Hey, there! Today is day two of the survive on 35 project.
I’ve completed all my shopping, so it’s time to share exactly what I bought.
I’m not going to lie to all of you, this was HARD. Possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. (I may be exaggerating a tiny bit). Maybe.
I’m not going to sugar coat things and tell you this was all butterflies and rainbows. No. I’m being brutally honest, here.
I was stressing over this. We only have $13 left!! Cherries? Forget it. Those babies were like $5. Four cans of tuna? Um, no. That’s almost $6. Return two and cut the price in half. Why is this turkey like $3 more? Extra lean. Oh. Screw that. Random lean brand, much cheaper.
Seriously, things got messy. I thought I was indecisive at the store before, but now I was standing in the aisles for like 7 hours each isle.
That’s a lot of isles, and a lot of hours. My receipts got a little messy too.
I ended up having to buy household items (e.g. dog food, non-food, etc.) and SHOULD HAVE put it on another receipt, but of course I have no brain. So, I came home and had to calculate each item myself.
All in all, I came out with a total of $69.21. Talk about a close call.
Overall I ended up going to three places. Yes, a lot of people have said that is not realistic for people that are truly on a food stamp budget. However, the places were not far from my house at all.
My grocery store is walking distance from my house and I walk there all the time. I know that is realistic. The other places are not far from my house either.
With that being said, lets take a look at everything I got in detail.
First of all, one of the places I went was my local farmers market.
Farmer’s markets are usually cheaper compared to the air conditioned grocery stores. They have fresh vegetables, and buying their food helps out your local farmers. It’s a win-win situation, really.
And look at all I got for $5.90. Come on, people. You cannot go wrong here.
Here too. Let’s see what else..
Greek yogurt.
Spinach.
Strawberries. On sale.
Kale. I know, you’re probably thinking wtf. No one would buy kale on a budget. However, my store had like NO other green veggies. I figured kale is very versatile, and I could use it in a lot of things. Plus, it’s a super food.
Mangoes on sale. I don’t usually buy mangoes, but they are pretty big. I figured I could eat half at a time and really stretch them out.
Cheese is pretty darn expensive. I probably could have done without, but it was on sale and the block was much cheaper than any other cheese. I have some good ideas for it too, for many different meals.
Old fashioned oats.
It probably would have been cheaper to get regular milk. One problem? I hate regular milk. I never really liked it as a kid, and it makes me sick. So, almond milk it was. It was on sale, so that helped.
Holy crap. Tuna can get expensive. Initially, I bought four cans. But, I had to bring back two cans because it made me go over budget! Usually I just buy four, but that lasts me a couple weeks. Two is perfectly fine for one week.
Meats. This is where things got scary. Meat is SO EXPENSIVE. I honestly should have gone vegetarian for the week! I will make these meats worth while though, because two of those things can be made into four meals.
Tomato sauce. On sale.
Flat out wraps. These babies were on sale, too. I was going to just get a normal loaf of bread, but I figured these would be more versatile.
You could make tacos, lunch wraps, pizzas, quesadillas, burritos, etc. As for regular bread? Sandwiches and toast, basically.
Whole grain pasta. Cheap as can get.
Beans.
Beans. Don’t worry, they don’t have ranch flavoring. That was just the random brand that was the cheapest.
Brown rice.
Apple sauce. I knew I could use it for baking and snacking if I wanted.
Peanut butter. I’ve never had this brand, but it was the cheapest. I figured although PB is usually expensive, I could use it for many different things. Plus, it’s good protein and healthy fats.
Eggs! These are my life savor. Probably the most versatile food, ever. Healthy. Cheap. Perfect.
Bananas! There were more than this, but I took the pic with just two. Cheap health food, again.
Phew, so I hope I’m not forgetting anything!
I did have to plan. I usually NEVER plan, but I knew it would only benefit me. I wrote down what I thought I needed, what meals I was planning on making, and what items would be most versatile.
I knew if I got items that I could use in many different things, it could all work somehow or another.
As you can see, I basically bought everything that was ON SALE. I usually look for sale items while at the grocery store, but I was so much more careful this time.
I had to cross stuff out I thought I could get, and decide between many different things. This or that? A lot of that happened.
I couldn’t go with what I was “craving” really. Things like goat cheese, sun butter, new veggies I wanted to try, peaches for 2.50 a lb. Forget it. Not in the budget.
It was honestly very, very eye opening for me. I usually make lists of what I need, but never really take the time to scope out the very best deals. With that being said, I don’t go hog wild and buy everything full price, but it was still much different than before.
I didn’t use any coupons though. Since I never usually scope out coupons.
I think I got a pretty good haul for the week, though! What do you think?
Do you use coupons?
Have you ever shopped on a tight budget before?
What are some things you would have gotten the same or differently?
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Looks like some great choices, I think buying sale items can make you get creative each week. That is why I do it! Plus, saving money always feels good.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..A Trunk of Gems
Awesome job in staying under budget! I have tried the Smart Balance peanut butter, and I think it’s pretty good, so I think you’ll like it!
I use coupons only on items I use on a regular basis. For example, if there’s a coupon for shampoo that I have never used, I skip it. If there’s one for the brand that I use all the time, I will use it. I have shopped on a tight budget before to save up for something. I live walking distance from my grocery stores so I ride my bike over and get what my family needs throughout the week. I look like a dork with my big backpack, but it saves gas money. 
I always go for the sale products and the half off produce rack is my best friend, lol!
Brittany recently posted..Psychology Matters
great job lady! everything looks delicious!!!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..#surviveon35 Eats: Day 1
Wow you did a really good job at stretching out that $70! I would have sooo much trouble grocery shopping on a budget. Between my Greek yogurt and nut butter and fish, it can get pretty pricey haha.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin recently posted..WIAW #47: Taking a rest
Trust me, it usually is! lol
This is so cool! I love that you did this. People need to see that you CAN eat healthy on a budget! No excuses!
Alyssa (pb and oatmeal) recently posted..Pinspiration
I really want to try something like this. My grocery bill is pretty low as it is, because I buy a whole lot of produce and not a whole lot of “snack-y” foods which tend to be more expensive. I think the thing that would cause me to go over the budget would be all the meat alternatives I buy (I’m a vegetarian). Soy products and alternatives tend to be a bit on the expensive side!
For budget/nutrition/taste reasons, we go through a TON of old fashioned oats, eggs (usually organic), green bell peppers, bananas, and the like. I find green cabbage and some other leafy greens (no bagged) are great deals too.
I don’t clip coupons because I rarely find any that suit my needs (ie: a dollar of four cans of spaghettios), but if there’s a good one, I’ll certainly use it.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Thursday Things
Awesome job
I always save Target coupons and by the time I think to use them they are expired. ;p
Kadee @kadeebugblog recently posted..Enough is Enough.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with for meals! I agree with you meat is always so expensive! I always end up shopping at a couple of different stores too! It’s just easier for me because certain things are cheaper at different stores!
Danielle @clean food creative fitness recently posted..Confetti Mushroom Burgers
That all looks awesome. Survive on 35 is such an amazing idea… My roommate and I aim to spend ~$40 a piece on groceries a week, and it’s definitely a challenge. But it keeps us wayyyyy satisfied all week.
This sounds like a really hard challenge! I always try to look for deals when I’m shopping but usually end up going with some cravings too! This would really make you rethink your chopping choices! Just a question, how does this challenge factor in foods that you already had on hand?
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! recently posted..Just Another WIAW…
The only things we can use from what we already had, is oils, spices, flour, and sugar.
Yikes. I would lose my mind in all that planning haha. That sounds quite difficult. I’m really glad you were honest about it being hard though! It definitely would require more effort and I’m sure I’d get frustrated. Especially if you are used to eating something and then can’t because of a budget. You are doing great so far though! I just went to the store this morning and accidentally spent 80…on myself…oopsy!;)
Lisa recently posted..Outrageous Pumpkin Pudding
I kinda did lose my mind for a bit… ha ha. Always honest! That’s what I usually do too! =O lol
Amazing choices. I feel like you got a TON of stuff and I am super impressed with how you were thinking on the versatility track. Can’t wait to see what you make!
Talia @ Bite Size Wellness recently posted..Sea Beans: The Green Bean of the Sea
Thanks, Talia!
Wow, that’s a great idea! There’s absolutely no way I could do that though…. Not here in London, where it’s $8 for one pack of meat, and my husband and I go through 6 packs of meat per week!! Never mind the other expenses…
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted..Celebrate yourself
Meat is that expensive here too! That’s why I usually buy the HUGE bags from Costco.
Oh man, that looks like quite the project! I’m pretty excited to see what you’re going to come up with
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..WIAW: Sick Edition
Hey Brittany!
I’m one of your fellow blog readers so I thought I’d finally comment. This is such a great project you are doing! I’m definitely guilty of spending $60 plus on all of my veggies, lean proteins, greek yogurt, almond milk etc.. at both at Whole Foods and regular grocery stores. It really puts things into perspective when you think about how truly limited people are who must live on food stamps. I’d like to participate in this challenge-I just don’t know how I’d do it–because the bulk of my diet is veggies–and they are pretty expensive compared to a loaf of bread or eggs or something! I look forward to reading how you do with the challenge.
Hey! Thank you so much for commenting, I LOVE when readers reach out! Nice to meet you ;D I eat a TON of veggies too, it was super eye opening!
Yeah! You actually inspired me to maybe try the challenge–or perhaps a modified version like $50 a week.
Am I the only one that doesn’t get the point of the survive on 35 thing?
You might be, ha ha. It’s to show people that you can eat healthy even while being on a food stamp budget. Plus, two food pantries will be donated 1,000 each at the end of the week.
Good job girl! I usually buy dried beans b/c they are so much cheaper than canned, but they do take more time!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Protein Buckwheat Muffins
Yess true, but I figured I wouldn’t need that many beans for just a week
NICE HAUL!!! I need to start having more self control in grocery stores….I almost ALWAYS end up blowing tons of dough on cool stuff I don’t need haha
Alexandra recently posted..High Fiber Almond Bread
Omg, ME TOO!!! I really really wanted sunbutter and other crap I didn’t “need.” It was hard.
Wow! You did an awesome job. I honestly don’t know if I could have done that. It’s amazing how quickly groceries add up! But, actually surviving and eating healthy on such a tight budget is the best way to prove that it’s possible. I’m so proud of you! And I can’t wait to see all of the meals you bust out with your delicious ingredients. (:
Emily recently posted..behind this silly smile
Thank you!!
I can’t wait to see what I bust out either because I’m not so sure yet, haha!
Wow, you did a GREAT job, Brittany! I’m impressed with the amount you were able to buy on such a strict budget. It just goes to show that bargain shopping CAN be done, but that we have to change our mindset from “I feel like…” to “I need…” I am such an impulse buyer; I’m pretty sure I could spend half the amount that I do at the grocery store each week and get by just fine–especially if I started using coupons. Maybe I need to do my own Survive on $35 challenge!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish recently posted..Marvelous Monday: Pumpkin-Coconut Protein Bars and Nut Butter Finds
I am too, it’s crazy!
I love so many things that you bought with your haul (actually, I can’t see a thing I DON’T like
). Flat Outs are one of my favorites! Have you ever tried them with nut butter and preserves?!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner recently posted..I WAS SPOTLIGHTED! + My Goals So Far This Year.
YES YUM!!!
Oh. I’m so into this challenge. I love it!! And it’s always peoples’ excuse that they can’t afford to eat healthy.
Corrie Anne recently posted..Denver Date Night: Billy’s Inn
I think it’s really interesting that the challenge didn’t specify that you had to go to places where food stamps are accepted. Because, you went to the farmers market (which is awesome), but not something that people on food stamps have the ability to do. Just curious if that crossed your mind when you were doing this challenge.
Miranda @ Biting Life recently posted..RSS Reader Conundrum & Maple-Mustard Chicken
Superb. My thanks for posting this. I’ll come again to see what’s new and inform my people about you.