$25 for 7 Days | Eating for $3.50 a Day | Budget Meal Plan

For this meal plan, I picked up about $25 in groceries and made several breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner options. I designed this specific plan for a single person to eat for at least 7 days. These recipes also work for families and couples alike!
For the full grocery list and recipes, head on over to my blog:
wholeandhappyliving.com/2024/...
As always, I truly appreciate you being here! Thank you so much for watching!
With Love,
Laura
🍋 Shop ALL my favorite kitchen tools and more on my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/lauralegge
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Thank you so much for joining me today!
With love,
Laura
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
#emergencygrocerybudget #mealprep #vegetarian #frugalliving #budgetcooking #frugalmom #cheapmeals #cookingvideo #homemade #cookingfromscratch #mealplanning #mealplan #daveramsey #daveramseybabysteps #budgetfriendlymeals #recessionrecipes #recession

Пікірлер: 123

  • @sherrylewis9327
    @sherrylewis932713 күн бұрын

    A hint when buying bags of produce.... weigh them! A 3 lb bag can vary as much as 1/2 lb, may as well check and get the heavier one at the same price.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    Yes!! That’s an amazing tip! Thank you so much for mentioning that!

  • @sherrylewis9327

    @sherrylewis9327

    12 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge I'm glad to be able to give back when I've learned so much here!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    @@sherrylewis9327 I’m so glad to hear that ☺️

  • @bakingnanaskitchen4799
    @bakingnanaskitchen479914 күн бұрын

    One thing I have done for several young people moving into their own place to to give them an assortment of basic spices to get them going and encourage them to save money and 'cook at home'. Stocking even a bare minimum can get expensive when first setting out. Spices can be found at very reasonable prices if you look beyond the name brands. Aldi is very reasonable and even the Dollar Tree has a pretty good variety. Once you have the jar people should consider refilling them with the little cello packs from the Mexican section. At Christmas I needed a very small amount of a certain spice and I hit the bulk bins at WinCo. It cost me .08 from the bulk bin vs $4.49 for a new little jar of McCormick in the spice aisle. I have actually told people in the grocery store who are looking for at the spices this hack. Most of the time they have the old jar and the cello refills are so much cheaper.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yes!! Those are excellent tips! I especially love the bulk bin suggestion! So great for when you just need a little of something too!

  • @zo_471
    @zo_47112 күн бұрын

    I like that you don’t use any fancy equipment, just pots and pans

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    11 күн бұрын

    Thank you! I try to keep it simple most the time 😄

  • @hannakinn
    @hannakinn14 күн бұрын

    Cole slaw and other slaw mixes are often on sale since it is fairly perishable item, cabbage and carrots are ofen very good buys too so I find that making Okonomiyaki, Japanese veggie pancakes, is a low cost meal option, especially if eggs sre not sky high or if you have eggs from your own laying hens. You can also add small amounts of leftover meat, beef, pork, poultry, fish or shrimp to them, cubes of sweet potatoes, cubes of tofu etc. To them. Topped with the traditional mayo or a chili sauce or korean style bbq sauce and I think they are a delicious economical option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Oooh yum! Great suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing! I’ll have to try those!

  • @Magdalena287
    @Magdalena28714 күн бұрын

    Here to support one of my favorite frugal meal queens 👸

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Oh my goodness, thank you so much! 😄 I appreciate you!

  • @virginiacrow1065
    @virginiacrow106514 күн бұрын

    For people who are diabetic and or low carb can you do budget shopping and recipes please

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yes! I’ll start working on a plan for that 😄 Thank you for the suggestion!

  • @MessyPaperCrafter
    @MessyPaperCrafter14 күн бұрын

    I gotta make those cupcakes. I remember we used to use a can of black beans, liquid too, with a TJ’s boxed mix (chocolate something) and it turned out yummy. We used white beans for the blondie mix.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    Oooh great idea!! I’ll have to try that! Sounds so easy too!

  • @ravenbrown7053
    @ravenbrown70537 күн бұрын

    These are such terrific ideas- and I love barley, so having new ideas for that grain is wonderful! Thank you for this wonderful content!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    7 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that ☺️ and you’re welcome! I hope you love the recipes!

  • @zo_471
    @zo_47112 күн бұрын

    Your doggo stole the show ❤

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    11 күн бұрын

    Thank you! He’s my sweetie! 🐶

  • @KatieoftheHouse
    @KatieoftheHouse12 күн бұрын

    I love how you incorporated so much produce! Great job 😊 Also, I think it’s impressive how you always reply to comments. I know you get a lot of them!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much! I appreciate you saying that! ☺️

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much! I appreciate you saying that! ☺️

  • @beckyweckmiller6135
    @beckyweckmiller61352 күн бұрын

    Dollar Tree is awesome for spices! $1.25 for most common spices.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    Күн бұрын

    Yes! I noticed that too! I prefer AlDI now since the dollar tree changed to $1.25 😅 I’m going to compare the sizes of the .99 ALDI spices and the $1.25 Dollar Tree spices to see which is cheaper. I’m interested to see the difference!

  • @beckyweckmiller6135

    @beckyweckmiller6135

    Күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge I think Dollar Tree gives you more, and more selection. I always get the 2oz. tin of black pepper @ Dollar Tree. They have seasoning mixes you can use in bean burgers too!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    Күн бұрын

    @@beckyweckmiller6135 I was curious about that! I definitely think they have some amazing deals there!

  • @tamimercer476
    @tamimercer47610 күн бұрын

    I forget about using barley. I used to use it all the time. I’m definitely going to pick up a bag. The Spanish barley will definitely be in the menu in the next few days. 😊

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    10 күн бұрын

    I hope you love it! Definitely spice it up a bit, if you like spice. I didn’t add much since my kids were going to be eating it but I think it needed a bit of spice 😄

  • @melodyshaw9329
    @melodyshaw932911 күн бұрын

    Barley is my favorite grain!! Love the video.i e the recipes and ideas. You're always so inspirational and creative!! Hello cute doggie that peeked in!! So cute!! 🥰

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    10 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! That’s so nice of you to say! I appreciate that ☺️ and my dog would be happy to say hi too! 🐶

  • @denisebd1000
    @denisebd100014 күн бұрын

    Loved everything! Thank you so very much for cooking clean!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much! ☺️

  • @denisebd1000

    @denisebd1000

    14 күн бұрын

    Absolutely 😊

  • @blessed1113
    @blessed111314 күн бұрын

    Great recipes! Ps: I just ordered your meal planner!! 😊 I am so excited 🎉 I know is not much but purchasing the planner is my way of saying thank you for all the wonderful recipes you share with us ❤

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yay!! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it! 😃

  • @blessed1113

    @blessed1113

    12 күн бұрын

    Just got it!! 🎉 love it! It has just what I need. The extra stuff stress me 😅

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    @@blessed1113 yay!! I’m so glad! I hope it helps! ☺️

  • @user-qy1ig6kg6b
    @user-qy1ig6kg6b12 күн бұрын

    Thank you for the video. I enjoy the ideas and how you shop. We've tried the lazy lasagna and black bean enchiladas so far both family favorites 😊

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    11 күн бұрын

    You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for coming back to let me know how they turned out for you! ☺️

  • @lynnraasakka
    @lynnraasakka10 күн бұрын

    The soup looks delicious!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    10 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! ☺️ I was really happy with how it turned out

  • @loriburgess1866
    @loriburgess186614 күн бұрын

    Thank you. The videos are informative and inspiring for me. I love that you use regular foods. Whole Foods.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! ☺️ I’m so glad to hear that! I’m definitely working hard to stick to whole foods whenever possible. I don’t use whole foods 100% of the time, but I’m getting better at it ☺️

  • @gloriapeel6887
    @gloriapeel68878 күн бұрын

    Yummy !

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    8 күн бұрын

    Thank you! ☺️

  • @kaylasmith1033
    @kaylasmith10334 күн бұрын

    I've never actually seen yellow bananas at an Aldi. They are always green at all the ones around here. Lol

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    4 күн бұрын

    Oh my 😅

  • @Padesso2012
    @Padesso201214 күн бұрын

    Love the sweet potato skins I'll be trying that soon! Thanks for all the great recipes.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yay! I hope you love them!! ☺️

  • @missreynolds3637
    @missreynolds36379 күн бұрын

    Knoor in beef and chicken in the big tub like you have, is a must have for my pantry, but I also make and can up a big pot of chicken bone broth as well. The knoor granulated broth is multi purpose food for me on many things. I like to keep my pantry stocked with basics at all times. So when we buy sale items I can make meals around the sales for the week. That's how we do it. We don't spend a whole lot on groceries IMO and our meals are cheap and carry over to other days as well.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    9 күн бұрын

    I love that! It’s definitely a staple in my pantry

  • @crystaldon4995
    @crystaldon499514 күн бұрын

    Aldi has amazing prices i know they are going up like everywhere is but their prices are still killer when their are sales especially! Ty for the video.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yes!! I agree! I’m so glad to have one nearby. Our Walmart has similar prices but I just LOVE the food at ALDI. So many amazing choices!

  • @phylliss.-ur3td
    @phylliss.-ur3td14 күн бұрын

    Wow....these are great...Will definitely make the sloppy janes..maybe on top of the sweet potato fries??..great job!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Oooh yum!! That would be SO good!! I really hope you try the fries! I can’t wait to hear what you think 😄

  • @cathyfeigert5660
    @cathyfeigert566013 күн бұрын

    These look delicious, certainly not bland! Thank you for sharing!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much! ☺️ I appreciate that!

  • @alykatbuttercup836
    @alykatbuttercup8363 күн бұрын

    I love these ideas because im vegetarian.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    3 күн бұрын

    I’m so glad to hear that you love them! ☺️

  • @alykatbuttercup836

    @alykatbuttercup836

    2 күн бұрын

    @LauraLegge I'm trying to save money on my groceries. I'm the only vegetarian in my family. I like that you meals can be meal preped and I can take them to work. I think its so genius that you made your own" kind bars". I love everything about this meal plan I'm definitely doing this next week.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    2 күн бұрын

    @@alykatbuttercup836 yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think! ☺️ I think you could have lots of fun with the kind bars using any nuts and seeds you love

  • @susanwilson6133
    @susanwilson613312 күн бұрын

    Yes, thank you.

  • @jillgott6567
    @jillgott656714 күн бұрын

    Love this video thank you

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yay! I’m so glad to hear that! ☺️

  • @nadinefrandsen6087
    @nadinefrandsen608714 күн бұрын

    Yay! Love your videos. Hit the like button and now to watch😍

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yay!! Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear that ☺️ I hope you love the recipes!

  • @darcyrobb3692
    @darcyrobb369214 күн бұрын

    Good recipe with the trail mix + maple syrup tho I definitely would chop up the mix so it would go twice as far & better on everyones teeth😉🍁🇨🇦

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Sounds perfect!!

  • @sueperez21
    @sueperez2113 күн бұрын

    These were all great recipes 😋 Very creative. I cant wait to try them. 😊❤

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! I hope you love them ☺️

  • @cookingforme4711
    @cookingforme47118 күн бұрын

    I could not eat these foods especially all week and definitely not on the regular but a nice video anyway. Thanks for sharing.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    8 күн бұрын

    I completely understand! I use lots of different ingredients each time I make these so hopefully you’ll find some inspiration from other videos ☺️

  • @SB-re7lo
    @SB-re7lo14 күн бұрын

    I enjoy & appreciate you videos so much! Thanks for another awesome video!! :)

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear that! ☺️

  • @SB-re7lo

    @SB-re7lo

    14 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge You are welcome! Hope you have a great weekend!!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    @@SB-re7lo thank you so much! I hope you have a great weekend too!

  • @SB-re7lo

    @SB-re7lo

    14 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge Thanks!

  • @susanwilson6133
    @susanwilson613314 күн бұрын

    Love your videos! I have celiac and can't have barley. Any ideas what I can use in recipes in place of it. Thks🐱

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Are you able to have rice, quinoa, or potatoes? I think those would be delicious substitutions, depending on the recipe 😄

  • @hmeerdink9606
    @hmeerdink960614 күн бұрын

    I noticed that you salted your black beans before you cooked them. Did it make them tough? I've read that salt should be added towards the end of the cooking time but I always forget. Great video! Thank you!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    They’ve turned out perfect every time when I salt them at the start but I also soak them for a long time (overnight and a lot of times more than 12 hours), so I think that helps them cook more evenly too. When I don’t soak them and use the instant pot, I find that some of them are harder than I’d like.

  • @hello-vs4me
    @hello-vs4me14 күн бұрын

    If anyone has grocery outlet close they 5 pounds carrots 3.99 5 pounds apples 3.99 8 pounds oranges 4.99

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    Thank you for sharing that tip! ☺️

  • @hello-vs4me

    @hello-vs4me

    13 күн бұрын

    Welcome have a great day

  • @MauraMarcus
    @MauraMarcus13 күн бұрын

    What kind of chili powder do you use? cayenne pepper or chili powder as you would use for making chili?

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    Chili powder as I would for making chili 😄

  • @alykatbuttercup836
    @alykatbuttercup8363 күн бұрын

    I don't have barley but i have a bag a farro. Do you think that would work in the soup?

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    3 күн бұрын

    Yes! Just check the cook time for the farro and adjust as needed ☺️

  • @TheBlondeSunset
    @TheBlondeSunset14 күн бұрын

    I’d be interested in your thoughts on [CA company] purple sweet potatoes and how to recipe them. Because the taste isn’t great (like walnuts), the skin is diabolical (I.e., disintegrating paper), the texture is mealy and crumbly, and cooking in a microwave enhances all the unpleasant attributes. But the deep color and all its nutritional benefits! I force myself to use them, but I’m NOT good in the kitchen. I usually simmer into a soup with a butt load of onion and cream. I’m tired of that.😢

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Oh interesting! Ok! I’ll look for some at the store and experiment! Thank you for the suggestion 😃

  • @przeszkadzajacapola
    @przeszkadzajacapola14 күн бұрын

    where did you get you meal prep notebook? thank you!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    I designed it and it’s available on Amazon! ☺️ a.co/d/084DswW

  • @przeszkadzajacapola

    @przeszkadzajacapola

    14 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge thank you!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    @@przeszkadzajacapola you’re welcome ☺️

  • @betterlivingonabudget
    @betterlivingonabudget14 күн бұрын

    LOVE the sloppy Janes idea!

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you so much!! ☺️

  • @louisegrenier3191
    @louisegrenier319114 күн бұрын

    You even take maple sirup from the back????

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Yes 😅 it’s just less likely to have been touched or have fallen on the floor. I also find the stickiest ones are in the front for some reason haha

  • @crystaldon4995

    @crystaldon4995

    14 күн бұрын

    I do this to. I get stressed if I get the last meat lol I think we are paranoid lol​@@LauraLegge

  • @bakingnanaskitchen4799

    @bakingnanaskitchen4799

    14 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge think of it as not messing with the display. Taking from the back leaves the front undisturbed.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    @@crystaldon4995 haha I think you’re right 😅

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    @@bakingnanaskitchen4799 that’s how I look at it too! I feel like it’s less work for the employees, in a way 😄

  • @annmich4593
    @annmich459314 күн бұрын

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    13 күн бұрын

    😄

  • @wolchfam
    @wolchfam12 күн бұрын

    I’d like to see some meat or chicken in the meal plan.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    12 күн бұрын

    Ok! I’ll work on that for you! ☺️ I have a few other meal plans on my channel that use meat too

  • @arolynsheppard
    @arolynsheppard14 күн бұрын

    Always bag your veggies. Those shopping carts are filthy.

  • @nicoledwg1

    @nicoledwg1

    14 күн бұрын

    Or save the plastic because you’re going to wash them before eating them…

  • @bakingnanaskitchen4799

    @bakingnanaskitchen4799

    14 күн бұрын

    I didn't always bag my veggies until years ago when I found a really disgusting diarrhea diaper in a cart. Even washing all my veggies at home hasn't got me past that moment.

  • @libertyg4402

    @libertyg4402

    14 күн бұрын

    Oh my gosh!!! I will never NOT bag my produce after your story. Gross!!!! I never would have thought of that. Thank you for sharing even though it was disgusting 🤢 😅 I'm glad you survived....I probably would have gagged.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Oh no!! 😥 I’m going to have to start remembering my reusable bags now 😬

  • @lorisiedl8733
    @lorisiedl873314 күн бұрын

    Great ideas but with me and sweet potatoes I still only see them I guess as a dessert I just can't Phantom eating them savory

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    Thank you! I totally know what you mean! If you want to start with one savory dish, definitely try the fries! They’re SO good!

  • @lorisiedl8733

    @lorisiedl8733

    14 күн бұрын

    @@LauraLegge 😊

  • @Lydia_grace_l
    @Lydia_grace_l14 күн бұрын

    Are you a vegan?

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    14 күн бұрын

    No, I just like to eat less meat when I can

  • @morganvillas6436
    @morganvillas64362 күн бұрын

    Produce does not ripen on the counter once it is picked it stops what you are talking about is actually the process of it decomposing. I learned that in planet science. It's a very common misconception.

  • @LauraLegge

    @LauraLegge

    Күн бұрын

    I found a scientific journal that discussed the breaker stage of tomatoes and that’s where I learned that tomatoes ripen on the counter 😄 I’m not sure about other fruits and veggies though.

  • @kristyh982

    @kristyh982

    15 сағат бұрын

    It depends on the produce. For example they pick a number of things early (tomatoes and bananas for example) and use ethylene gas before they get to the grocery store to encourage ripening. Pineapples on the other hand do not ripen further after being picked.