Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlatan
Learn to make dishes that are economical. In other words, don't concentrate on Filet Mignon and expensive cuts of meat. Try cooking oxtail, shin, etc. Learn to cook with Tofu, lentils and beans (all good sources of protein).
I do take a small issue with Levite's suggestion to only go for fresh. Yes, fresh is usually better but if you can't get it, don't obsess about it (I would argue that canned Tomatoes are better than fresh when fresh are not in season).
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I can't believe I forgot about that, especially since I just handled them right before posting.
There are many foods which you don't even need to buy from costco/sams and can be used to greatly expand the variety and amount of solid meals you get out of things. Oxtails can be boiled for a while to make not just a fairly good soup/stew if they have enough meat on them but also to make an excellent stock that can be used for everything from stir-frying to making a quick soup with some frozen vegetables and chicken thighs.
A single "normal" sized pack of barley and lentils each for example can be used to make enough stew to feed my mother and I for several meals. It's extremely filling, quite healthy, and provides good energy. The last one's especially important for young college students who'll be burning a lot studying (and other things...). Ramen may be filling but it's a dead meal.
I also somewhat dispute the freshness reliance. Some things, such as reputable frozen vegetables, are an excellent buy. I keep frozen green/yellow beans and carrots in my freezer all the time; they last for ages and can be steamed, stir-fried, or put into a soup. They're also quite inexpensive for the amount you get and need to use.
It's tricks like that which can keep a college student eating
healthy food inexpensively without playing siller buggers with their weight and diet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fremen
I wish I had access to a butcher and fishmonger.
Seems only big cities have those.
Shop for non-refrigerated items first
Ramen noodles are a college-goers staple
Don't buy too much at one time. (your back will thank you, later)
Don't shop on an empty stomach
Don't shop around the first of the month or on the weekends, if you can help it.
Utilize sales papers and coupons
Comparison shop different stores, get a good feel for what best buys are best for you
Buy generic when possible, but never compromise on taste. (Some generic food tastes like shit.)
Buy meat in bulk and freeze it. (wrap it in plastic wrap, then tinfoil, then date it)
Keep your receipts
Be nice to your service people
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Never be afraid to ask for advice, help, or if they can do something different for you. Publix for example is a chain grocery store that runs their meat and bakery departments in-house. They can repackage, re-cut, and re-price just about anything appropriately for me.
Find out when they get and cut their meats, find out when shipments of produce usually arrive. I can get a lot of stuff they'd usually throw out (certain bones are great for stocks) for free if I call ahead and ask nicely the day before they get a meat shipment.