Saving on a college budget

[tban1418]

So I will be going back to School as a sophmore in a few days, and I will be living in an apartment and I need some help with a cost effective diet. Looking for some C+C, here is what I am thinking currently.

Meal 1: 4 Egg whites, 1 Whole egg. Peanut Butter on Toast, Orange Juice
Meal 2: 1.5 Scoops Whey, mixed in 2 cups of milk, 1 tbsp Flax Seed oil, Cup of Oatmeal
Meal 3: Steak/Beef and Rice
Meal 4: 1.5 Scoops Whey mixed in 2 cups of milk, Peanut butter on toast
Meal 5: Chicken with rice/noodles
Meal 6: 1 Scoop Whey mixed in milk, yogurt.


Looking for a bout 600 calories per meal, trying to stay at least 200, hopefully 210.

[DirtyRobot]

You could consider upping the eggs, since they'd be a cheaper source of fat than PB or Steak. If you upped the eggs you would also waste less money on egg whites, since with egg whites you're either wasting the yolk or paying extra for the convenience of the carton.

I say this hesitantly because beef or steak are obviously really good sources of protein.


The Orange Juice doesn't seem that cost effective, considering what it provides.

[bigdan]

Originally Posted by DirtyRobot

You could consider upping the eggs, since they'd be a cheaper source of fat than PB or Steak. If you upped the eggs you would also waste less money on egg whites, since with egg whites you're either wasting the yolk or paying extra for the convenience of the carton.

I say this hesitantly because beef or steak are obviously really good sources of protein.


The Orange Juice doesn't seem that cost effective, considering what it provides.

I agree. Honestly I find myself eating less peanut butter and more eggs for fat... can you really beat the nutritional value of whole eggs???

[determined4000]

Get a Smas Club / BJs membership and you will save a ton in the long run
Browse online grocery circulars to find who has what meats on sale because they cost the most
Buy veggies frozen (I eat 1lb frozen spinach a day- $1)
PB, olive oil and dressing are all cheap (per calorie)
Canned beans, oats, sweet potatoes
milk, cheese, eggs

[Bliftin08]

I would drop the steak, and stock up on Lean/X-Lean beef, Only when it is on sale. Chicken is good, and is almost always on sale at Meijer, I would suggest adding more chicken in your meals if you need more meat protein. A great way of boosting your calories without breaking your budget would be adding a weight gainer to your diet.

If you really wan't to save money make sure you don't fall into the hype of bottled water. My roomates waste tons of money on that stuff. If the water really tastes that bad, buy a water filter. It will save big $.