Bang for $ diet

[bm2k]

For the next few weeks I'm stretched for $, which is kinda suited to a cutting phase I've chosen value for money foods, with oats and protein powder being the ultimate. Eggs and almonds are cheap sources of good fats. Guess I can live without chicken/steak on a daily basis for the next month (I'll have some occasionally)...

I'm going iso-caloric because I need my carbs (exam time doesn't agree with low-carbs, plus they're cheap).

Meal 1:
1 cup oats
2 scoops protein

Meal 2:
1 can tuna
30 almonds

Post-workout:
60g Gatorade
2 scoops protein

Meal 3:
1 cup oats
2 scoops protein

Meal 4:
6 eggs

Totals:
1856 calories
58g fat
173g carbs
162g protein
23g fibre

I'm 5'8, 165lbs, and fairly lean - but want to get completely ripped.

Any additional suggestions?

 

[bm2k]

...only supplements being 2g of Vitamin C, multi-vitamin, a crap ZMA blend, and vitex.

 

[MS]

If I were strapped for $ I'd go with a bulking phase since you can get away with less protein and just eat more cheap carbs. But if you're intent on cutting then that diet looks OK. Strange really. Where I live, protein powder costs more than chicken and steak...........

 

[bm2k]

For me, on a $ : gram of protein ratio, protein powder is easily the cheapest, and steak is the most expensive. I guess you're going to get stung by whatever your currency is when importing protein powder. Sure, the AUD isn't great, but some locally produced brands are reasonably priced.

While it is autumn here, I don't want to go on a bulking phase at the moment because I'm still lean, and this is the most fat I ever want to carry again. I'm at a level where my abs are decent, but not great. If I bulk from a ripped level to where I am now and then cut back down, year round, I'll be very happy A former fatty and now an athlete, its important I don't get too fat - but also important that I add good amounts of muscle...

 

[coolcolj]

Kicking out the Gatorade will save some bucks


Rice is cheap, as is anything fresh like meat and veges

 

[bm2k]

Kicking out the Gatorade will save some bucks

Rice is cheap, as is anything fresh like meat and veges

Gatorade powder is quite good value for money. Its a liquid simple sugar that is ideal post-workout with whey. If I were buying individual bottles each day it would be more expensive, but I'm not

Rice is cheap, but I'm cutting an oatmeal is a better choice (and equally cheap). Meat is fairly cheap if you buy certain cuts, but still not as cheap as eggs, protein powder, and tuna, in terms of $/gram of protein.

...hence my food choices