cheap meals?

[Ben G]

Hey guys, i haven't been here in a LONG time, which makes me really sad. But an update to me is this, i started atkins at the end of 2004 i beleive and had lost 100 pounds, and have now gained 30-40 back .

Anyway, I have a question for you all, i'm in college now, and i REALLY want to get back on Atkins. For those of you who know the college experience, you're often pressed for time, sleep, and MONEY. So what are some CHEAP low carb meals, or at least low carb items. Chicken breast is mid range kinda but the thing is, i go thru chicken SO fast (like a 2 or 3 pound bag in like 3 or 4 days) because i eat it for every meal. What are some other options i have? thanks guys for the support.

[Weighless]

Re: cheap meals?

How about a few pound package of hamburger (it's usually cheaper in bulk). 1/3 for a meatloaf that will last a few meals. 1/3 for hamburger patties (making your own up is way cheaper than buy premade) which should do you a few meals and the other 1/3 for hmm..say taco salads?

How about chicken legs and/or quarters? They are usually cheaper. Try to buy one of the huge family packs and seperate them up in to smaller freezer bags. They'll make plenty of meals up. *edit* cook them up all at once on the grill and then freeze them. They make quick heat up meals.

Tuna or chicken salads. I make these up in cheese bowls lined with lettuce then the tuna or chicken salad. These are really filling. And there's NO bowl to wash! Here's one I made up for lunch:



The bowls are great for taco salads too!

Look at the stores for meats that have been discounted. I have always picked these kind of meats up. Bring them home and freeze them right away. Never had any ill effects from them. Besides...the sell by date on those are not the eat by date. You can get some really good deals that way.

Well thats a few things I can think of right off the top of my head.

[Ben G]

Re: cheap meals?

Where is the recipe for the bowls?

[vJosie]

Re: cheap meals?

Yup - the secret is in bulk. So buy stuff that youc an cook a good amount of and freeze servings. Taco meat - season it yourself with some salt, garic, and chili powder. It's cheap and you can freeze it in packs. Pot roast... sear on all sides over high heat, put a cup of water in it and cover. Leave it for several hours then cut it apart with a spoon. This is great for days too.

[2big4mysize]

Re: cheap meals?

Hey Ben,
good to see you again

eggs are cheap too.

the bowls are just the microwave cheese chips allowed to cool over an inverted bowl

[higgies]

Re: cheap meals?

Hey Ben! good to see you back.

So are you living in a dorm, apartment, or home? Dorm living can be brutal on the waistline, I know! I think I gained about 55lbs my freshmen year!

[Chef Kevin]

Re: cheap meals?

check the sunday paper ads for grocery specials. Most grocery stores will have some type of meat on sale every week, then you can stock up and plan some meals.

Also, do you have a real kitchen or are you in a dorm?

meun planning isn't hard, but I understand if you don't know how. It's a learned skill like reading. it takes some practice. No biggee, we will all help!

[Ben G]

Re: cheap meals?

Yea, i'm living in the dorm hall. In the lobby we do have a full kitchen tho, and i have a small small fridge in my room.

Hopefully it wont be too brutal on my waistline. I try to ride bike to and from class. On Mon,Weds n Fri i between 3 and 4.5 miles just to class. I want to start riding each night but i haven't gotten to it yet.

[boonie stomper]

Re: cheap meals?

Seek out fellow students who also wish to save, and then go in together for larger puchases to divide among you.

Stop by local student eateries right at closing time and ask for lefovers at a discount - you might even get handed burgers or chicken or pizza for free. The local birds/critters will thank you for the part you toss them.

Get a food dehydrator. This can be used to dry your own jerky and other items for non-perishable long term storage; ie, mushrooms & veggies for soups, fruit (later in the diet) for bagged snacks, herbs & spices (esp. onion & garlic while you can do with open windows!), if you hapen to go foraging in local parks.

Of course, staples when I was in college included canned corned beef, vienna sausages, beef sticks & jerky, eggs & cheese. Spices included salt, pepper, cayenne, dehydrated garlic & onion, Spike & smoke flavoring.

[Lisa M]

Re: cheap meals?

From one college student to another...I feel your pain. Hang in there!

If you've got a mini kitchen and pressed for time, making eggs in the nuker is easy and keeping taco, chicken, beef fixings for salads in the morning too.

If you've got time and a stove, make omletes with your favorite fillings.

Keeping large leaf lettuces and meats make great "sandwiches" topped with tomatoes and gucamole.

If you cook up your chicken ahead of time, making chicken salad is another snap for take along with celery sticks and pork rinds to "dip". Chop up the chicken, add mayo, and seasonings.

Cooking chicken up ahead of time for making "fast" stirfry with frozen veggies, a little water, some seasoning and add your precooked chicken.

Got a crock pot the guys in the dorm would like to share? Throw in a roast, cabbage, a cup or two of water, seasoning....You'll either have a missing dinner when you get home or impress the girls that you can cook.

String cheese, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, olives, roast beef, and chicken are a few staples to keep handy as "finger foods".

Best wishes! And happy going back to school