @pinkcandystripes
    @pinkcandystripes 3 года назад

    I love watching these for ideas. We are fortunate enough that we do not have the eat the same things all week but these videos give me great ideas and inspiration to be smart with my grocery shopping!

  • @crystaldon4995
    @crystaldon4995 2 года назад

    I watch your videos over and again for the recipes. Your a delight and I love your personality. I hope you guys are well.

  • @stephikarolyi8706
    @stephikarolyi8706 3 года назад +5

    It doesn't provide a dish with the freshness of scallions but dried chives provide the same flavor if you find yourself unable to find scallions but want the flavor.

  • @eternalypissed
    @eternalypissed 3 года назад +3

    Buying sauces like soy sauce, ketchup and other stuff you may need from the Dollar store is great if you don't have the money for a large jug of sauce. And also the sizes of the bottles at the dollar store are pretty good as well.

  • @kimberlypretico6657
    @kimberlypretico6657 3 года назад

    I just found this channel again and I'm so happy! I remember watching you like last year and the channel didn't have that many viewers. I am so happy the channel has grown!

  • @ellenm4269
    @ellenm4269 3 года назад +1

    I'm so happy you do videos that would work for singles as well as family's. Empty nest now due to college students but they do come home so I need it all. Thank you

  • @abimol3802
    @abimol3802 3 года назад +3

    You posted the video an hour ago and no dislikes! That makes me happy 😁

  • @_e11e_78
    @_e11e_78 3 года назад +27

    I'd love to see how you'd go about a vegetarian and/or vegan week of eating 😊👍

    • @suehowlittle
      @suehowlittle 3 года назад +2

      I have been vege for 52 years. Never was a problem.

    • @relarras
      @relarras 3 года назад

      Easy!!!!

  • @danielleclark5924
    @danielleclark5924 3 года назад

    You have a good heart. Thank you so much for sharing your tips and recipes with us. They have helped me out on several occasions 💕