This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Lunch salad with leftover spicy pulled beef and peaches

Dinner: Grilled salmon with potato and garlic scape hobo packs

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Lunch salad with leftover spicy pulled beef and strawberries

Dinner: Chorizo and potato hash with mustard greens and garlic scapes

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Ate out

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Purslane pesto over turkey breast with garlicky mashed cauliflower

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Fish sauce ($8.99 @ Whole Foods)
Apple cider vinegar ($6.99 @ Whole Foods)
Coconut aminos ($9.49 @ Whole Foods)
Bag of baby potatoes ($3.99 @ Whole Foods)
Honey ($7.49 @ Whole Foods)
Basil ($3.49 @ Whole Foods)
Onions ($1.17 @ Whole Foods)
Cauliflower ($3.99 @ Whole Foods)
Coho Salmon (1 lb) ($11.27 @ Whole Foods)
Almond milk $3.00 @ Whole Foods)

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger ($0.72 @ Whole Foods)
Coconut water ($3.99 @ Whole Foods)
Big bag apples ($6.49 @ Whole Foods)
Bag of limes ($3.99 @ Whole Foods)
3 Avocados ($7.50 @ Whole Foods)
Bagged kale (1 lb.) ($2.99 @ Whole Foods)
Bagged spinach ($2.99 @ Whole Foods)

Impulse Buys

$2.99 for spring water I don’t remember buying
$7.99 for Momofuku Ssam sauce
$1.49 x 2 because we forgot to bring bags
$2.99 for grape tomatoes
$3.99 for strawberries

 

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $110.26; $10.26 over budget. Grrrrr. I had hoped this would be a cheap week – I started the week with enough CSA meat and veggies to mostly make it through, and only needed a few expensive staples (which were hella expensive at Whole Foods). All of this added up. Plus, add in $20.94 in impulse buys because I have zero self-control and impulse shopped for groceries. Boo.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have broccoli raab, london broil, emergency burgers, garlic tails, roasted garlic, fats, a couple radishes and a few carrots left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers salad utilizing rotisserie chicken, peaches and Asian greens

Dinner: Bunless turkey burger with mustardy chard

Tuesday

Breakfast: 2 fried eggs

Lunch: Leftovers salad utilizing spicy shredded beef, peaches, guacamole and Asian greens

Dinner: Thai Basil Chicken & Greens utilizing beet and carrot greens + the rest of the CSA carrots

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Roasted chicken thighs with peaches, garlic tails, radishes and baby spinach

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Collard greens with smoked fat back and confit bird leg

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Peaches ($3.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Sparkling water ($0.79 @ Trader Joe’s)

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger ($1.39 @ Trader Joe’s)
Coconut water ($3.69 @ Trader Joe’s)
4 Apples ($2.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
1 lb. limes ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
4 small avocados ($3.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
1 regular avocado ($1.39 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bagged kale (2) ($4.58 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bagged spinach ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s)

Totals

CSA Veggies: $25.50
CSA Meats: $40.00
Trader Joe’s: $26.54

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $92.04; $7.96 under budget.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have a bunch of CSA veggies and meats left over – enough that next week’s shopping trip is going to be filled with staples and only a few dinner components. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Bul gogi beef with a light snap pea/scallion/bell pepper salad

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Bunless burger with roasted green beans

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Quick stir-fry using carrots, carrot greens & tazoi spinach from my CSA box + leftover meats and bell pepper from my grocery stockpile

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover stir-fry from last night

Dinner: Simple curry bowl with leftover rotisserie chicken, callaloo greens and kale from my CSA box and coconut milk

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers from last night

Dinner: Out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Bamboo skewers ($4.99 @ Whole Foods)
Roasted unsalted almonds ($5.99 @ Whole Foods)
Pretzel buns ($4.49 @ Whole Foods)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, family pack ($8.15 @ Whole Foods)
Cherries ($7.61 @ Whole Foods)
Pellegrino ($1.19 @ Whole Foods) – fantastic price

 

Smoothie Supplies

Coconut water ($3.69 @ Whole Foods)
5 Apples ($5.71 @ Whole Foods) – jeebus!
5 limes ($3.75 @ Whole Foods) – jeebus!
2 Avocados ($5.00 @ Whole Foods) – jeebus!
Bagged kale (1 lb) ($2.99 @ Whole Foods) – great price
Orange juice ($2.99 @ Whole Foods)
Bagged spinach ($4.49 @ Whole Foods) – woof!

 

Totals

Whole Foods: $50.15
CSA Veggies: $25.50

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $75.65; $24.35 under budget. Well. It’s a good thing I didn’t really need much this week – some of those smoothie items were twice the price I’m used to spending!

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have light Asian greens, chard, beets and carrots from my CSA box; ground turkey and burger patties in the freezer; and a few other bits and bobs – half an onion, half a pound of other carrots, plus some cooked meats left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Spicy beef tacos with avocado crema, paleo tortillas & chipotle lime broccolini

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: I had planned on making The Lady And Pups’ Xi’an Style Smushed Lamb Burgers (or a riff on that, anyways), but the meat gods weren’t smiling at me in the grocery store, and the DH ended up working anyways – I improvised instead, and ate leftover spicy beef with avocado crema + sautéed some mushrooms in butter. Dinner didn’t really “go together”, but it was delicious and I got to eat all the mushrooms I wanted (the DH is not a fan).

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: A riff on PaleoOMG’s spaghetti pie, only with butternut instead of spaghetti squash.

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Dinner was supposed to be simple grilled chicken & green beans with TJ’s sriracha garlic bbq sauce. Green beans straight on the grill = fail. We ended up having just chicken (which was delicious) and snacks.

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Ate out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Eggs ($2.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Tomato paste (tube) ($1.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
Italian sausage ($4.76 @ Trader Joe’s)
Basil ($2.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Tri tip roast ($29.12 @ Trader Joe’s)
Broccolini ($2.79 @ Trader Joe’s)
Ground turkey ($3.79 @ Trader Joe’s)
Sugar snap peas ($2.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Ready cut butternut squash ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
Black pepper grinder ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
Russet potato ($0.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Onions (3) ($2.37 @ Trader Joe’s)
Garlic ($1.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Cilantro ($1.79 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bell pepper ($0.99 @ Trader Joe’s)

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger ($1.39 @ Trader Joe’s)
5 Apples ($3.95 at Trader Joe’s)
1 lb. limes ($2.69 at Trader Joe’s)
4 Avocados (1 extra needed for dinners) ($5.56 at Trader Joe’s)
Bagged kale ($2.2 at Trader Joe’s)

Impulse Buys

Pizza sauce ($2.49 @ Trader Joe’s) plus
Cheese tortellini ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s) for Sunday’s dinner (DH)
Can crab ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s) plus
Red bell pepper ($0.99 @ Trader Joe’s) for Sunday’s dinner (me)
Brooklyn Bangers sausages ($5.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Sriracha BBQ sauce ($2.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bulgogi beef strips ($6.74 @ Trader Joe’s)
Cruciferous Crunch ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)

 

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $104.28; $0.00 over/under budget. HaHaHa – I need to stop shopping while hungry; I impulse buy too much meat. Which is better than chips health-wise, but more expensive. I’m calling this week dead on budget, since I bought dinner for the night for both my DH and I while shopping, and those $4 would have had me under for the week.

I also had to think on my feet again this week – TJ’s did not have the ground pork and lamb I wanted to make this crazy Xi’an Style Smushed Lamb Burgers – I’ll do what I can with turkey. They also did not have spaghetti squash – I had planned on making a pizza casserole, but will have to cobble something together with the butternut squash instead. I did manage to grab everything else on my list – plus, I found out after shopping that the DH won’t be home one night for dinner – so this week will be full of substitutions.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have burgers, korean beef, ground turkey, some pretty old serrano chiles, various and sundry cooked meats, a couple lonely scallions, a hand full of carrots, green beans, snap peas, a bell pepper, and some stock bones I need to attend to left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week. Next week also starts this year’s CSA – whoo hoo!

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover slaw mix with the last of last week’s cherry tomatoes + a leftover pork chop

Dinner: I had intended on making the Indian rice paper wrapped beef samosas I wanted to make last week, but where I shopped for groceries this week also did not have rice paper wrappers, so I scrapped the idea and made something up again.

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers – the last of the coleslaw mix with some pulled pork

Dinner: Cauliflower crust stromboli with ham and pepperoni

Wednesday

Breakfast: Boo – life got away from the hubbs this morning, so no smoothie. I made eggs with some leftover pepperoni and tomato sauce

Lunch: Half an apple, half a mango and leftover flank steak

Dinner: Tonight we attended a cookout. I brought two varieties of vegan/allergy-free salad – stone fruit and spring pea and radish (recipes coming soon).

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: I had the last of the leftover flank steak with some of last night’s stone fruit salad

Dinner: I bought chicken and green beans and had intended on making a simple dinner, but decided to use up some leftovers instead. I served some leftover pulled pork over the spring pea and radish salad I made yesterday. Simple, took like 3 minutes, and delicious.

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover spring pea & radish salad with leftover polled pork (again)

Dinner: Ate out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Ended up having a bunch of snacks for lunch and dinner – some I bought at the grocery that day, and some I had on hand from previous trips.

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Just BARE no antibiotic chicken breast tenders, 14oz. ($5.49 @Amazon Fresh)
Green beans, 1 lb. ($1.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic broccoli slaw, 9 oz. ($2.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Radishes ($0.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Crimini mushrooms, 8 oz. ($2.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Lemon ($0.69 @ Amazon Fresh)
Cauliflower ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Snow peas, 1 lb. ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
BelGioioso fresh perline mozzarella, 8 oz. ($3.19 @ Amazon Fresh)
Green seedless grapes, 2 lb. ($6.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
Fuji apple ($1.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
Applegate Naturals mini pork pepperoni, 4 oz. ($4.59 @ Amazon Fresh)
Applegate Naturals Virginia ham, 0.50 lb. ($5.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
Scallions ($0.79 @ Amazon Fresh)
Eden Organic pizza sauce, 15 oz. ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Dole pineapple chunks, 20 oz. ($1.59 @ Amazon Fresh)
Red mango ($1.99 @ Amazon Fresh)

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger, 8 oz. ($1.92 @ Amazon Fresh)
Zico Natural coconut water, 1 liter ($3.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
5 Apples ($3.75 @ Amazon Fresh)
1.5 lbs. limes ($2.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
2 Avocados ($4.00 @ Amazon Fresh)
Bagged kale, 16 oz. ($5.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Bagged spinach, 9 oz. ($1.99 @ Amazon Fresh)

 

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $87.34; $12.66 under budget. I am seriously thankful delivery groceries was an option for me this week. Saturday was a big race, and when Sunday rolled around I was too sore to want to walk to the store, let alone carry groceries back home. Delivery groceries, you are a lifesaver – even if you don’t have everything I wanted.

I tacked on $10 to this week’s grocery total to account for the last-minute fruit run I sent my DH on the day of the cookout to pick up plums, nectarines and a red pepper. I don’t know how much those items *actually* cost, but he went to the expensive fancy store, so I’m guessing it was a bunch.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have burgers, chicken breasts, green beans, some herbs, some carrots, and a few serrano peppers left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week. I also have more than enough meat to get myself through the week for lunch, so all I have to worry about while grocery shopping is vegetables – score!

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Monday was a holiday, so we treated it like a Sunday and ate out.

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Roast chicken + leftovers

Dinner: Paleo teriyaki skirt steak with grilled shishito peppers

Extras: Vegan cheese ball + chili-dusted baked tortillas & chili-lime cantaloupe spears for book club

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Coleslaw mix + roast chicken + cherry tomatoes + grapes + balsamic vinegar

Dinner: Pork chops with Spicy Thai Broccoli Slaw (recipe here)

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: More of the same from yesterday, with added sunflower seeds

Dinner: I had my very own version of Chopped going on this night – The grocery store didn’t have everything for the dish I wanted to make (beef samosas in rice paper wraps), and I didn’t want to just make that because I want to try again next week, so I improvised with what was in my fridge and made a springy dish with meatballs, spinach, peas and preserved lemon (recipe coming soon).

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: The last of the roast chicken + Thai broccoli slaw

Dinner: Takeout for the hubby + some hot bar meat & veggies for me, grabbed on the way home after yoga

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Olive oil, 1 liter ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Unsweetened shredded coconut ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Boneless center cut pork chops ($6.62 @ Trader Joe’s)
Raw cashews ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Corn tortillas ($1.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Shishito peppers, 6oz. ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
Grass fed ground beef, 1 lb. ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Cantaloupe spears ($3.69 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bagged spinach ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
Flank steak ($13.76 @ Trader Joe’s)
Garlic, 3 oz. ($1.49 @ Trader Joe’s)

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger ($1.39 @ Trader Joe’s)
Zico Natural coconut water ($3.69 @ Trader Joe’s)
4 Apples ($3.16 @ Trader Joe’s)
1 lb. limes ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)
2 Avocados ($2.98 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bagged kale (2) ($4.58 @ Trader Joe’s)
Bagged spinach ($2.29 @ Trader Joe’s)

Impulse Buys

Speculoos cookie butter ice cream, 1 quart ($4.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Non-dairy chocolate coconut milk ice cream, 1 pint ($3.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Roasted chicken breast ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Organic broccoli slaw, 12oz. ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Roasted plantain chips ($1.69 @ Trader Joe’s)
Smoked paprika ($1.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Grass fed ground beef, 1 lb. ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Fleur de sel caramel sauce ($3.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Coconut milk ($0.99 @ Trader Joe’s)
Heirloom mini tomatoes, 1 lb. ($3.49 @ Trader Joe’s)
Old Amsterdam gouda ($7.19 @ Trader Joe’s)
Thai lime & chili cashews ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s)

Items That Were On The List But TJ’s Did Not Have

I had originally planned to make cauliflower crust stromboli this week, but TJ’s did not have cauliflower. Which knocked: cauliflower, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and pizza toppings off my list. I had also wanted to make a collard green salad one night, but no collards were to be found. And the samosas were supposed to be wrapped in rice paper instead of loose. I also needed nutritional yeast for a vegan cheese ball I made for book club, but that was a bust as well.

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $126.75; $26.75 over budget. This week was fairly ridiculous, both in the planning and the shopping. I over-planned dinners (I forgot that Monday was a holiday when planning last week) and then went a little crazy with the impulse shopping at Trader Joe’s. Hey, I was excited – I haven’t been actual grocery shopping since it was last not freezing outside. And I had my DH with me to help carry groceries back, which totally added to the ‘I can buy all the things’ mentality. Plus, I was hungry. Never a good plan at the grocery store. But on the plus side, I have lots of leftovers for next week – and the start of this year’s CSA is imminent.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have burger patties, carrots and ground beef left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Boo. No smoothie – I forgot to order important things while grocery shopping. Like limes. And avocados. So, I had some leftover cut fruit I’d purchased over the weekend as a snack.

Lunch: Leftovers – sauteed grapes, olives & chicken

Dinner: Quick stir-fry of chicken, broccolini and red bell pepper leftover from last week

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Pulled pork with sauteed collard greens and carrots

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Last week’s leftover paleo paella with the rest of the roasted chicken

Dinner: Paleo cheeseburger mac

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover paleo cheeseburger mac

Dinner: Pulled pork tacos in collard leaves with pickled carrots

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover paleo cheeseburger mac

Dinner: Out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Boneless, skinless antibiotic-free chicken thighs, 20oz. ($5.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic carrots, 1 lb. ($0.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, 64 oz. ($2.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Grass fed ground beef, 1 lb. ($9.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Cilantro ($0.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Taylor Farms coleslaw, 16 oz. ($1.50 @ Amazon Fresh)
Boneless pork shoulder roast, 3 lb. ($14.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Lemon, x2 ($1.38 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic collards ($3.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
McCormick chili powder, 2.5 oz. ($2.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
McCormick oregano, 3.12 oz. ($4.90 @ Amazon Fresh)
Planters dry roasted sunflower kernels, 5.85 oz. ($1.58 @ Amazon Fresh)
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, 15 oz. ($3.26 @ Amazon Fresh)
Raw organic honey, 12 oz. ($6.60 @ Amazon Fresh)
Badia onion powder, 9.5 oz. ($2.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
McCormick garlic powder, 3.12 oz. ($2.59 @ Amazon Fresh)
La Croix sparkling water, 8 pk. lime ($2.88 @ Amazon Fresh)

Smoothie Supplies

3 Apples ($2.25 @Amazon Fresh)
Bagged kale, 16 oz. ($5.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Bagged spinach, 9 oz. ($1.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Zico Natural coconut water, 1 liter ($3.98 @ Amazon Fresh)

 

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $84.32; $15.68 under budget. Ish. I forgot limes and avocado for smoothies, and really didn’t plan that well for four full meals – Thursday’s dinner was really more of an appetizer. I knew this week needed to be heavy on staples (we were out of a bunch of spices), so I planned on going light on groceries – and succeeded. A little *too* well. Also this week, I purchased supplies to make two separate salads to take to a Memorial Day BBQ. I used the collards for dinner one night, so it looks like I’ll be down to one salad – good thing I bought coleslaw mix to beef that single salad up. Fingers crossed that it isn’t a disaster.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have a leek, some carrots and burgers left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Pulled pork with pineapple rhubarb salsa and coleslaw mix

Dinner: Paleo shrimp scampi

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Pulled pork with pineapple rhubarb salsa and coleslaw mix

Dinner: Roasted chicken with poblanos and potatoes

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover egg drop soup + leftover paleo shrimp scampi

Dinner: Ate out

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover roasted chicken with poblanos and potatoes + green olives

Dinner: Roasted chicken with citrus herbed jicama

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover chicken with green olives & grapes

Dinner: Race fuel – ground beef with a tiny bit of rice (purchased mid-week, ~ $10)

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Pimento stuffed green olives, 0.60 lb. ($3.59 @ Fresh Direct)
Lemons, 2 ($1.78 @ Fresh Direct)
Epicurean Farms local heritage no-antibiotic whole chicken, 3.28 lbs. ($9.81 @ Fresh Direct)
Goya coconut milk, 13.5 oz. ($2.19 @ Fresh Direct)
Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin, 15 oz. ($2.29 @ Fresh Direct)
Sir Kensington’s all natural mayo, 10 oz. ($5.99@ Fresh Direct)
Pat LaFrieda dry aged beef burgers, 4pk., 1.50 lb. ($13.49 @ Fresh Direct)
Blue Foot fresh cleaned shrimp, 1.03 lb. ($16.47 @ Fresh Direct)
Organic carrots, 1 lb. ($1.99 @ Fresh Direct)
Diced jicama, 8 oz. ($2.99 @ Fresh Direct)
Garlic, 2 heads ($0.88 @ Fresh Direct)
Yellow onion, 0.79 lb. ($0.78 @ Fresh Direct)
Poblano pepper, 0.27 lb. ($0.94 @ Fresh Direct)
Rosemary ($1.99 @ Fresh Direct)
White cauliflower ($5.49 @ Fresh Direct)

 

Smoothie Supplies

Ginger, 6 oz. ($2.99 @ Fresh Direct)
4 Apples ($3.99 @ Fresh Direct)
Limes, 6 ($3.00 @ Fresh Direct)
2 Avocados ($4.00 @ Fresh Direct)
Satur Farms cut mixed kale, 1 lb. ($5.99 @ Fresh Direct)
Earthbound Farm organic baby spinach, 5 oz. ($3.99 @ Fresh Direct)

Totals

Fresh Direct: $100.80 (with delivery)

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $100.80; .80 over budget. Boo overages. I need to have another cheap week soon!

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have some limp broccolini, a red pepper, a pound of carrots, hand full of jicama, a few leeks, and 2 dinners’ worth of burgers left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover “race fuel” – ground beef with a tiny bit of rice

Dinner: Grilled salmon with paleo spring vegetable paella

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Leftover paella from last night + bacon and 2 fried eggs

Dinner: Paleo pork tacos with pineapple rhubarb salsa

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Pulled pork over cabbage slaw with pineapple rhubarb salsa

Dinner: Chicken with roasted spring vegetables and a lemon goat cheese sauce

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Pulled pork over cabbage slaw with pineapple rhubarb salsa again, since it was so good yesterday

Dinner: Pulled pork & spring vegetable “pad thai” with bell pepper, peas and carrot – but not the spaghetti squash it was supposed to have.

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Whipped goat cheese chicken salad with thyme, grapes & pecan

Dinner: Ate out

Sunday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Out

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Red bell pepper ($1.08 @ Amazon Fresh)
Zucchini, 1lb (2) ($2.29 @ Amazon Fresh)
Just BARE boneless skinless antibiotic-free chicken thighs, 20oz. ($5.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
Natural pork boneless shoulder roast, 3 lb. ($14.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Coleslaw mix, 16oz. ($1.50 @ Amazon Fresh)
Cauliflower ($4.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
Red seedless grapes, 2 lb. ($5.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
Alaska wild caught sockeye salmon, 8oz. x 2 ($14.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
Sunset mini kumato tomatoes, 16oz. ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Chavrie goat cheese, 4oz. ($3.07 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic leeks, 3 ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic broccolini ($3.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Asparagus ($4.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Green onions ($1.29 @ Amazon Fresh)
Birds Eye frozen peas, 10.8oz. ($1.79 @ Amazon Fresh)
Sliced pimentos, 4oz. ($2.19 @ Amazon Fresh)
Organic fingerling potatoes, 1.5 lb. ($4.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Spaghetti squash ($3.84 @ Amazon Fresh)
Yellow onion ($0.99 @ Amazon Fresh)
Reese quartered artichoke hearts, 14oz. ($2.49 @ Amazon Fresh)
La Croix sparkling water (lime), 8 pk ($2.88 @ Amazon Fresh)

Smoothie Supplies

Zico Natural coconut water, 1 liter ($3.98 @ Amazon Fresh)
4 Apples (Food Emporium)
5 limes (Food Emporium)
2 Avocados (Food Emporium)
Bagged kale (Food Emporium)

 

Totals

Food Emporium $20
Amazon Fresh $95.27

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $115.27; $15.27 over budget. Crap. I *knew* this week looked expensive as I was checking out on Amazon Fresh — and then I remembered that I’d already purchased $20 worth of smoothie supplies. The grilled salmon treat was totally worth the overage, though. Boo overages.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have spaghetti squash, some random bits (half a can of artichoke hearts, half a jar of pimento, half a bunch of broccolini, half a package of coleslaw mix) left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat. 

This Week’s Menu

Monday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Chicken/cabbage/rhubarb/grape salad

Dinner: Semi-successful thyme & lemon chicken with rhubarb and sweet potato

Tuesday

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Lunch: Chicken/cabbage/rhubarb/grape salad

Dinner: Bunless burger with not-the-best hot chili sautéed broccoli rabe

Wednesday

Breakfast: Green smoothies

Lunch: Chicken/cabbage/rhubarb/grape salad

Dinner: Pork chops with chili blistered brussels sprouts

Thursday

Breakfast: Green smoothies

Lunch: Chicken/rhubarb/grape/pecan salad

Dinner: A ludicrously small amount of peas with broiled London broil

Friday

Breakfast: Green smoothies

Lunch: Chicken/rhubarb/pecan salad

Dinner: Out

Saturday

Breakfast: Out

Lunch: Out

Dinner: Pre-race fuel – my DH made his pre-race meal of rice & hamburger – mine was heavy on the burger/light on rice; his was heavy on rice/light on meat.

 

This Week’s Grocery List

Cage-free brown eggs, dozen ($3.79 @ Fresh Direct)
Sliced antibiotic-free rosemary grilled chicken breast, 6oz. x2 ($8.00 @ Fresh Direct)
Pat LaFrieda dry aged beef burgers, 6oz. x4 ($13.49 @ Fresh Direct)
English peas, 0.51lb. ($1.52 @ Fresh Direct)
Jumbo yellow onion ($0.60 @ Fresh Direct)
Rhubarb, 1.44lb. ($2.87 @ Fresh Direct)
Lemons x4 ($3.00 @ Fresh Direct)
Thyme ($1.99 @ Fresh Direct)
Grass fed ground beef ($9.99 @ Brooklyn Fare)

Smoothie Supplies

4 Apples ($3.99 @ Fresh Direct)
2 Avocados ($4.00 @ Fresh Direct)
Satur Farms cut mixed kale, 50z. ($3.49 @ Fresh Direct)

 

Totals

$53.01 Fresh Direct
$9.99 Brooklyn Fare

 

Budget Breakout

This week, I spent $63.00; $37.00 under budget. Yay, leftover meat from last week! Having leftovers from last week’s shopping really saved my budget this week. Enough so, I bought ridiculously expensive chicken for lunch without worrying about it. Hopefully I can parlay the $5 in budgetary overage I still have (last week’s groceries were $31.69 over budget) into a little extra meat next week to start building my emergency stockpile back up.

 

Leftovers From This Week

At the end of the week, I have 1 aging head of broccoli rabe, half a bulb of fennel, and two burgers left over. I need to incorporate these items into my menu for next week.

—

Think eating healthfully is too expensive for you? Think again. According to the USDA, to ensure a nutritious diet as of December 2014, a family of two aged 19-59 years should spend between $388.90 and $776.10 on food per month, or $89.80 – $179.30 per week. Source 

For my family of two adults, I spend roughly $400 a month on groceries or $100 a week – and we eat well. Not caviar and lobster well, but I do manage to serve a predominately paleo diet with little to no processed foods, and I get to throw in a few luxuries here and there (like expensive snacks for the hubbs and the occasional ridiculously expensive bag of coffee). We even manage to buy “good” meat (grass fed beef and free-range chicken) most of the time – and I make this budget work even on the weeks we pay for convenience by getting delivery groceries. I make: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 10 dinners a week – plus enough snacks to satisfy and fuel two active adults.

I’m hoping that this series will help shed a little light on the day-to-day things a “paleo” person really eats — and how that way of eating can work on a budget. I want to nudge anyone sitting on the fence right over the edge by showing that it *can* be done and that you don’t just eat meat, meat, meat and more meat.