Expert: Laura Kraemer RN,BSN,CPN - 5/22/2004

Question
Here's my situation. I'm looking for a 'magical' diet solution that meets the following criteria (listed in order of importance):

1. Cheap. Right now each meal I eat is between 30 cents and 60 cents (Ramen and canned Beef Ravioli, mostly).
2. Healthy. I want something that will allow me to lose a little weight (no drastic weight loss necessary) and make my daily situps and pushups show (I'm assuming this is protien or something).
3. Tasty (plain celery? Please, no...)
4. Quick and easy to prepare.

Most of the things that are healthy and tasty (fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.) are relatively "expensive" compared to a full mean in Ramen or canned beef ravioli. I'm on a college-student budget and am currently unemployed and paying rent, so I really can't spend too much money on food!

Perhaps this is simply an impossible situation, but I'm hoping you can pull a rabbit out of a hat for me :-)

I'm thinking, perhaps some shakes where I toss ingredients in a blender or something? The problem with this, to my knowledge, is that large two days worth of strawberries or blueberries costs more than a week's supply of Ramen and Beef Ravioli. And, I don't know if there's a cheap way to get protein in these, either. I don't know.

So, any thoughts? If I tossed you an impossible problem, just say so, but I'd appreciate suggestions that "almost fit," too.

Some info about myself: 18, male, 6'4", 190 pounds (certainly not overweight, but I cannot see my six pack yet), not very active beyond daily pushups and crunches.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Dear Luke, Ramen noodles and ravioli are purely carbohydrate and are not exactly known for their body building capabilities. You need protein! Try canned tuna, eggs, canned soup and canned beans all very cheap. A dozen eggs go for under $1.50 as does tuna. A six pack ab has to be grown. It's very hard to grow muscle without adequate protein. Milk is also cheap and a fair source of protein. For your nutrition a box of corn Total will give you a weeks worth of breakfast for about $2.50 a box plus it contains the bonus 100% of your needed vitamins. Check labels, you find your protein. Good Luck, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com