How I Meal Prepped on $15/Week

 When I first set a goal to meal prep on just $15 a week, it sounded crazy—even to me. That’s barely $2 a day. But I was determined to see what could happen if I took budgeting seriously and prioritized simple, healthy meals. And guess what? It worked. Not only did I stick to the budget, I ate surprisingly well and saved both money and time.

The first step was planning. I didn’t go to the store and grab whatever looked cheap—I sat down and made a full plan. I listed out meals for the week that used low-cost, versatile ingredients. I focused on things like oats, lentils, rice, eggs, potatoes, carrots, onions, and frozen veggies. These are filling, nutritious, and stretch far.

I started every morning with oats. A big bag cost me around $2 and lasted weeks. I made it with water or milk (if in budget), and added banana slices or a spoon of peanut butter if I had leftovers. For lunch and dinner, I relied on rice or lentils as my base. I added sautéed vegetables or boiled potatoes for variety. I cooked everything in one go on Sunday and stored it in containers. It saved me time, reduced the temptation to buy takeout, and kept me full through the week.

One key trick was reusing ingredients in different ways. Boiled potatoes became part of a curry one day, roasted wedges the next. Lentils were turned into dal, then into soup with extra water and seasoning. A little creativity made the meals feel fresh even if they used the same ingredients.

I shopped smart. I checked store flyers for weekly discounts. I bought store-brand items and skipped packaged or processed foods. I didn’t spend on snacks or sodas. Instead, I drank water and made everything from scratch. It took effort, but it also gave me control over what I was eating.

Meal prepping on $15 a week taught me how far a little planning can go. It helped me stop wasting food and money. It made me appreciate every bite. I wasn’t eating fancy, but I was eating real, whole food. And that was enough.

This challenge reminded me that eating well doesn’t require a big budget. It requires intention, creativity, and a willingness to simplify. Now, even though I don’t always stick to $15, I still meal prep with the same mindset—and my wallet (and body) thanks me for it.

July 25, 2025

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