Frugal grocery question

**rachelMcK** · 04-27-2007, 10:09 AM

Ok, so I've finally finished school forever, which feels great. My part-time job is giving me fulltime hours until I get a job in my field which means extra cash for us!!!

During school, I've greatly neglected nutrition for the all mighty convenience. But I want to eat healthy now. I owe it to myself and my husband since he's been living off KD and pork and beans for the last several years...We have both decided to go vegetarian (not vegan, he won't allow it..lol). This is a great time to do it as the price of veggies and fruits are lower, but do you have any suggestions of healthy vegetarian meals that are on the frugal side??

Thanks!!

**i.m.cheap** · 04-27-2007, 10:24 AM

I just wanted to say if the price of fruits and veggies is lower now where you live, you are very lucky! Here the price of fresh produce is spiraling out of sight! Onions are over $2.00 a pound, apples are $1.49 or more a pound, strawberries are $3.00 a pound, and blueberries and raspberries are $3.69 for FOUR OUNCES!

**coltsmama** · 04-27-2007, 10:35 AM

My 2 dd's don't eat red meat or pork and we have really been experimenting with foods and making sure the receive the vitamins that they need. Not to mention that I still have to cook regular meal for my dh and ds. these are a few items that ave worked well for us and they freeze well so that you can get a few meals out of each one. Good luck.

lasagna
chicken and fried rice *** this one everyone loves!
bean borrittos
chicken stirfry

**geckoace** · 04-27-2007, 10:44 AM

i have a recipe for west african veggie stew that i made last night that was yummy yummy. it is yams, chickpeas, raisins, tomatoes, spinach, onions and garlic, i made it with chicken stock but i am going to try it with veggie stock next for a friend.

also hummus pizzas are a good lunch, whole wheat pitas with hummus and sliced tomoatoes baked til crunchy

a good tip is to look to international cooking cause there is far less meat, but if you are not vegitarian all the way you can use chicken stock and beef stock to really add some flavor

**rachelMcK** · 04-27-2007, 11:01 AM

We're not going to be strict. I don't eat chicken, fish or pork anyway (i really don't like it at all, but i eat if someone else has made it). I like steak and bacon, thats it. DH is pretty much in the same boat for the exception of chicken, which he likes. I'm probably going to be using some chicken once in a while for him so chicken and beef stock and what not doesn't bother me. I just want to get healthy. Also, should we be lacking in any nutritional needs, i work at a pharmacy/health food store, i get 15% off vitamins and they're pretty cheap there to begin with so that isn't an issue either...

**Radish4ever** · 04-27-2007, 12:06 PM

lentils, rice, beans, pastas, etc are great and frugal!

Good luck!

**joyofsix** · 04-27-2007, 12:22 PM

We eat alot of vegetarian meals since 1) they can be cheaper and 2) dd is vegetarian. Pasta with lots of different veggies and sauces, bean or lentil soups, refried beans in any 'tex-mex' dish, fried rice, egg and potato spanish tortilla (like an unflipped omelet), baked potatoes w/broccoli and cheese, roasted vegetables on cous cous, those are the ones that come to mind now. Just don't go nuts with cheese, it has lots of fat. If you're eating some eggs and skim milk or yogurt your nutrition profile should be fine.

**redmaples** · 04-27-2007, 12:31 PM

Lentil soup...you can make a big pot of it for cheap & have leftovers.
There are lots of vegetarian soups made w/ nutritious veggies & beans.
Learn how to make a few very tasty soups & serve w/ some nice whole grain bread or rolls.

Peanut butter or sesame noodles are tasty & easy.

We have mexican night often, not vegan because we do use cheese. Lots of possibilities w mexican. Sometimes I use the Boca soy crumbles in place of ground beef. On sale, w/coupon they can be bought for $1/lb.