Important Essentials to Stockpile on A Budget | Cut your grocery bill NOW

[@lizzie5919]

Really enjoy your videos . Can't use your recipes bc I'm on a diabetic renal cardiac diet. You inspired me to go to a dietician and figure out what the heck I could actually eat. Now I'm making weekly meal plans and am getting my diabetes under control and saving money too. I'm fortunate to live half a mile from a discount grocery store an Aldi. And 7 other grocery stores are within 3 miles. Long message but just wanted to say thanks.

[@lisaspencer5881]

Carnivore and/or keto

[@cookshackcuisinista]

Very instructional Christine! I'm sure your step by video here has opened up the savings route for a lot of people who just don't have the knack for shopping from the pantry and or freezer and meal prepping!

[@GarouLady]

​@@lisaspencer5881can't. If you have kidney issues you have to watch your protein and fat intake. My kidney doc has warned me away from high protein diets like keto, and I only eat chicken nowindays. Renal diets are very hard.

[@aliciapearsall4099]

Those are one of the most restricted diets! So tough good for you for getting a dietician! Great job! You got this!

[@janetreindl1711]

My husband also has diabetic/renal/cardiac issues and we don't know WHAT to eat -- each diet seems to conflict with the other 🙄

[@cpeace3172]

I live in Hawai’i and I feed a family of three humans 3 meals per day and my three large dogs (homemade dog food) on $200 a month. I grow about 40% of what we eat and it makes all the difference in the world during this inflated economy. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to start a garden.

[@nicole8511]

Thank you for this encouragement to garden 🌿

[@Legal_Sweetie333]

Cut a meal

[@cpeace3172]

@@Legal_Sweetie333 We are farmers and work at least 10+ hours a day, 7 days a week. We absolutely need all of our calories or we’d be skin and bones. If I had a sit-down job maybe I’d consider doing that.

[@cassidiroberts6473]

Last year I was able to feed my family of 3 for $40 a week. It took a lot of creativity but man we saved a lot of money!

[@thesimplesaguaro]

Damn that’s impressive. Goals ✌️

[@melissavazquez2953]

We spend $75 a week for a family of 11

[@Asterisk.17]

​@@melissavazquez2953how?!😮

[@diversekakes]

Wow!

[@maryhammond3341]

It is possible.. good job

[@joywarrick7042]

I’ve been doing this for 30 years. It’s saved me a gazillion $$! I fed a family of 6 plus often 2-6 more for supper. We lived a block from the high school & kids wanted a home cooked meal. I loved being that person. I’m still called “momma joy” by so many now young adults in our community. A budget CAN BE done!!

[@bkh5746]

Black friday is the true value of a item marked up 20 percent.😂

[@robinmcmillin-of5ff]

I appreciate your comment, “Cooking for one sucks!” because it truly, for the most part, does. I’m learning to make smaller portions but what is so nice, like you, only in reverse, my mom has been feeding me dinner for some time now. She made the decision that it was stupid for me to try and get home from work, make dinner, eat, and clean up when she has to cook dinner every night anyway and I live right next door! 🥰

[@chriskryzak604]

I don't live close to my son and his family, but I try to freeze some ready to go meals size accordingly for his family and my husband and I. I know it helps them when they're busy with activities. And saves them money not to get take out.

[@Judith-b3t]

Yeah for you twice! Once for dinners and once for your wonderful Mom.

[@marjoriejohnson4559]

God bless your mama

[@betterlivingonabudget]

That's so nice you and your mom are close, and she likes to cook! I'm a recent empty nester, and work outside the home with a long commute. Cooking for one was such an adjustment in every way. After I got over being sad about my daughters moving states away, I decided to make the most of being home alone and started meal prepping on Sundays. Now I cook once and eat on those dishes all week. It's nice not being in the kitchen cooking after work every day!

[@GrandmatoRVSGCM]

I dog sit my sons little Pomeranian every day while he is at work, he lives alone, so I have invited him to eat dinner with us nightly so he doesn’t have to worry about going home and cooking dinner.

[@LyndaTaylor-fu9gk]

Thank you for your videos! I have a win to share with you: Last week Kroger had a deal on Tyson chicken, buy 1 package get 1 free. I went to go compare prices with the Walmart price. But when I got there, there was clearance Tyson chicken! Not knowing if they would honor the deal on the clearance price, I got two packages. They did honor the deal!! So I got Tyson chicken boneless breasts for about $2.80/pound! The next day I went to a different Kroger and found clearance chicken bone-in thighs, a lot of them. So I picked up a lot! Ended up paying about $0.85 per pound! They all went in the freezer. 😁 Thank you for teaching my to look for the clearance deals!

[@girlonaswing9439]

Great job!!!

[@betterlivingonabudget]

Yaaayyyy for the clearance wins!!! It's funny you mentioned learning to look for clearance deals. Until I started watching YT, I'd never done that either, also had never heard of freezer meals or sheetpan meals! If only there had been YT when I was in my 20s, a single mom and working two jobs!!

[@stepoff1277]

My grandma lived over 3 hours away and was single and got to where she didn't want to cook for herself. Had a weak heart, etc. but wasn't ready to move here yet. So my mom would cook things she liked or requested and freeze single servings and take up about once a month. It helped her to start getting enough calories again and ensured mom was going up and checking on her once a month. She did reach a point where she decided she was ready to move here where her family was and make it easier on my mom.

[@karenprinz5987]

I had to implement a “for meals bin” because my husband kept eating our dinner ingredients 😂😂

[@rooster70460]

I need to do this too

[@IAmTMelvin]

Me three 😂

[@kimberlycerrito7928]

Haha love that

[@emilyguinn8025]

There’s a restaurant in Florida that my family loves!!! They have a taco called a Johnny Utah taco. It’s a taco on a corn tortilla that has pulled pork, mac & cheese, crumbled bacon, bbq sauce, and pickles. SO good!!!!!

[@OldLadyInFL]

I do the same thing. Stock up on non-perishable sale items, then only shop for what I need. What drives my costs up is that I eat as few processed foods as possible, and as a single person with only my fridge freezer, it's unrealistic to bulk buy too much freezer food. I probably spend about $40 total a week on needed items, but then, I always need more fruit! LOL

[@dianasimplifies]

Me too we eat tons of fruit and also eat a salad nearly every day. It's not cheap! I don't buy salad kits.

[@GarouLady]

Use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs for meatloaf. Most households already have that for breakfast and saves the cost of having to buy breadcrumbs

[@MaterialGirl453]

I make my own breadcrumbs from the ends of the bread loaf. Saves tons of money.

[@stephanieinglett8569]

I do not like oatmeal in anything. I think it's a texture issue.

[@jennylhenry78]

I just made this last night! Meatloaf with oatmeal. 👍🏼 And if you grind it up you don't even notice it.

[@Daisyj925]

Ohmigosh!!! I soooo needed this!! So, my husband goes away for work and is gone for several weeks in a row. My children moved out about a year ago, and I have been cleaning out my freezer ever since. So when he is out of town, I feed on meal prepped leftovers and dinner/lunch for 1 (it’s a learning curve from feeding 6 to 4 to now, 2 people). So when he is away the ONLY thing I ever purchase is fruit and fresh veggies. Hubs tells me I’m cheap when it comes to me, that I should get meal kits. Being a meal prepper, I don’t know how to do that (haha) I felt bad, like I was selling myself short… so, yes, I needed to see this one! Thanks so much!! I feel validated awe yeh 💪🏼

[@tenthz]

Meal kits can be a fun addition! Usually the first few boxes are reduced price and you can skip weeks as much as you want or cancel when you're done. As someone who likes to cook but also struggles with cooking for 1, it can be a fun change of pace. And most of them really are cheaper or comparable to the same groceries.

[@dianasimplifies]

Why would you want to pay for meal kits lol.

[@hannahsox12]

Ok, I have another comment: love love love the idea of the Use It Up bin! I used to get in trouble all the time as a kid bc I'd accidentally eat the ingredients for dinner. This idea solves it! Will be sending to my mom and also using in my own family! (No more hubby "accudentally" eating the cheese I needed for dinner) 😂

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

My favorite sheet pan dinner is sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple served with rice. I either use teriyaki sauce or olive oil and what ever seasoning I have on hand ( lemon pepper is nice) depending on what kind of sausage I use. These are things I always have on hand.

[@safepethaven]

You BUY bread crumbs for meatloaf, when you keep bread in the house? Bread freezes well and a few slices can be removed for one person's toast or make crumbs for the meatloaf [we used crushed saltines instead, as they keep longer in a metal canister on the shelf].Powdered milk can be used in cooking, or used to stretch whole milk; milk can be frozen, just leave expansion room at top of carton.

[@carolstrickland297]

We have 2 refrigerators and a chest freezer. I keep a white board on all to identify what is in each freezer. I sometimes forget to erase what I've pulled, but it helps with deciding on my meals. It may look unsightly to some, but it's useful for me and my family. Thank you for being inspiring in so many ways!!

[@hannahsox12]

Thank you so much for these videos! I recently got married and have taken on the majority of cooking and grocery shopping for my husband and I! I'm new to making financial decisions for a family, and your videos help my husband and I save a ton of money while eating delicious food!

[@katrinalemire9506]

Pineapple on pizza, YES!! I never make it because no one else in my house agrees with that. But if I’m at an event and they offer it I will most definitely eat it.

[@erindixon2877]

Buy a small can of pineapple and put some on the number of slices you think you’ll eat. Then you can enjoy your pizza and have a little snack for later.

[@karlinebohne789]

I thought you said “ I am all out of Bailey’s” - I had to listen again, as I was thinking - holy cow she’s a cool mom! After the third run I realize you said Bay leaves! Lol

[@Linda-s5j9d]

Ha Ha! So cute…baileys or bay leaves, I get it😂

[@rooster70460]

😂

[@emelyjoyeckhardt390]

Alcohol doesnt equals cool....

[@MK-px7xn]

LOVE BAILEY’S!!! Now that’s worth saving up a buck or 2 to spend on!!

[@CarynRowland]

In January I only spent $40 on grocery shopping. Used what we had. And used the crock pot.

[@ginx33]

I just realized you had reached 600K subscribers. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You are my favorite youtuber that I watch. Thanks for spending your time with me. LOL

[@gingercollier7949]

I’ve been doing this for the last year or so. I learned a great tip at Grocery Lutlet by another customer the week before the Super Bowl. I live in Southern California and lot of the grocery stores you talk about we don’t have. So the tip was the Thursday after any big holiday or the Super Bowl Ralph’s put the excess they purchased for the Super Bowl or holiday on Sale. I’m single but I got $30 for a week of groceries from one Ralph’s. I got a pound of bacon, one filet mignon steak, one small container of scrimp and a package of chicken breasts. All additional items were cheaper than where I normally shop or they don’t carry the items. I went to one other store and spent less then $20 and I have breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks for the week. I also have meat additional meals. My freezer was almost empty.

[@dianasimplifies]

Ralph's is owned by Kroger in case you don't know that. She talks about Kroger sales all the time. ❤great tip about after SB sales!

[@cathyellis-b1g]

oat meal instead of breadcrumbs in meat loaf

[@maryjothompson4578]

Just tear a slice or 2 of bread into bits.

[@DS-mw8yu]

We never buy bread crumbs, all stale or unused bread goes into the freezer then once every six months it's all taken out, air dried and cut up into cubes for stuffing or bread pudding and a bunch ground up for panko type crumbs. 3 or 4 sealed jars in the pantry of panko and 2 or 3 vac sealed bags of cubed. We have also bought day olds from the bakery that are marked down to half or lower, take it home, and the same process. Should never buy bread crumbs!

[@phenixwars1]

That's really kind of you to cook for your mom regularly ❤

[@rooster70460]

Christine, I so love you. You said "a can of frozen vegetable s" 😂😂😂😂

[@pennywright9103]

I love that you cook for your mom! You are a very loving person and a blessing to your mom. Making good memories for everyone too! ❤❤❤

[@vickie4reel500]

I always check my pantry and fridge before i go shoppi g and plan my meals. I also have a chart of 30 meals i like to make, can make, and know i like. This way i dont have to think so hard and i can add new meals every now and then. I also have a list of household needs i can look at each week and check those areas to see what i need. Makes planning my shopping trip so easy. I love your videos you give me great ideas. My goal is to someday have a yearly household supply list. What i need in supplies for a year.

[@beckyhowe7166]

Thanks for always talking about clearance meats, went to the store yesterday and stocked up on lots saved at least 50 bucks

[@heidigartman6089]

Thanks again Christine for this awesome video. I will try for the month of March to be more creative with my family meals and see how much less I can spend on groceries for the month. We have been very fortunate to go to the grocery store and not watch our pennies. I typically buy what I want, so this will be a good challenge for me 😃💕

[@lisam5744]

I do monthly grocery shopping with pick up (no store entry = no temptation). This saves me 30-40% (depending on what's needed) over weekly pick up or grocery shopping. Especially since Walmart has a minimum for pickup of $35. At least at my local one. Since it's just my husband and I, I freeze a lot of leftovers and use them for future meals. That saves a bunch, too.

[@RevertYahya]

As many videos of yours as I've watched, I do not remember the following: Have you done a "pantry clean without extra shopping" video? Or 12. Most of your shopping tips I can't use (dietary restrictions for the win!!!!) but your cooking methods/planning/preservation stuff I benefit from highly because I can adapt them to the foods I'm able to eat. So, like, what would you do if you didn't have any of the fresh stuff? Just pantry, fridge, and freezer stuff that's already there? It would not surprise me if you've already done this. I just haven't found it, yet.

[@joytotheworld2100]

I've always meal planned this way. I've scalled way down as i am 65 & single. I have a huge garden & orchard.I can, dehydrate & freeze. You make great video's. Thanks for all the info.

[@annaazzopardi4625]

Yes, pineapple and Canadian bacon on pizza. Love it! Also Gorgonzola and Pear Pizza. 😋❤

[@tenthz]

Gorgonzola and Pear sounds AMAZING! Next time I make home made pizza I will have to try it.

[@teamshoemaker]

Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf recipe?

[@lindaflores2663]

Pulled pork is so versatile! I'll buy one 8lb pork shoulder and we can eat all week. We make Cubano Sandwiches, carnitas tacos, shredded pork nacho bake and if I have some hominy, pozole.

[@rhondavigil795]

I shared this video in a budgeting group. It will help a lot of people. Thank you

[@EllenDunn-n6v]

I've also gotten in the habit of labeling things in my fridge, etc., "DINNER SATURDAY" (or whatever) to give my family the clear message of, "Don't use this for lunch or a snack!" It helps!

[@loridoherty3302]

That Naan brand also makes a 4 pack of pizza crusts that I usually find between $4-$5. LOVE love LOVE pizza night with those. You can make 4 different kinds and throw together a salad! I think that's a good price even not on clearance.

[@OhAnny21]

I would love to see a video where you help someone budget (like you have done friends in past) who lives in an expensive grocery place! like LA, NYC, SF. Somewhere average people can't have a giant stockpile/freezer/etc.

[@SoilToSoul]

Pineapple always goes on pizza. I will die on that hill lol.

[@candycemonroe7345]

Split household. My oldest doesn't like any form of pineapple.

[@theresalogsdon765]

Well To Each Their Own. I don't like Pineapple on Pizza. Enjoy

[@kcvinwehoLA]

I will join you! Love pineapple on pizza!!!

[@smilingjacks83]

Joining too love pineapple especially on pizza

[@stacyrae5027]

I'm here to support my fellow pineapple 100% belongs on pizza peeps.

[@shannoneg2000]

Back when was a kid, we would go to Pizza Inn as a treat. On the pizza bar, they had this amazing peach and pineapple dessert pizza . In my opinion, this is the one acceptable way to eat pineapple on pizza.

[@melissawright4040]

When my mom was a live I would always take her some of my meal prep on Sundays. She always had sides st her house.

[@AmyStotts]

Yes, ma'am!!! You'll never see full priced pasta, pasta sauce, frozen anything, yogurt, cereal, etc in my cart, because i keep a very well stocked kitchen. I just recently ran out of chicken and ground beef after a year and 1/2 break from buying it. So, i found chicken on sale for $1.79 and now i have 35 lbs in my freezer. 😉 I'm out of banunus too, but i think I'll get banaynays this week. 🤪

[@dianasimplifies]

Lol I've been on a long break from buying ground beef and chicken as well 😂😂😂😂bought up a ton in 2020 and still eating it 😅

[@AmyStotts]

@@dianasimplifies I love it! It's funny, if anyone says we're running low on something, you better believe I'm going to get "too much" of it. 😂. I have 500 puppy pads and 22 cases of boost "nutritional" drinks too. 🤪

[@dianasimplifies]

@@AmyStotts lol that's amazing 😍

[@krisherdown]

Although I do most of my shopping the way it is in the video, I do not use pickup option because the fruit and veggies tend to be better when I pick them. I do keep my eye on the clearance section when shopping this method. Walmart is not my store of choice when it comes to groceries so I save those non-food purchases for separate pickup.

[@doveandolive1153]

I have a few 1-2lbs chuck roasts in the freezer so decided this weekend I'll throw them in a crock pot and make shredded beef for later use and have a jar of banana peppers I can use up too - tacos, sandwiches, pastas etc. Agree with Christine - learning to stock up when on sale but also using what you have in stock no matter if it is freezer, pantry of fridge. Thank you Christine for guiding and encouraging your follower! Yeah you rock!!!

[@k.h.walker2378]

12 minutes in and 744 views! You go girl 💪

[@teresanorris4769]

I went to our local grocery store to stock up on ground beef $2.50 a lb on sale. When I got there on the first day of the sale they had none. They didn’t even have a place for it in the cooler. 😡 This happens all the time at this our only option for a stand alone grocery store. They seem to bait and switch all the time. I ended up just going to sams and getting what I needed for the month spending almost $500. I try but my town is horrible on deals and clearance items. We were completely out of meat.

[@dianasimplifies]

Well good news. Sams meat is very good quality so it's still a win. I go there and pay more. ❤

[@jeniisabellarodriguez8150]

love the video(always) - we literally ate out of the pantry and freezers all of January and some of February. We did a restock (still doing it) and I learned alot about my family- so now I just buy things that they like and I know they will eat to create less waste. Im waiting for a new vacation video!

[@aliciaspears7847]

Thank you, thank you, thank you ! For the weekly meal planner. It's EXACTLY what I have been looking for

[@marieallgyer9194]

Enjoy the video!amazing how much we can dig outta the freezer....!keep encouraging us to use up things and not let them waste...I love having chickens for the bits of leftovers that get pushed back and forgoten...

[@leighdegenhardt485]

Pineapple and ham only once a year or so. My late son loved it!!!

[@candicemast4209]

Never change! We need you!

[@thebethanyproject7266]

Christine! Long time viewer. Thank you for your content. Not only has it helped me save hundreds if not thousands over the many years I have watched you but it has inspired me to share what I have learned and my passion for food to others. I am currently creating a 8 week course to teach young single new mothers how to effectively use their food (and money)I’m so excited to be able to do it and pray it will enrich their lives as you have enriched ours!❤ thanks again!

[@Demechanize]

I wish we could afford to stock pile, but we barely make it through the week with how much things cost. Thank you for your videos. It really helps to get ideas that do not require so many crazy expensive ingredients.

[@debiwillis9045]

Are you shopping sales?

[@username00009]

Have you watched her original extreme grocery budget video that went viral a few years ago? She designed that menu to help people start to build a budget buffer so they can buy ahead based on sales.

[@Judith-b3t]

Somehow someway you have to get some extra money ($10?) to start stockpiling on sales items such as loss leaders.

[@dianasimplifies]

A lot of people show how to start your stockpile with a few dollars a week. Christine has also done those videos. ❤

[@kristineroehl]

I keep a running grocery list on my phone in lists and I keep a running menu in notes with ideas as well. We love ham & pineapple pizza, I always make homemade pizza crust using my breadmaker to mix the dough.

[@skqq3250]

I can do that too in Aldi’s. Well done.

[@myrthmills6800]

This is perfect! Thanks for showing how it's done. It's not as overwhelming as I thought it would be.

[@briannasmith4796]

I’ve been spending minimum $1700 a month on food lately (family of 6 one is a baby and not eating solids) and I am really excited to start trying this and shopping from my pantry trying to save!

[@RadCenter]

I would love some tips for how to shop and cook if you live alone. Especially low-carb options.

[@marydavis7250]

I live alone and retired. I keep a pad on the frig and put things I need to get (by location in the store). If you only get what's on your list and stay in outside aisles (vegetables/fruit, dairy, meat, and frozen), you will save money.

[@RadCenter]

I already do that,@@marydavis7250. I plan my meals for the week based on what I have on hand and what's on sale at the grocery store. I just don't have a lot of space to store bulk purchase items, so it's hard to get the best deals.

[@cindydeboard9817]

I struggle with this too. Apparently I only know how to cook for an army. I pretty much prep a meal and eat it until it’s gone but I get tired of the same meal over and over. I need to simplify but still get variety.’

[@grammamary7283]

Cindy. Freeze most of the meals in single portions band rotate. I always cook a lot with that in mind.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Pineapple on pizza. That’s a NO for me. Lol I’m on a custom nutrition/fitness plan right now. Looks like about all I need to buy for the month is produce (some fruit and salad greens here and there) and almonds. And balsamic dressing…but only Bcuz I’m almost out of it. I already have all the other ingredients. (I already have extra milk in the freezer).

[@christenascott5280]

Pineapple and pepperoni, with extra mozzarella hits the spot. Even if the spaghetti pizza sauce is not my favorite, no problem ! The pepperoni and pineapple combination is definitely a win. My Nann never makes it past the trip home. I do like it with a little bit of butter but most the time I just eat it straight out of the package. I never but it unless it’s on sale so it’s definitely a treat

[@firequeen2194]

Yes to the pineapple! Love these pantry challenges. I’m only buying loss leaders now, I’m very well stocked. Clearance stickers and loss leaders, it’s amazing what you can pull together. Still have plenty of spices/seasonings I made from last years garden and seedlings 🌱 are started for this year. 🎉🎉🎉

[@tinashort9098]

How’s the finger? Did you get the moleskin I suggested? I promise it will pad it up while those nerves are healing! My middle finger is still trying to grow nerves back and it’s been about 7 months. But it was a bad injury! Actually 2 injuries, slammed in a dumpster door, resulting in a broken knuckle and cut to the bone, 2 weeks later it and my 1st finger split to the bone on a beet can!!!! I hope yours heals soon!!!!!❤. PS….Naan makes the absolute best garlic bread!!! Melt butter with garlic and parsley and salt and pepper…spread this deliciousness and bake at 375 for about 12 mins or until brown and crispy!!!

[@FrugalFitMom]

The moleskin doesn't stick to the finger pad now, but I'm hoping once the last scab falls off that it will work better

[@DonnaClements-l4m]

PINEAPPLE & HAM on pizza, right beside my husband's pepperoni & sausage!

[@lindabeard488]

I love your channel. Great tips on how to use the pantry and freezer. Thanks so much for sharing this. I think we constantly need to be reminded. Love 💕 and Hugs. 💙💙💙

[@theresalogsdon765]

I love Naan for Pizza. By yourself, always a Fresh Pizza. Cheese Sausage, Peppers. Don't have to have Red Sauce. Olive Oil, Garlic Powder and a Seasinig, Oregano or Italian Seasoning. Mmmm She is Right have a Clean out of the Pantry, Fridge n Freezer.

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

Thanks Christine! So many great ideas. You're the best. 😊

[@sonjafiore7584]

Since I started watching your videos I have come to the realization that we were wasting a lot of food- I really like your advice to go through what you have to "use up" and do a "use up" bin the fridge! grreat idea!!! thanks!

[@carlahabeck4051]

Great video! You hit on two of the things that havecreally helped us in recent years: meal planning and pick up orders at Walmart. Keep up the great work!

[@meganm5129]

On the market for my first home.... I have been watching your videos religiously. Already done grocery store research in my area and plan on doing costs and save up a portion of money to full stock our pantry 🎉

[@hello-vs4me]

You have alot in freezer don't need to go to store I have been cooking off stock pile for months just buy stuff when at lowest prices

[@CaliMishell]

Inspirational! I’m a budget shopper and your tips are always helpful!

[@hurricanebubbles]

I almost cried this weekend, somehow my chest freezer got unplugged and I lost everything in it (it was warm, things were completely defrosted but I didn't know for how long). So now, I have to completely restock.....all my meats and meal preps for the next 2 plus months were lost.

[@hurricanebubbles]

and when you are on a budget its absolutely devastating.

[@dianam9028]

I'm sorry😦

[@dpstitches]

That's such a loss! You have all my frugal sympathy. 😢

[@loriewart8143]

Could you turn that in on insurance?

[@wolchfam]

There should be alarms on freezers! So sad you lost all that food. An expensive loss.

[@nantay254]

We have a restaurant in town that makes Mac n Cheese with pulled pork on top. They call it "Cheesy Pig". I make it at home with boxed Mac n Cheese (with a few extra American cheese slices and extra milk), and a can of Keystone pork mixed with a bottle of cheap BBQ sauce. Delicious 😊

[@alystermacho3829]

I love your videos!! You’re such an inspiration and help me refocus my efforts!

[@happymama1015]

I meal prep twice a week for my mom too. My stepdad recently passed away and she knows how to cook nothing.congrats by the way on 600,000 been with you since the 10,000 calorie challenge.😂😂

[@jj2024-themorethemerrier]

Hey Christine, thanks for this! And all your content, I love your vids and especially your realistic and cheery approach on your vids. I've decided that after two weeks of explosive grocery bills (here in Australia, we love to shorten everything, so, "cost of living crisis" has become "cozzy lives") we're having an "eat from the freezer and pantry" week. And I'll stretch it to two if I can!

[@jj2024-themorethemerrier]

Also, classic me, I commented before I finished watching. SO, pineapple on pizza, yes!!! AND on burgers! An Aussie "burger with the lot" includes beetroot and pineapple! Yum!!! Also love the ingredients for the week bin. We (ok, I) write up my planned meals of the week on a little whiteboard on our fridge mostly so that I remember what I'm supposed to be using! The bin is a great idea! Bringing it all together. Love it. Also should've just said before as well cos it can't be said enough. I really really appreciate that in so many of your videos you promote food pantries. It SUCKS that in your country and mine that so many people struggle to afford food but it sucks even more that there can be so much shame and embarrassment around that. I love that you promote and encourage food pantries in such a kind way because we can all be part of making it perfectly ok to go and take that help that's on offer. We don't want people to not have help because of shame. Also love love love that you feed your mum :D Cooking for myself only for many years was/has been super annoying but it's always just lovely when people think of you. Frozen chopped up onions were one of my fave go-to helpers when solo cooking and even now that I cook for more because it just moves me from prep to meal so much quicker and is really easy to portion out exactly how much onion I want - especially if I was just making a frittata/scramble for myself.

[@Anonymous_user_290]

This video is timely. I’m doing a low-spend challenge during February and March. I’m hoping to learn new skills that I can use going forward.

[@wolchfam]

Anyone can feed a family cheap if they have a stockpile of food in the freezer and pantry. Sometime the stockpile will be used up and you’ll need to replenish it. That’s when groceries cost more. Even if you get clearance meat or sales, it still cost $ to replenish.

[@dianasimplifies]

Her entire channel is showing you how to fill a fridge and freezer on a budget. She never spends more than $400 a month and it's usually less .

[@lisakallunki5042]

I typically follow this same method. I do sometimes have a hard time figuring out what sounds good to eat using the items I have on hand so one thing I have done is made a master list of meals that we enjoy. I have it broken down into protein categories. I printed this list and have it taped inside one of my cabinets, so that when I need some inspiration, I can go to this list and it makes menu planning a lot easier.

[@bonniemullen4990]

Thank u frugal mom ❤

[@PamelaTurnage]

So glad I found your videos. I'm so motivated to be intent on cutting our food budget. It's only my husband and I, spending $100 weekly...I will be challenging myself to be aggressively frugal. Could you share the simple menu planner you used in the video? Thanks so much. Am now a subscriber

[@julzb6047]

I LOVE the idea of the "Use It Up" bin! I'm going to implement that idea. We also use the Stonefire Naan Bread for our pizza crust. SOOOO delicious!!!

[@judymcelhenny1421]

do you buy your meats in bulk(1/4 cow) for example, and if so do you find it more economical?

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for your videos will start this now. How been cooking off stock pile for months ❤😊

[@JB11334]

I don’t stockpile. How I save money- is I only buy what we need for the two weeks. Then we eat everything we buy. I like to see an empty fridge and pantry. I don’t want to be wasteful and I’m proud of how empty it all looks every two weeks. Also, motivates me to clean the fridge and freezer 😂 because it’s empty.

[@rossicastellanos1333]

Likewise, I only buy stock for grains, legumes and flour especially for the winter

[@dianasimplifies]

That would make me a nervous wreck. Each to his own!

[@tonia2483]

The this week dinner bin is genius! I'm soooo going to try this!!

[@vickyjansen3544]

I had some stale taco shells yellow and blue corn. I made some polenta and set cut polenta squares with tomato sauce.

[@FromMyKitchenette]

I would love to see 'cook from scratch' meal ideas vs. boxed meals and more organic options as well. It does not help save money but it is an healthier option.

[@brg2743]

We have been eating like this for a few months. For a low carb quick meal...tortilla shell, pizza sauce from can or jar, cheese, pepperoni. So good! Also, we have dressing, mashed potatoes, corn left from last night. We will use that first. Add a can of chicken to the dressing and wa..la...! Someone also commented on youtube somewhere that they use up freezer stuff if there is a fifth week in the month. So good.

[@findusfaithful18]

Just curious - do your kids eat lunches at school? We are a family of 6 and my oldest is only 10 and I have done shop the deals/reverse meal planning for 13 years. So I feel like my shopping style is very similar to you, but we still do around 600-700 a month (depending on how much I'm Stocking up). I make almost everything from scratch, and our only dietary restriction is that I can't eat sugar due to glucose issues, so some of my personal snacks/breakfast/health foods are a little more. But otherwise I can't really figure out how you can feed teenagers for even less 😂 Just curious if you've address that before, if your kids get lunch at school or if you guys eat out regularly or anything. Thanks so much for your videos, I LOVE them and they're such an inspiration to me to keep working at this!!

[@dianasimplifies]

Not being able to eat sugar is very expensive! I have had to cut way back and my snacks and meals are costing more for sure.

[@vickikelsey7507]

I live in a small rural town with a grocery store and a Walmart. I hate going to the Walmart as the things I tend to buy are usually cheaper at the grocery store (ingredients, not processed convenience foods) and the Walmart doesn't treat their workers well. The next closest grocery store is 50+ miles away. That being said, my shopping occurs at only one store (unless I have to travel the 50+ miles for another reason besides just grocery shopping, then I get to do this at a different store). That means only one sale flyer to look up online. I separate my grocery list into three sections: Out of, Almost out of, and Sales items I'd like to pick up. I also write the max amount of spend for the trip at the top of the list and take a pencil along with me. In the store I get the "Out of" items first and keep a running tally on the list as I do (this is easy for me to do as I live in a state that does not tax groceries). Then I use the remainder of the money I have to spend to decide which "Almost out of", "Sales Items", and Manager's Specials Sales (not listed in the sales flyer) I find in the store I want to get. I don't exceed the max spend---no matter how good a sale. This has worked well for me for several years now and has let me keep a stocked pantry while reducing spending. Just for funzies, here is this week's sales flyer for my local store: www.johnbrookssupermarkets.com/weekly-ads/3/john-brooks---socorro

[@vickikelsey7507]

I will also buy name brand products (when they're being sold for cheaper than at the grocery store) when I see them at the Dollar Tree or Dollar General, but only if they are things that I normally buy at the store and that helps to stock my pantry as well.

[@laceyballiet6627]

I just recently purchased naan for the first time. Of course it was on clearance. I put peanut butter and banana on it.

[@bkIllinois]

Your dog looks sweet and fluffy. I meal plan similar to you. I love your videos.

[@suzettesmith2075]

It does make a big difference to use what you have. Its mote expensive when you dont have that stock.

[@lorraineas1888]

I enjoy your videos so much. Thanks for the great content!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Glad you like them!

[@dianam9028]

Thank you Christine ☺️💕

[@FrugalFitMom]

You are so welcome!

[@rachelmcbride5654]

Zatarain's Diry Rice is ❤‍🔥

[@martinadams7949]

can of frozen veggies

[@FrugalFitMom]

LOL!

[@wolchfam]

I use crushed saltines in my meatloaf (like mom did).