Dieting Club: 50 - 100 Lbs Community

A food that can made in bulk, that has healthy proteins and lots of veggies and fiber is four bean chili. The down side is that it is labor-intensive, but frankly being healthy requires a lot of labor between exercise and eating healthy. It IS a labor of love, though; love for your well-being.

You can buy canned beans (a can of beans is usually less than a dollar in most places) or you can buy dry beans and soak them.

I use 2 cups of dry beans, 1/2 cup each for four different varieties (black, navy, kidney, red, pinto, etc.). Soak them in 10 cups of cold water overnight on the counter-top. Drain, rinse, and refill the water for another night.

In a large pot, saute 1/2 a chopped onion, 2 chopped cloves of garlic, and 1 chopped green bell pepper in olive oil if possible, but any vegetable oil can be used. Add ground cumin (this can be bought in bulk and it takes about a tablespoon), 2 large cans (16oz?) of crushed tomatoes, and the drained and rinsed beans. Stir thoroughly and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about four hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. Let it cool and you can freeze it in pint or cup Mason jars with plastic or metal lids and then you can move them to the refrigerator for a portable microwaveable meal (minus the lid). I can usually make enough for a dozen meals this way.

You can also make bulk chicken vegetable soup and freeze in jars. Start slowly and collect the non-perishable goods as you are able, then gather the fresh/frozen (veggies) ingredients right when you plan to cook. The overall cost will be less and it will provide you with storable nutritious meals for when money runs short.

I hope this helps.

April

Sorry to hear about the $$$ shortage. Thistle had a good recipe and offered the method needed.

Don't forget, eggs are cheap. Peanut butter from dollar stores. Nuts from dollar stores.

Good for you to keep exercising. Hope better times are ahead $$$ wise.

Take care.

Barb

P.S. Maybe add some beans to the Ramen noodles to get some protein will help.

Sorry to hear about your money struggles. You have gotten some great advice. Beans are one the cheapest and nutritious foods to eat if your on a budget. You look up all kinds of recipes and cook enough to freeze to last a while. I make pinto beans about once a week and freeze the leftovers to make chili and such.

Hello sorry about your short fund
Here is a few idea of meals
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/10-healthy-foods-under-1-dollar
http://www.allyou.com/food/supercheap-meals/meals-under-one-dollar-00400000047058/page16.html

hope next month is better