FRESH FOOD IS AFFORDABLE BY USING IN SEVERAL MEALS | +FUN FOOD FIND!

Hi I'm Michelle. 😁 Welcome to my channel.
If you're a regular viewer, you know my favorite way to eat is lots of fresh and Whole Foods....which might seem too expensive for a person on a tight budget. However, I've shown over and over again on my extreme budget videos that it's possible to eat this way on a restricted budget. It just takes some planning and most importantly, using the same ingredients in different meals throughout the week. I've listed a couple similar extreme budget videos at the end of this video and linked below. THIS video isn't an extreme budget video, but the meals are still quite low cost. I'm using up some vegetables I have in the fridge and I'll also be purchasing a fun ingredient from my favorite store! I hope you like this video!
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I ATE FOR A WEEK ON $5
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[@ashleymills794]

I love that you are showing budget meals that include fresh produce. So many budget meals use such unhealthy, highly processed protein sources, and minimal (if any) fresh produce. All of us should be limiting highly processed foods and eating as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible! Kudos to you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree on the processed foods part. 👍 Glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@wildermidnight]

The first dish was just beautiful. With the way things are I'm starting to enter "crisis budgeting". I have no choice. Inflation is killing us all...but the surprising thing is its actually making me stronger. I've cut out so much garbage the past few months that I've hit that point where just simple fresh food tastes amazing. Going to be making a few dishes similar to what I just saw the next few days!

[@kerryrowles5217]

Couldn't agree more. I wish more people would realise that the mass produced rubbish that is passed off as "food" is (a) expensive and (b) nowhere near as nice as these recipe ideas are. Greetings and good luck to you from a fellow crisis budgeteer in Australia. 💪 🇦🇺

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it. 😁 I feel the same. The more I cut out, the happier I am..and the more I appreciate what I have. I've realized I have so much more to learn about cooking and how to make the most of whole foods.

[@margaretwhiting3073]

Why is it I never think about making these simple dishes? All it takes is watching your videos then I HAVE to make it because it looks so delectable. The plus is thanks to you, I keep a lot of the ingredients in my kitchen! Thanks for making time out of the minuscule free time for us AM viewers (fans!) One more thing, I love to use the hummus in macaroni like Mac & cheese)

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh my gosh I have to try that...hummus in Mac and cheese. 🤔 and I'm so glad you founds one inspiration in this video! thanks for letting me know and for watching this video! 💜

[@kerryrowles5217]

Can't wait to try that! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@maryegerton6848]

Well done Michelle. It’s actually really smart to check what you have first before you hit the grocery stores. You saved fifteen bucks just by taking a few minutes to do that. And the food looks so good. Peace and love.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 💜

[@HerefortheLove]

I love your channel so much. Especially as a southern Cali native, your videos help to keep costs low, creative, healthy, and tasty! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hey neighbor! 👋 Glad you are enjoying my content!

[@brendabeelee]

Same!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Michelle, I watched part of this last week and the rest of it today. I will have to rewatch the first part again. The wrap at the end looked yummy. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure. 😁 Have a great rest of your week!

[@rajimac]

Your breakfast scramble is exactly the kind of breakfast I love. Yum.

[@NoOneUKnow-c3y]

We eat a lot of wraps and use mustard for the dressing. They make a great budget meal and are so easy to make too. I have even learned to make my own einkorn tortillas. Thanks for another great video. See you next week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love mustard too! It's such a great condiment. Have a great week!

[@darkrandom9947]

That scramble looks so good. I definitely wanted to make it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

and so easy too!

[@SandraMayer-z7i]

Thank you Michelle! This was a great video. I made my grocery list while i watched you make the wraps and lentil pasta dish. Glad to have some fresh ideas for lunches and dinner.😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you like it. 😁 Thanks for letting me know!

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Many years ago me and my friend made carrot and green bean tacos with ranch dressing. The carrots and green beans were fresh and kept long and steamed till pretty soft. They were so good!!! The corn tortillas were cooked crispy as well. Yummy 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Isn't it always surprising what combinations taste good together? I will put anything in a taco!

[@kippytx]

Really interesting. Love spending Sundays with you!!! Good job.

[@ArdentMichelle]

😁 I'm so glad you spend your Sundays with me! I'm honored 💜thank you.

[@mightymommom5888]

I always buy fresh vegetables at the end or beginning of the week. I chop most of my vegetables and store them in the fridge. When I go to cook they are ready to go. I make one pan meals all the time and cook extra for another dinner or lunch. I love to make stuffed pepper casserole. It’s even better the next day.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yep...that's what I do too. Sundays are prep days!

[@kerryrowles5217]

Amazing! You make healthy food so tasty and enticing. Thank you for the inspiration, as always. Greetings from Australia as we head into our summer. 😃

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@beckyw9000]

That cold wrap looks so beautiful and delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

it tasted as good as it looks.

[@sunniertimer598]

That is a very good price on the low carb wraps! They are currently up to $5.29 at Target outside Seattle, WA. They have thankfully come down in price some as a year ago they were even higher at a store called Fred Meyer up here in Western WA.

[@elenacala]

Have you ever thought about growing your own sprouts? It's trait easy and pretty cheap. You just need a masojar, a canning ring, and cheese cloth and sprouts seeds. It's a nice cheap way to get fresh nutrient dense veggie.

[@ArdentMichelle]

A few of my viewers have mentioned it but I haven't tried it yet.

[@noraa1]

Thank you for showing a lot of other options for the sauce!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure! 😁

[@FrugalHappyVegan]

Your recipes are so delicious looking/sounding, yet so practical - just what we need. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@rajimac]

You could tenderise the kale and use it as the wrap for some mini kale wraps.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea!

[@Dinki-Di]

Citrus zest brings out amazing flavour in mushrooms. I make this affordable by buying citrus fruit in bulk when it’s in season, then saving it by freezing the zest in bags and the juice as ice cubes. That way, you have lemon, orange or lime to add to dishes for months.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great idea 👍

[@LaLayla99]

Yay for plant based!! These ideas (minus the spice, for me) look great 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my video!

[@jenniferherrington]

Your meal discovery looks delicious! I will make that, but I will chop everything into bite-sized pieces, toss them into the sauce, then place them on the wrap and fold them like a burrito. You are a vegan Genius! I am not vegan, but you inspire me to want to eat cleaner.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You might want to use a different sauce, this one is probably too hot to use much of.

[@ArdentMichelle]

and thank you so much! 💜

[@momof2momof2]

Everything looks yummy. I don't like spicy hot foods, but could easily adjust that for my taste. I love veggies. Baby kale is more tender. Thank you and have a lovely week🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks you too! 😁

[@moonstoneway2694]

Thanks! I’m still making the soup inspired by your Caldo Verde video weekly. So good and lasts for three days. These wraps look very tasty too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I loved that soup too. I'm so glad it's become a staple recipe for you! 😁

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

💟 great as always to see you 👩‍🍳 Michelle. I love Dinosaur Kale. It’s pleasing to the eye and pallet. Pretty colorful foods always make a dish more enjoyable. Sad you’re not tolerating dairy. As I age I am noticing some foods are not as agreeable with my digestive system. I live alone so 😂. Miracles happen. I managed to go shopping today and the timing was perfect. 7AM. Of course I forgot some things. First was my list on the table. Your oat meal I was wondering why you didn’t add some nutritional yeast for extra protein? Thank you again for the ideas. Have a wonderful week 🩵

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hey friend! 😁 I don't think I would like the nutritional yeast in my oatmeal....although I shouldn't say that without first trying it 😂 I of all people should know better. Justin made a protein shake this morning and he talked about adding nutritional yeast and I was like ew....doesn't sound good. 😂😂 I do miss all the cheeses but I'm probably eating healthier anyways. I'm off to work now. Hope you have a great week too!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle I was not thinking 😆 past the idea of protein . It might be a bit funky. A bit cheesy I hear. The small tomatoes I cut them in half. Sometimes forking them or biting into the whole can be messy. Happy Autumn. 🍂 it was 54 when I was out taking pictures of the beautiful clouds at 6:30. I posted them. Thanks you my friend 💟

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Thank you for sharing such delicious and easy recipes again I absolutely love zucchini and mushrooms thank you for sharing again can't wait to see your next video great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 Glad you like this one!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure! 😁 Have a great week!

[@LAactor]

When I was little I'd go to Fletcher Jones and they have a rental agency in the dealership for people who needed a car when they had theirs worked on (not sure why FJNB wouldn't do loaner cars but I'd always go down there and they always had midsized cars and above. Never compact or intermediate so I'd always get a two size upgrade for free. One time I had a flat so there was just one day left in the rental so they loaned me a C320 for the last day. Good times. It's probably for all the super wealthy down there who require a higher standard. Probably the same for your Costa Mesa TJs visit too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's always fun to drive a different vehicle for a day or so...especially a Mercedes 😂

[@khenderson6719]

Thank you so much for the healthy lunch recipes I was needing some this week for a conference I have to attend and these sounds wonderful. Thanks again

[@ArdentMichelle]

glad you like them. 😁

[@LindaC616]

The sweet tangos are good. I ducked over to orchard for a raspberry pie to take to a lunch with friends. Managed to snag a few of the last ginger gold apples. They're also good. I rarely find my favs in this part of the country--Ida Reds. Sweet with a little tart, but always very juicy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love sweet with tart....I don't like the ones that are too sweet!

[@nanny8675309]

Thank you because I love apples and I know I have no idea about all the different ones. I will have to keep a lookout for those.

[@estherhurst4741]

Definitely gonna try that pasta veggie combo. We eat so much alike, it’s amazing! 😀. Thank you Michelle, for your wonderful videos! 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜 I'm so glad you like my food. I feel good about what I'm eating when I make that lentil pasta. Of course, I love regular pasta also! 😂 Thanks again for the support!

[@shanjan9896]

Those tortillas are so good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've been enjoying them. I'm about to go make myself another one of those 😂

[@colettebishop2173]

Looks delicious, as always!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@LindaC616]

If you dont have a TJs close by (I don't), I can recommend Olé Mexican wraps or LaBanderita. The Olé spinach are hard for me to find these days, I think LaBanderita is the same company. They're a bit higher in protein

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing this. I figured there were some others out there.😁

[@janekramer175]

I love this!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@robininva]

We have a bag of the Ridge Cut Chips open, too. Best chips!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

they really are 👍

[@nanny8675309]

Thank you for another amazing video! It’s like you know I’m struggling to find a recipe for something. I’ve been wanting to try chickpea tofu that I’ve seen in Fry’s/Krogers but I’m assuming it’s gonna have a way different flavor than soy and wanted to have a game plan before purchasing and now I’m gonna make a wrap with it. I’m gonna use it in place of the chickpeas mashed up, using up my spices(that desperately needs to be done)to create the chipotle flavor and instead of tomatoes some fresh salsa that’s usually in the produce section just because the tomatoes seemed like they would fall out too easily for me along with the chickpeas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure. 😁 Let me know what you think of the chickpea tofu. I haven't tried it yet.

[@barbarabruce7648]

I make that scramble every weekend for brunch almost identical sans the cilantro😣Only difference is I start with a diced onion in the mix. Really flavourful. And I add smokey paprika. Isnt it the best ! Also for the oatmeal I buy sunflower kernels and pumpkin seeds and add them for the protein kick. Or I stir in LSA, ground Lindseed Sunflower Almond mix. Everything you made was delicious and what I typically serve my family minus the cilantro...

[@ArdentMichelle]

I usually like a LOT of stuff in my oatmeal when I'm home on the weekends. Usually the more stuff I add to it, the better I like it. 😂

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hi Michelle, Everything looked so colorful and good. I love wraps too, I am going to trader Joe's today ( surprise, surprise) anyway I have a question about those tortillas, they sound delicious but are they a little spicy with the habanero in it. Let me know, before I run to the store 😉 Have another great week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

I just tried a bite of one by itself....it does have a little heat to it. Not sure I would notice it with a full wrap though. You might want to play it safe and grab the plain ones. Let me know if you find anything good that I need to try! They had these cute little pumpkins for .89 and I grabbed a couple for my table. I should have shown that.

[@LindaC616]

​@@ArdentMichelle pumkin white wine risotto! 😋

[@jenn9119]

Go back to that Trader Joe's soon and take us with you PLEASE!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Will do soon 👍

[@lenoraw1098]

YUM!

[@abunchahooey]

Maybe you can combine the chipotle sauce with some mayo to turn down the heat a bit. Great ideas as usual, those wraps looked delicious. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great idea! 👍 Glad you like my video!

[@mightymommom5888]

Oh, great idea!

[@betterlivingonabudget]

All these dishes look terrfic. LOVE your lunch bag! It's the perfect size for two meals and a thermos/bottle of water. Those are really hard to find.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you think so!😁 I think I got the lunch bag at Ross. I can usually fit lunch and breakfast in it.

[@teresitap5778]

I'm going all in on the sauce,will buy this week & let you know.😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's funny how one sauce can be so much fun. I ate 2 more wraps yesterday and this time I mixed the chipotle sauce with a little hummus to make it a tad bit milder. It was good like that too!

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

Great ideas! Have a good week!!❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks you too!

[@SheilaEnglish2]

I’ll have to look for some red lentil pasta as I’m always trying to increase protein in my meals. Do you have a pasta sauce that includes red lentils? I think I remember seeing you make one once.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I did make a pasta with a lentil bolognese sauce but I don't remember which kind of lentils I used. I think it was about 6 months ago. I don't remember which video but you can skim the description area of the videos to find it. I have a few days off next week, maybe I can try to find it and post it to my recipes channel.

[@SheilaEnglish2]

@@ArdentMichelle Where do I find your recipe channel? I put Ardent Michelle Recipes into the search bar but just your regular channel came up.

[@LAactor]

I know that you cooked the kale but I've heard if you're going to have them raw and don't like how raspy it is to eat, massage the kale so the rough structure breaks down. They say it's a more velvety mouth feel.

[@LAactor]

And lol I just got to the part where you actually do this haha

[@codymartin6117]

❤ Great video

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😁

[@StephanieBurton-j3p]

The Bitchin’ Sauce is really good and used to be carried at Costco and Kroger stores. It’s cashew based, not almond but definitely delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I have not tried that. Thanks for the info. 😁 I'll pick some up.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 Thank you so much Charlotte 💜

[@thumpzH]

How is the texture of the lentil pasta.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's not as good as regular pasta, but I find if I load up with vegetables it's not as noticeable. If I go into it with the mindset that I'm eating a protein source and not a pasta, it's better 😂 That being said, I do enjoy this meal.

[@impish22]

great ideas !!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊

[@jetv1471]

I don’t do “hot” and I see that is a common element . Any ideas of what I can sub ? I do savory better

[@ArdentMichelle]

You could buy an avocado ranch sauce or make it yourself. I've also added avocado to sour cream in the past. I guess it depends on what you like. If it were me I would probably thin out some chipotle sauce with some sour cream or mayo so that I could still get that flavor without ANY heat.

[@RamonaGolec-ty2zv]

Love your posts and shows. I wonder have you ever done a whole foods plant-based challenge? Thats the way i eat. Also, throw in no sofas no, salt, oil, alcohol, white flour, and sugar. It is the way i am supposed to eat. Just wondering.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 most of my extreme challenges end up being plant based. I just try to make my meals as healthy as possible and something I want to eat. I try to avoid doing videos that are specific to a certain kind of diet because it hasn't worked out too well in the past. I'm glad you enjoy my videos.

[@annmich4593]

❤

[@chellesoup]

I’m a spice weenie but otherwise these all looked delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 that's funny. I prefer the flavor instead of the heat. I may have to find a way to make that at home. I do like that it was an actual product that's good for you instead of a bunch of oil. 😂

[@vonneblazier814]

Today at Trader Joe's, I found gf tortillas made with almond flour. I am hopeful they won't crumble like the other gf tortillas I've tried.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yay! 🥳 I love TJ's other GF products. I just checked online and it looks like they have had some good reviews. 🤞

[@CatMom4704]

I my daughter and I love balela so we now make it. Not that hard

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah....looks pretty simple. I think I'll make it this week.

[@tammymyer5347]

I bet you have the best blood work results as you eat so healthy!!! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I don't consider that I eat super healthy...especially since I love breads, pasta and rice. But I'm always trying to do better.

[@DajanaWindtSpaargaren]

I never get my tofu as crispy as you show it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It wasn't crispy in this video. Have you tried rolling it in corn starch and then air frying it? I loved that texture. You could also fry it.

[@DajanaWindtSpaargaren]

@@ArdentMichelle I have not tried to airfry tofu yet. I will try this out. Thank you❤️

[@SheilaEnglish2]

@@ArdentMichelleWhen you roll the tofu bits in cornstarch do you add some seasonings ?

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@SheilaEnglish2 I didn't because I was using a barbecue sauce with them. I also tried them with a sweet and sour sauce

[@yenquest]

It's a pain to bite into a burrito/wrap only for a long leafy green not break apart, but to also hang from your mouth as you pull away from the bite, get sauce all over your chin, AND not have a spare napkin/towel to wipe away that sticky sauce (because we're at work)! Ask me how I know, lol. I mean, leafy greens will break apart easily if it's uncooked, but I have to microwave my wraps at work because I like to have my meat filled wraps warm/hot before consuming. That's why I reserve the stems from leafy greens for soup/brothy meals (I treat them like diced celeries). The leafy parts of the greens would also be cut up into bite size pieces for my wraps/salads (often eaten raw/uncooked) whenever possible. If you leave the mushroom out in full sun for 10mins or so (with the gills exposed to sunlight), you'll increase the Vitamin D content of the mushrooms. Very useful for upcoming cold/winter season. :3

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't know that about the mushrooms 🤔

[@yenquest]

@@ArdentMichelle I didn't know about it either, up until a few years ago. Multiple health people were talking about it and there's also that increased market for mushroom coffee, lol. Mushrooms are one of a few ingredients that gives off that "umami" flavor, similar to tomatoes and seaweed. Dried mushrooms that are rehydrated and then cooked gives off more of that umami flavor. My mother uses it a lot in her dishes, and I often find dry mushrooms sold in ethnic stores.

[@pek5117]

Sorry ive been away. Wooo

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome back 😁

[@Jaydit7]

Before you massage the kale, cut out the stems and chop it into edible pieces..then it won't be such a chore

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah I decided to take them out after massaging 😂

[@vinnydabarber]

Those wraps look so yummy! What do you do with them to make them look thicker? They always rip so easily when I use them. Nice video Michelle, thanks!🤔❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love those wraps. They did feel a little thicker than normal. The only thing with Trader Joes tortillas is you do need to keep them in the fridge because they do use less preservatives (not a bad thing), so they will go bad faster than others.

[@vinnydabarber]

@@ArdentMichelle I wish so much we had Trader Joe's here in my area. It looks like they have so many great items!