I settled on eating leftover ramen from lunch and some Welch's fruit snacks. I had an elaborate dinner planned, but unfortunately was unable to cook it due to an appliance malfunction in the kitchen. However, I ditched the seasoning packet in ramen and instead cooked it with frozen mixed vegetables, roasted red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (I am allowing myself basic spices that I already have in my cabinet, let me live).

Of course, ramen has to make an appearance in this article. I ended up eating lunch late because of how filling breakfast was. This meal was incredibly filling and cost under 50 cents. I was surprised to find them in the Dollar Tree, but scooped them up for some added crunch in my morning oatmeal. These chips are advertised as gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, no preservatives, and never fried. I topped the oatmeal with a few thawed blueberries, sliced almonds for added protein, a little bit of honey, and these Coconut Beach Honey Coconut Chips. This tub of oats appealed to me because I really don't see how it's possible to mess up pure oats. I'm starting out Monday with a hearty bowl of oatmeal. Factoring out the cost of snacks, some quick math puts me at an average of under $2 for every meal this week. I typically spend $70-$80 at the grocery store, so I'm actually stoked. Using a combination of creativity and caution, I'm fully equipped for the week and nothing in my cart even looks that questionable. I also did not purchase any dairy or meat products. The total: $35.09. After 45 minutes of carefully roaming the aisles, checking ingredients (and expiration dates) on labels, and meal planning, I have the supplies for five days of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I walk in, march straight past the seasonal decorations that I'm usually distracted by and head to the food section. Sunday afternoon, I finally make my way to the Dollar Tree, where everything is actually a dollar, (looking at you, Dollar General.

I will not sit back and eat ramen noodles three meals a day-where's the fun in that? I'm committed to eating as healthy as possible this week, albeit at a discounted price. However, in that realization I've discovered a chance to be creative. Going into this week, I know I'll have to leave my beloved fancy fresh produce in the past. I legitimately get cranky if I go too long without eating a vegetable. I have a love for leafy greens and fresh fruit that knows no bounds. I feel like I should start with some context here: I am an especially healthy eater. I know I'm not the only one in this position, so for the sake of journalism and my wallet, I committed to a potentially difficult challenge: I will only eat dollar store food for the next week. While I'm a careful spender, that seems to fly out the window at the chance to eat at a fancy restaurant or cook an elaborate meal. My love of (expensive) food is not helping. I just paid rent, got an unexpected speeding ticket, and my bank account is looking grim. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier

Fish bowl dollar tree