Whole Foods $20 Weekly Food Budget Challenge: Extreme Budget Grocery Haul Recipes, Food Prep, & Menu

[@wap9137]

Please do more of these at Whole Foods! There are so many of us who need help with this!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Good to have this feedback!

[@wap9137]

The Quaint Housewife You’re very welcome!!

[@janellemargot4376]

Yesss or Trader Joe's

[@tamsondarland8951]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Enjoyed this video tremendously.

[@chicnoir29]

I agree. People don’t believe you can keep costs down while shopping at Whole Foods. I typically spend 50.00 at WF but when I pay close attention, I’ve gotten a week’s food for 30-35 dollars at WF.

[@WholeHeartily]

My “no money” staple is always RICE!!! regardless of where you live, rice is one of the cheapest foods anywhere, and a small pot can last me multiple days/meals. It’s good with milk/butter, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins/granola in the morning, and gravy at night. I was soooo pleasantly surprised by your noodle recipe 😱😍🙌 This is the kind of content I’m always looking for. Your channel NEVER disappoints!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, rice is so versatile. Thanks for loving my noodle recipe. Hopefully it can work with a flour you can eat too :D

[@rosannejimenez1756]

Have you ever made arroz con leche with coconut milk from the can & butter or coconut oil!?😍🙌😇 Heaven! It's not as cheap but a fun change of pace and so delicious!

[@ambeegaming76]

I never thoguht of putting gravy on it I normally drown mine in soy Gravy prob has less salt in it too lol

[@CodeByRachelle]

I wish I could do this! I know that rice is cheap and easy to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner...but, I have prediabetes, and rice is 100% sugar (carbs), so I can't do it...but man, you are exactly right about rice!

[@chrmurr1]

Rice is good low cost food item. I need to learn how to make rice. I use minute rice or instant rice.

[@jakeg7033]

very impressive. I thought you had to spend $20 just to be able to walk into a whole foods market!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha, thanks!

[@wsue1038]

Hallelujah. My sentiment too.

[@tisharodriguez9541]

Yeah we call it whole paycheck foods.

[@user-nx4lc9pf5j]

Right! I call it whole paycheck lol

[@asadb1990]

many whole food are located with paid parking which to get free you have to spend at least $10.

[@jonitabrooms8037]

I always enjoy how you put together and stretch your ingredients for your meal plan ideas.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Jonita! I try.

[@ms.hotdoglegs614]

I purchased my wedding cake(s) at Whole Foods. I layered 3 different cakes of different sizes and called it good. Cost me about $60.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Worth it! Sounds beautiful too. I bought a large cheesecake there about 15 years ago. Each slice was so filling it was like eating a meal. I think it was $25 and it came with lovely sugared champagne grapes on top. I think you get your money's worth there.

[@wsue1038]

Wow! Quite innovative.

[@rosannejimenez1756]

Love this!!

[@widowswatch6610]

Great idea

[@strandedinseattle9931]

Two recipe alternative suggestions from me and a cheaper option for those dried peas: For those who don't have bouillon and want to have a much tastier/healthier broth - either pre-bake all 6 drumsticks and save the bones/skin to add to 10 cups water or toss them in raw and dice the meat up later, add a couple carrots, a sliced onion, couple sticks of celery, salt, pepper (additional spices such as garlic powder, rosemary and thyme are great) and simmer for several hours stove top OR use a slow cooker (4 hours/high or 8 hours/low). Strain once cooking is complete, keep the broth and discard all else (or rescue meat on the bones if you need to). Makes a great bone broth and super delicious base for soups. Works with many different bones - chicken, duck, beef, pork, lamb, etc. The more bones the better. I make this after cooking something such as a roast chicken or pork ribs and save all the bones. Also, I keep a freezer bag of produce remnants to use in the broth (onion tops, leftover carrot bits or bell peppers, etc) to save $ on the veggies to make the bone broth. Another flavorful alternative to the flatbread she made here is one I like to make - 1 cup hot, steamed sweet potato, 1 cup flour, 1 cup water. Mix well, form into a dough log and slice into 6 parts. Roll into tortillas and fry dry in a skillet just enough to see the dark spots appear such as you would see on a tortilla. Sweet potato flatbread is a favorite around here, but can also be done with regular potatoes - just make sure they are hot while working or else they will not combine with the flour to form a dough properly. Also try it with room temperature avocado instead, if that's more to your preference for a flatbread flavor. Don't forget that you can easily go to a local dollar store and stock up on dried beans super cheap for a weekly staple of protein. Soak as much as you like overnight with a tablespoon of baking soda, then rinse and cook them in water via stove top the next day with a peeled potato in the water to help absorb the chemical they carry which makes you farty. DON'T eat the potato after, just discard it! You can also buy split peas there much cheaper than what she paid and they will be just as good. xox

[@WholeHeartily]

My personal Whole Foods staples include: rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, kale, a dozen eggs, onion, and beans... in a perfect world, there would also be PB, mushrooms, and oatmeal 😍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I like your list, especially the sweet potatoes.

[@buttahscotchkisses3133]

Awesome list

[@sheashea4622]

I must admit I had my doubts when I saw Whole Foods, but you made it happen. Wonderful video.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That would be a natural reaction. Thank you, Shea :)

[@melthomas6519]

Shea Shea Theres no other store like Whole Foods. I go pretty much everyday

[@Mariamaria-tr2xk]

Suggestion: Would you please consider doing this in other stores like Kroger, Target, and hispanic markets? This way we can compare the one week buy and menu accross them. Also I like the 10 dollars budget best since it is so helpful. Thank you again!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, my plan is to continue doing this activity in more stores. I will be doing more $10 videos. Thank you for watching my channel, Maria. I hope all is well with you.

[@garlicgirl3149]

Great idea!

[@christinecameron1612]

Sprouts would be a good one, they are pretty much everywhere and have fairly middle-of-the-spectrum prices.

[@winkieandleah]

A Mexican or other ethnic foods store would be a great video

[@13crazydaisies]

I had no idea you could make a kind of porridge with just milk and flour. So cool.

[@christines3638]

Works with corn meal too or coconut flour too. My kid is a celiac so I have had to come up with substitutions. Coconut flour sucks up tons of water, makes it so you need very little of it. Also reduces need for sweetener

[@dlight2669]

@@christines3638 that's cool I had no idea you could you substitute the corn meal or coconut flour I'm lactose intolerant instead of milk for coffee I use coconut milk so I am excited to hear about your experience

[@misstinahamilton5714]

My father used to make a very similar porridge when I was a kid and the main ingredients are the milk and flour ! I haven't seen it since I was a kid . He grew up very poor with 13 siblings so they had to get by with very little - and it's very good and can be customized many ways

[@misstinahamilton5714]

@@christines3638 My dad made it with corn meal at times

[@MsPants1632]

Me neither! I love this!!

[@kimberlydickson4724]

I really appreciate these videos. I was never taught proper meal planning when growing up and I still struggle with it but these videos are really helping to teach me how to budget and stretch my pantry items as well. I would love to see more of these at other stores. Thank you!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I will be doing more incrementally at other stores. Thank you :)

[@lailari57]

That’s amazing if you did because Whole Foods isn’t called “whole (pay)check” for nothing.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, I made it. Maybe it can be half paycheck sometimes?

[@anniewarbucks9697]

I was about to say.. whole paycheck too... It's gettin' real in the Whole Foods parkin' lot!!!!

[@DianaTx361]

When I lived in Austin I called Whole Foods Whole Paycheck. The only thing I bought there was their bread from their bakery.

[@MsKazzabee]

After you’ve used a teabag to make a cup of tea reuse it in warm water and soak your raisins in tea....game changer

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, someone else also made this comment. I had never heard of this. It sounds like a flavorful trick you have there.

[@wildrose070]

I do appreciate that you do these videos! You have such great ideas when it comes to eating on a budget!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Mamobley5!

[@laurenb7170]

The meals you made looked not only delicious but hearty and healthy as well! I always avoid Whole Foods because of their prices but you did so well! I should give them a try again. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Lauren, thanks for that feedback. Whole Foods can indeed be intimidating. Definitely have to watch it if you have a dollar limit. LOL.

[@user-ib9hg6ch3d]

Hello! Though I live in France and don't have the same stores (except one very small Aldi), I really like your inexpensive meal ideas and the simple way you cook. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you very much, Edda. I wish we had more of the same stores, so I appreciate you watching despite this :)

[@Ealy33]

Curried chicken stew with flat bread looks so delicious!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I did enjoy it. Thank you!

[@pipnails333]

You're so inspiring. I love how you have so much self control when it come to portions. I would be so greedy! I was expecting you to use more pantry items than just some spices. I never thought you could stretch a dollar at whole paycheck like that 🤣. Thank you for showing that a low budget doesn't mean eating junk foods all day.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You're very kind. It was tempting to eat more of the stuff I made, especially the flatbread, but the fiber kept me full. Maybe with really careful planning the store can become Half Paycheck. XOXO.

[@MsPants1632]

Watching this a year later and after the major inflation of food, I still am inspired by your videos. Even though it would probably be more than $20 now, it shows how you can make better choices by just looking around at the prices and doing a little comparing:) i hope your channel grows, because you have great content that really could help many people during these tough financial times! Even though I am not food insecure, it is always great to spend less on groceries!! It’s like a fun challenge!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you so much for the kind words, MP, and glad you are not food insecure as well!

[@barbforbis1260]

Thank you so much for your videos. Im retired and every penny counts. Have learned so much from your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Barb!

[@xolisa25]

I'm always amazed by how you seem to do the impossible with food and budgeting. I want to get as good as you someday! Thanks for the videos, keep em coming!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Lisa, that is very kind feedback. I bet you are better at budgeting than you give yourself credit for. XOXO.

[@kimcapri9178]

All of your meals looked divine, especially the porridge. Yum! I do oatmeal with blueberry/banana for my hot cereal but I am so impressed with how you made that bag of flour stretch I am getting some raisins and sunflower seeds to try that along with homemade noodles. Thank you for sharing! And I just realized why I love your videos. B/c of the ASMR. 😍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Kim, I too love oats with blueberries or bananas. You will do great with the recipes. As long as you use whole milk the porridge is quite satisfying. Some people like it thicker or thinner. The longer you cook it the thicker it gets too. The noodles are good and the salt in them can be reduced to half if you wish. Happy you find me enjoyable to watch :)

[@scruffy281]

20$ at Whole Foods..........you are a shopping GENIUS. I have NEVER walked out of that place for under 80$ . And I live ALONE!!! You are awesome! I love those bins when you can just take the amount you need for a recipe or something. I love that with spices to. That way they don't stay in your pantry and go bad before you use them. Tks for all you do!❤

[@missinginia]

Tried the breakfast porage and was pleasantly surprised. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life and knowledge.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks, Erika. Glad you enjoyed!

[@MissBurr1]

What was the measurements on the pourrige?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

MissBurr1, I have the measurements and directions for the porridge written below the video.

[@christines3638]

I really love the common sense in this video. Thank you. Great job. First time I've seen one of these videos where someone buys a bag of flour and dried peas

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I appreciate that, Christine. Thank you for your comment.

[@MusicEveryday247]

I’m spending way too much on food. Thanks for making these videos. They’re super helpful.

[@cjt519]

Keep these $20 vids coming 👍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I am glad you liked it!

[@lenaallen6196]

I’m trying so hard to eat right, but many of the recipes I have encountered is less than desired. I’m going to try your recipes because not only are they healthy, they are cheap, simple to make and have the ingredients I love! Good work!

[@tessjones5987]

I am so in awe of your budget. thank you for the inspiration and detailed knowledge.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Tess, thank you for watching. I am glad you liked it.

[@beethechange257]

I love that you eat real food. Thanks for uploading.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Welcome back, Deborah. I am glad you like my choices :)

[@orlymayron5236]

Very clever use of $20. I know that I will enjoy all of these recipes. There’s an Italian restaurant in my area that serves roasted garlic ( just like you showed) with bread. It makes the restaurant smell so wonderful 😀. More videos please!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Orly, I love walking into restaurants that smell like cooked garlic. You know you're in for a good meal! Thanks for watching my channel :)

[@tanyadouglas1632]

I like this idea better than the many challenges on KZbin budget challenges.

[@rubyscott6685]

Made the curried split pea stew without the chicken. I had yellow split peas instead of green. I used leftover rice instead of flat bread. It was DELICIOUS!! Thanks! Keep those great recipes coming!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Ruby, glad you made this! I forgot to also suggest chickpeas for people who have it on hand or either don't eat chicken or don't have it. I have eaten the green split pea mixture but like you did, with rice on the side, and I loved it too. Thanks for commenting!

[@rubyscott6685]

The Quaint Housewife I just made the stew with whatever ingredients I had in the house. Sometimes you just have to make do. Best Curry I have ever had, no joke! Thanks for the chickpea suggestion, I will try it next time.

[@erikawoods8975]

I was suggested a budget challenge video by KZbin but the menu was lousy. So I search for an organic or healthy version and there are very few. Yours is fantastic, inexpensive, creative, healthy, and very appealing!! 🥳

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Erika!

[@bettyboo8214]

Excellent video.All the food looked very tasty and also very nutritious. Please do more of these.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Betty!

[@loves2spin2]

Thank you very much for actually writing out all the recipes.

[@snnysnflwrgrl3835]

I love her videos, informative and useful. Her voice isn't annoying at all. Also, unlike so many other videos she doesn't just film herself talking.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I appreciate your compliments, Mai!

[@phoebeaddis9224]

Love this. I’m definitely going to start making flatbread and noodles. I never thought of making porridge with wheat flour! Will try that too. Another benefit of this approach is you eliminate a lot of packaging. I’ve tried to eliminate plastic from my life and it is really hard..

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Glad to hear Phoebe!

[@agodlyhome]

I love this video because it shows people regardless of what their budget is they can choose to eat healthy. We see so many videos where people go into the Dollar tree and they're eating a bunch of prepackaged things. That's okay her emergency but it wouldn't lead to very good help long-term. Keep up the good work!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I've wanted to do more Whole Foods videos but it's kind of far and not sure how much we trust our vehicle. Thanks for the feedback.

[@agodlyhome]

@@TheQuaintHousewife that makes it hard for sure. Maybe you can find similar foods in your regular grocery store.

[@lindab2323]

I don't think enough people realize how reasonable the Whole Foods 365 Brand can be. And if you are a Prime member, there is a 10% savings on top of sale prices. There are MANY bargains to be found. Along with fun indulgences that are not so cheap. One of my very favorite places to shop. :-)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Linda, I agree!

[@mycupoverflows7811]

Yay! I was so excited to see another video from you! I'm so impressed at the delicious meals you cam up with.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for the note!

[@Pandorash8]

You do wonderful and realistic budget meal plans. I have an inability to think/cook within a strict budget, but have to learn! Thank you xx

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You can do it! Thanks Pandora!

[@DanceswithDoxies]

Very impressive, you bring a lot of creativity and imagination to your challenge!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks SN!

[@coloradotrish7297]

First post of yours I've seen. Well done! I never heard of making hot cereal out of just flour and whole milk but I expect it's common.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Patricia! The porridge is more old fashioned than new, but some people still make it to save money.

[@dln7994]

I love all of these recipes. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your video's. Much appreciated!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You are so welcome!

[@Asphesteros]

I plugged all this in my nutrition app just to see and it’s pretty amazing! Assuming everything is used, each day comes out to about 2300cal (which seems too much, so I bet you had leftover four) - 70g fat, 96g protein, 350g carbs (26/16/58) which is within USAD ranges, 55g fiber (a lot!), well above 100% RDA on most micros, only short on C, K, and D, and a little light on potassium, folate, and calcium. But those would trade off easily if fish, peppers, kale, & beans was on sale rather than the chicken, tomato’, carrots, and peas, some another week, easily covering everything over a month. Very impressive!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Asphesteros, thanks for running this tally. I knew the fiber was high because of the green split peas and whole wheat flour. I did not count the rest for this video, I just knew it was very filling. That is good to hear. That is the highest calorie count in all my budget videos. Good alternatives you provided too. Thanks!

[@rebaseymour1810]

Great video. I’ve throughly enjoyed this series. Please do more of these!!! It’s helped me think out side the box.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Reba. This is my third budget shopping video so far. I will be doing more as well. :)

[@lisac9522]

Wow, you did an excellent job! Thank you for showing us an efficient yet gentle way of keeping a $20 budget at Whole Foods and some lovely, hearty recipes. Your voice is very comforting. I love that you utilized the bulk section, that was a very good tip. Sometimes I get my spices from the bulk section too. My QFC(Kroger) has the same organic brand (Frontier) of spices as the health food store. I buy a variety of spices in smaller amounts. I also appreciate that you showed us quick recipes using the whole wheat flower. Making a yeasted loaf of bread is time consuming and requires some skill if done by hand. So thank you for showing us some easy, alternate ways to use the whole wheat flour!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That is lovely feedback, Lisa. I also like to make flatbread because it is quicker than making bread, especially if you bake the flatbread rather than pan fry. Thank you :)

[@InnerBeauty]

I am obsessed with these videos they are so much fun and creative!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Oh thanks! I appreciate that. You kind of look like Kendall Jenner. You've probably been told that many times!

[@InnerBeauty]

@@TheQuaintHousewife haha yes i get that a lot or kim k when i was younger. By the way Jesus loves you, and he is coming soon :) God Bless!

[@melodyglenn3366]

i just watched three of your videos- you are really awesome, keep up the good work. you have a a very different energy than me-- you are so calm and detail oriented and even-keeled, it's very awesome. i am random and sporadic and fast. i'm enjoying learning from you and taking on a bit of your energy, i will greatly look forward to what you do in the future

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Melody, you are good as you are. I am glad you like my energy and presentation. Thank you.

[@wayfarinstranger2444]

CLEAN eating for $20/week!!! That was awesome and very doable!!! Thank you so much!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Nice to know you liked it!

[@mereb29]

You have no idea how happy I am to see you do this challenge at Whole Foods. I love that store but I like to be frugal and it can be tricky to be wise with money in there 🥴 please do more if you can!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Mere, I am glad you found value in this video. I will try to do another Whole Foods video in the future. Thanks :)

[@tamsondarland8951]

Excellent Excellent 👍 Video 👏 Thank you for your very informative details in this video. Very Helpful & I really appreciate the Wonderful Information. Love that you demonstrated all the weekly recipes. They all look very delicious & very nutritious & budget friendly too. God Bless You. Love Tamson 💕 💕😇

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for the great feedback and God bless! XOXO.

[@tamsondarland8951]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Thank you. God Bless You. Love Tamson 💕 💕😇

[@snowgirl926]

The ideas and recipes are great. Thank you very much for sharing. I am going to try these this weekend.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Supersnow. Enjoy the recipes and your weekend!

[@RR-hb7nj]

Believe it or not I jumped for joy when I saw the things you did with the flour. My times are tough right now and the versatility in your video with that sack of flour might make the difference for me dollar-wise with my family. I happen to live in 30 minute walking distance from Whole Foods and I'd love to walk back to our little house and feed my family with the organic flour. Blessings!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

It is so nice to hear my tips could help you. I will say a prayer for you and your family too to help through the troubles. God bless you all, RR.

[@babyface45]

I'm making the porridge this weekend and I can't wait to try it! Loved watching as always.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Babyface (what a cute name), that sounds great. Please use the written recipe under the video for guidance. Thanks :)

[@ellatoler4046]

This video was just what I needed to get back to Whole Foods. Thank you.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Excellent :)

[@joeywd2885]

I really like that you include the recipes with all your meals. My hands would never last the first flatbread if I used the iron press. But, I use my Pasta Machine to roll the flatbread out. It works awesome and does all the work. This passed year I bought the motor that goes on it and now it is a breeze to make many things other than noodles. My hands never ache after using it either. I hope others who have hurting hands can know they too can make your flatbread and noodle recipe very easily. I also make many other things with the pasta machine too. It is really a versatile machine. Thank you for your meals and challenges, they are so fun to do. I hope you never stop! Have a wonderful week. : )

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Joey, I am glad you can make all kinds of flour products. My husband has finger aching and dexterity issues from decades of working with high-power tools, so I understand. I hope your time in the kitchen is otherwise enjoyable :)

[@joeywd2885]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Thank you for your reply. Yes my time in the kitchen is very enjoyable. I do make many things, baking bread and let my Kitchen Aid do the work, make nut butters and let my Vita-Mix do the work. I can pretty much find a machine that can do many many things and that way I can make many things and enjoy them and other people enjoy them too. : ) Yes those appliances are on the expensive side but I saved the money over a period of time and then bought them because for me they were worth every penny because they do more than just make a cake or a smoothie of which I do those too. lol..I really feel for your hubby because the pain is unforgiving most of the time. I have found that my Red Lite does work wonders as does my tens unit I got from Amazon. I do not nor will I take their pain pills. I not saying other people can't take them, just that the pain pills are not for me. I hope you have a lovely weekend and again thank you for helping all of us out here get some great meals and for little money!!!

[@garlicgirl3149]

This is a good education on how to "make it" during lean times especially after the Recession. We all need to learn this.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, GG.

[@hippybecca]

I love really thick split pea soup. Im going to try your noodle recipe and flatbread.

[@halicodekas9509]

Love your video! A very well rounded video, from start to finish. On to more watching!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks!

[@rubyscott6685]

Thanks for the idea about the raisins! Will try it today!

[@LouellaLikes]

try soaking your raisins in some leftover ( strong ) black tea. I always do that when I'm baking a raisin bundt cake or pancakes.

[@rubyscott6685]

Pia-Lou Ma thanks!

[@ItsRealyReall]

I love the porridge idea. Did not think of that. :D Thank you so much.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You're welcome :)

[@davidx4120]

WOW! Loved the video. You're quite the cook and very innovative. Thank you for this valuable video. Love the split pea stew, I def. want to try that.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Brooks, I was hoping people would like the foods. Thanks!

[@XDfullmoonXD]

That's a great shopping list! One way i would've saved more money is buying a few cans of beans instead of the chicken, they're $0.79 cents a can. I usually pair it with pasta bc that's cheap as well. Plenty of protein and could have a taco night with it. :) And a carton of soy or almond milk is $2. Honestly, these little switches helped me budget things out as a college student

[@lifereceiver3661]

To save more, buy raw beans and sprout not canned beans and garden some of your raw beans sprouts.

[@yasminreyes957]

Yes when I went to LA I find Wholefoods quiet expensive...But I bought a lot of Now Essential Oils a bit cheap... Though I am only a tourist I just take a glimpse into the veggies...But I guess they have the freshest...glad of your tour... Thanks!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yasmin, I hope you enjoyed your travels and glad you got your oils at a good price!

[@rayy2670]

Enjoyed the video! We're trying to live below our means while still eating healthy. Easier in summer with garden produce. We also always get raisins and sunflower seeds as our cheaper option. On looser months we get dates, almonds and goji.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Those sound great. Goji berries are such a treat too!

[@TheThomasMom]

Wow, this was great, thank you for sharing! I got some great ideas!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I appreciate you writing this, Kathy. Thanks!

[@Indianprepper2478]

In my country (India) we call this home made bread " Roti / Phulka Or Chapati . & we eat on daily basic

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, it's very good. I try to make a lot!

[@Indianprepper2478]

@@TheQuaintHousewife Plus it healthy .

[@maribelviegas788]

Yeah these recipes look very similar to some daily mexican meals as well, love the ideas

[@astrostar43]

Indians use a lot of lentils & pulses to make "daal"... & whole wheat flour tortillas called "rotis"... And make all kinds of non-veg curries as well... It is very interesting to browse Indian grocery stores which r everywhere nowadays as they hv a wide array of spices...lentils..pulses...grains.. Fresh vegs...etc... Turmeric has become very popular for reducing inflammation & other health benefits... U can also find "ghee" which.is clarified butter which is considered to be a healthy alternative to oil in cooking... There r tons of recipies for Indian foods on youtube... which U can experiment with...

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I buy fresh ginger and turmeric root whenever I can. I grate them and make tea out of them. If I had an Indian store around me I would go to save some good money!

[@mereb29]

Neena M you are so right! Indian stores have saved me mega money over the years and the quality of the food is excellent! I’m there every week for fresh ginger, garlic, tumeric and dried beans for cheap yet healthy meals :)

[@astrostar43]

@@TheQuaintHousewife I'm sure U can find one...they r everywhere...google it... Btw ginger & turmeric tea is very good for U...esp if U hv a cold...or sore throat...

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Neena, these stores are far away from me, but I have been to a few in past years.

[@astrostar43]

@@TheQuaintHousewife I just got a flyer frm Lidl & they hv great prices...& sales.... Salsa for $1..avocados 69 cents...this week.. I hv never been to this store...but plan on chking it out if there is one near me...

[@loves2spin2]

You did a very good job on this. Thank you for the recipes. I am particularly excited about the porridge!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Yolanda, thank you! If you want to make it please follow the written instructions under the video for the porridge recipe :)

[@rosannejimenez1756]

My favorite (affordable) comfort meal is, brown rice & (steamed) yams or sweet potatoes w/butter or coconut oil😍 Or spaghetti squash & chili beans😋 (also w/butter or coconut oil).

[@Katie-ki5be]

Amazing how you can make $20 stretch. I love whole foods and am looking for ways to stretch my food budget while still being able to shop for healthy organic ingredients. I can't eat grains or beans or dairy but think I will try substituting flax meal for the flour. Thank you for sharing!!

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

This video is awesome. I am excellent to try your noodle recipe. My mother made them similarly and I've been procrastinating about dragging out a recipe for them. 😂 I'm a new supporter and definitely clicked the bell.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Nikki, making noodles from scratch can feel like a chore when you're not in the mood. It's a good activity for a rainy or snowy day. You can always freeze the dough after it's kneaded to roll it out another day. Thank you for joining!

[@sisterslothington]

I saw the title and thought "and she bought one potato!" 😂 I love wholefoods but man it's expensive. I'm excited to see the video now though! edit: amazing use of resources. It all looked delicious too!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

MFJ, thank you for that feedback. I am glad you liked it :)

[@everydy]

This was really great! Plz do more of these if you can

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi M. Precio. Are you referring to specifically Whole Foods videos or extreme budgeting at supermarkets in general? Thanks for the feedback :)

[@Beauty20ify]

Thanks for creating and sharing your video with us👌🏽. I’m up for the challenge now!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Beauty, I am glad you liked this video. Best of luck on your food shopping trip!

[@Stephanie-hv1vn]

This was great! Love that you went to whole foods and also love that you got healthy organic ingredients and made great meals! Will these recipes work if i use the organic unbleached flour?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you! As for the recipes, they will not be exact anymore but they will still be perfectly tasty with the substitution. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than white. Try adding about 10% more white flour than the flour quantities I call for, and add more flour as you need from there. Happy cooking :)

[@Bellab1x1y1z]

You have such a great Skill at This - Wonderful Video

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Agreed, and thank you.

[@DeAnn3262]

Perfect timing! Trying to clean out the pantry and I have pretty much all of the dry ingredients! Never seen whole wheat porridge before. Is it similar to cream of wheat? Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Oh that is great! Wheat porridge is made from the whole wheat flour in my grocery haul. People also do this with corn meal to make a hot cereal. Thanks for watching!

[@brandynash1409]

Yes this is similar the cream of wheat, but much smoother. We make homemade cream of wheat by grinding wheat... which would be whole wheat flour. And cook it similar.

[@nikkifangaiuiha1986]

Great video you make everything look so easy an yummy too. Keep up the videos there really interesting to watch. 👍😁

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Nikki!

[@BlueJaybeeBird]

Your video was featured in my 12 Tomatoes newsletter. Congratulations!!!!

[@christmasmonster723]

Impressive! I never would have thought $20 at Whole Foods would go that far for a whole week. Question - I want to make your flatbread topping but I ran out of olive oil and can't afford a whole bottle right now. Can I use vegetable oil?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, for my recipes you can use any oil you have on hand. Thanks!

[@tamsondarland8951]

Dollar General Store sells smaller bottles of olive oil; as well as Save a Lot Grocery Stores. Both stores have great prices on these smaller bottles of Olive Oil. Just a tip.

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

You could even use melted butter or substitute. Put a few spices in it to match your entree. Yummy!

[@mariaa.5829]

Tortilla Press

[@mariaa.5829]

@@tamsondarland8951 Good to know. I bought a large bottle of Greek olive oil from Costco back when Costco sold Greek olive oil.

[@lalalaacc5020]

Taco seasoning packets are great if you don't have a ton of seasonings ! And hot sauce ! :D

[@Stephygirl-y2h]

Came upon your video randomly and loved it, had to subscribe. Thanks for sharing.💛

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for joining me :)

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

Have I told you how much I love your channel. I’m so glad I found you 💚

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Oh that is nice to read 😊 Thank you!

[@YT4Me57]

You went a totally different direction than I was thinking :-) Haven't had split pea soup in a very long time. May try that again. You were creative in putting those recipes together. My list probably would have included: eggs, rice or potatoes, dried beans (from the bulk section), the chicken and milk. I already have oatmeal, flour and seasonings in my pantry.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Good alternatives! Thank you for watching, YT!

[@Siriuslyyy]

Hello, I really appreciate that your recipes are college student Life friendly and do not require unknown ingredients or any machinery. Thank you so much! Grad school will be easier because of you. Can you please upload your recipes in short videos by the name of the meal please? So people like me can pull up those recipe videos when we're cooking

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi, thank you so much for your nice feedback. I might consider doing this, Siriusly, For now, if you would like, please utilize this video or the recipes all written out in the video description box.

[@tamsondarland8951]

Do you have specific cookbooks you get your beautiful recipes from ?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I do not, however I am thinking of putting my own together :)

[@tamsondarland8951]

@@TheQuaintHousewife That sounds fantastic. Love Tamson 💕 💕😇

[@hannahkarzin554]

I love watching your videos! As a poor grad student, some of your tips and tricks have come in very handy! I can't wait to try some of these recipes!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Hannah! I am glad my content is useful for you!

[@shawpaperiekas600]

Wow!!! That sure is a heck of a challenge!!!

[@giselle8292]

great video! Please keep them coming!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Giselle :)

[@karenlin-mahar3403]

Great recipes and awesome challenge! Well done!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Many thanks Karen!

[@debbiechaney6607]

Unbelievable, everything looks so very delicious and nutritious!! Good for you...I am amazed you do all that for $20.00. Thank you so very much!! Sincerely, Debbie and Dexter-Dog in S. California.🙋🐾🙏🌼💐💓😃

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks so much for your lovely feedback!

[@clakams]

great ideas, do you have any suggestions for a lo or no carb version of this haul and all?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Claire, thank you. I do not have suggested changes for your requested diet.

[@WholeHeartily]

That curry stew looks so fabulous 👌

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you. I did enjoy it. My original plan was to have chopped cauliflower mixed in. Unfortunately that had to be nixed due to the budget constraint. ☹

[@WholeHeartily]

The Quaint Housewife ahhhhhhh!!!! Cauliflower is such and awesome pantry staple. My mom uses it a lot since she and my dad went low carb. They use is it for pizza crust! I’m also really fond of cauliflower “wings”

[@loves2spin2]

Well, I made your porridge today, just 1/2 of the recipe for myself. I really like it! Again, thank you. I am currently trying not to buy any food, as we have quite a bit, and I need to work through it, and I had been wondering what I would decide to do if I run out of oatmeal. Now, I'm all set, as we do have plenty of wheat. :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I am happy to hear this, Yolanda. I am guessing you made what I wrote out as the "children's serving" under the video description. It is really enough for an adult, but some people's bowls are different sizes! Hopefully your food will spread as far as you wish :)

[@Mariamaria-tr2xk]

Thank You very much! So creative! You are an expert! 👍

[@helloitsme9808]

I usually go shopping and just buy whatever sounds good at the time, usually spend 20-30/week. If I bought porridge to eat for days in a row, I wouldn't be able to stick with it. Soup every day for lunch is just never gonna happen, maybe two days if it's really good. I guess sticking to a budget is easier if you just eat the same things all week.

[@yolandam611]

Everything is overpriced at Whole foods. I only go there for a few special items when I can splurge. I got milk at aldi yesterday for $1.99

[@prynkya]

Exactly. I would rather get my money's worth. And Aldi does that for me.