This was such a good find. we need more Australian versions
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@pambussey9450
3 жыл бұрын
Living on aged pension has it's challenges - you have certainly inspired me on how to save on meals.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Pam, living on a low income can be really challenging. I hope you're doing OK xx
@frugalmum7943
3 жыл бұрын
I hear you. To boost fresh salad options, cut off the top of carrots, beetroot, etc... And the bottoms /roots of spring onions, hydroponic lettuce etc Place roots in cup with water, keep water fresh... Leaves will grow. Place tops on a dish with water.. You can add some paper towel to help hold the water. They will grow tops, which can be cut off and eaten as fresh salad greens. (carrot tops taste like mild carrot.. And are best eaten young.) Soup mix from the lentil/bean/grain can be sprouted. You can eat the sprouts, or plant them. This channel has some good ideas for affordable recipes... kzitem.info/news/bejne/0GONy66MaXiae20
@frugalmum7943
3 жыл бұрын
This shows how to make 'free' apple cider vinegar... It works best with.. From the tree fruit... Not from the supermarket all waxed etc. Farmers markets maybe able to help... Particularly if you ask for unsellable bruised/bird pecked fruit. You can often salvage alot of the fruit... To make apple sauce, or poached fruit etc as a bonus. kzitem.info/news/bejne/mpir1nWerqiflWU
@frugalmum7943
3 жыл бұрын
It's embarrassing that people who worked hard and payed taxes their entire lives are treated so poorly :( I hope these ideas help a little.
@GarageSupra
3 жыл бұрын
the pension in Australia is a joke, it put people on the border of poverty.
@allisonpacino
3 жыл бұрын
You did a great job! I think some people miss the point of these challenges. This is for people who are struggling and need to just feed themselves! Thank you!
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and thank you for your kind words xx I really appreciate it
@KsoPlans
3 жыл бұрын
This was really well done. Our cost of living is high because wages are higher (in comparison to other countries). I find it hard to keep my weekly shop to $50 for one person, you’ve inspired me to try and go even lower :0)
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! I found it an interesting experiment, & I'm looking forward to seeing what else I could in similar type 'challenges' in the future. But having said that, I do believing in paying a fair price for good quality food & supporting our local Aussie farmers where possible. It's all a bit of a juggling act :)
@clairesharp6618
3 жыл бұрын
I love that these are so simplified and there are still leftovers ! Well done.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! 😊
@leannewith3
3 жыл бұрын
You’ve hit 1K subscribers. Congratulations! When did that happen? Great challenge by the way. That pasta does go a really long way.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I think it just clocked over! It's such an honour that so many of you want to hand out and see what we're eating! I really appreciate all the support xx
@tengsokcheatengsokchea2879
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal nñngnggggg j
@jerrieanderson2245
3 жыл бұрын
Those meals all look so good. We can all use budget meal ideas, especially when we have pantry items in hand. Adding the seasonings you mentioned would take them next level. Good job.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@MeowMeow-ju4vf
3 жыл бұрын
I will be in Australia in two years as a part of my co-tutelle PhD. This is helpful. You've got a subscriber.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Oh awesome! What field is your PhD in?
@MeowMeow-ju4vf
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal I'm working on modelling emerging contaminants in rivers. I'm an environmental engineer. I wanted to check how I could manage my stay in Melbourne with 28,000 dollars per year. The contents of your channel is great. I love it! Thanks so much!😸
@caracristina2860
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the Australian content please keep sharing.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching! xx
@ykook7000
3 жыл бұрын
I like how U bought the full actual items for the $9 to use.... I can't have milk that much so l would have to ditch the milk buy a cheap loaf of bread or rolls and use the spaghetti mix to make jaffles for brekkie...
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea - I might incorporate something along those lines in the next one.
@frugalmum7943
3 жыл бұрын
I love that you did this challenge, I love that you did so with respect towards people going through it. Not using spices etc was more realistic. Next challenge idea... Try cooking 'homeless' using $5 for the op shop to get gear and only using cooking options available to the general public here in Australia. Remember you need to carry that equipment... Or keep it in a crowded car if you are lucky enough to have one.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you xx
@traceyzvirblis4909
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Nikki, fellow Aussie here. Just stumbled onto your channel & so glad I did. I can see you growing in subscribers real soon. I shop mainly at Coles too. I’m transitioning to a meat & dairy free lifestyle due to health reasons & this past week I made a pot of rice (with 1 cup dry rice), steamed 4 small potatoes & opened a can of Coles brand Mexican chilli beans. This food I ate all combined for 4 (huge portion sized) lunches & it was super delicious. I only added a small amount of salt to my meal, so technically no seasoning & it was full of flavour. For a vegetable a 1/2 cup of frozen vegetables of choice would make an excellent cheap nutritious addition….& would probably easily stretch the 4 portions into 5. Just a suggestion too, the Coles brand Italian passata for an extra 50 cents would possibly make a more flavourful spaghetti dish & give you more sauce. Great video by the way…keep up the amazing work 🥰
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Tracey! Great idea, thanks for sharing xx I really like how simple good food can be. There are so many different things you can pull together with basic ingredients (like beans, rice and potatoes!) So good.
@traceycosta9196
3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic challenge, well done. Did you say you can buy Parmesan cheese from Coles for $1.60? I was at Coles this morning and didn’t see any home brand so got that Italian one in green, red n black bag for 3.25, grated Parmesan. Look forward to other videos 💕
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I probably didn't explain properly in the video - the parmesan cheese I was referring to is the shelf stable type you find in the dry pasta aisle (not fresh cheese in the dairy section). You can get the Coles brand refill packs for $1.60 shop.coles.com.au/a/national/product/coles-smart-buy-cheese-parmesan-grated-bag
@pandaexpress1319
3 жыл бұрын
I feel really sad watching this. I know you did this video as a challenge but there are people who actually live like this. My heart goes out to them.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
I agree wholeheartedly.
@flower-uw1hm
2 жыл бұрын
I am 100% Italian and like you I break spaghetti into half when cook spaghetti. As you can portion it out to plates better. My nonna and mother always broke their spaghetti before cooking it. I break spaghetti into much smaller portions when cooking it in a thick Italian veg and pasta soup. Italian veg and pasta soup are very economical and nutritious depending if the veges are cheap.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
Hey flower! Sorry, I didn't see this comment at the time, but boy it made me happy when I read it today! Thank you ❤️
@michelemcgill1720
2 жыл бұрын
I loved this. I'm grateful that I don't have to live extremely minimal. It's so much more fun doing these challenges when you aren't reliant on them. Would love to see a pantry challenge, where you only eat out of your freezer and pantry for a week.
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! If you have a look back through my channel, you find a few pantry challenges / freezer clean out challenges 👍
@tracycreaser4462
3 жыл бұрын
Yay you made it 🥰 1000 sub so happy for you you deserve it 🙂love this im putting it on the group on facebook 😘
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, Tracy! 🤗
@robinswan5831
2 жыл бұрын
This is the second vid I've watched today that utilized canned lentils! I never see those in my store. I barely see dry ones either! Great job as always!
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's interesting about the lentils! I've always just taken them for granted as a staple food item. I'm curious as to where you're located?!
@robinswan5831
2 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal I'm on the east coast of the US!
@Sonja...
3 жыл бұрын
Love that you showed making everything and how much it made
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I thought it was interesting to actually see it all there!
@Lidiasfamilylife
3 жыл бұрын
You did a great job!
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! xx
@beverleymuscat2396
3 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on 1k 🍾🍾🍾🍾🎉🎉🎉🎉🍾🍾🍾. Your challenge was inspiring. I enjoyed the video. 💯👍
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Beverley! 🤗
@thegmanviews11
3 жыл бұрын
There is an actual thing held every May in Australia called LBL - live below the line - challenge where you have $2 per person per day for 5 days. It’s got to include everything, seasonings and drinks like tea/coffee. There are meal plans on their website even. You can do it with other people and split ingredients. It’s amazing how that extra $1 makes a difference. Great video. Edit to add that it’s awesome to see someone in Australia doing this :)
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I've actually checked out the LBL website and meal plans before, and found a bunch of great ideas on there. Unfortunately, I think their pricing is a little out of date, or, for me at least, I couldn't match their cost breakdown (so it would be more like $12-ish for the 5 days) which is always the problem with inflation! Anyways, it's still a great resource and if you've got an extra dollar or two to throw at it, it's an easy way to jump into a challenge like this!
@thegmanviews11
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal I tried to match it and couldn’t as well so I definitely agree the pricing is out. I live in regional NSW and we only have an IGA unless you want to drive 45k to the next larger town that has a Coles, Woolies and an Aldi. There are great ideas and you’re totally right it’s a great resource. One thing I used to eat a lot when I was poorer and struggling as a single person was cooking pasta in tomato soup then add cheese. I would make a batch up that would last me a whole week of dinners or lunches. I’m really enjoying your channel and so glad I found you - better late than never :) You’ve given me some amazing ideas which I’m very appreciative of so thank you so much 😊
@sherlynpatterson4304
3 жыл бұрын
I like how you meal prepped the food for your food challenge video.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@tysont2380
2 жыл бұрын
Is it more cost effective to buy dried lentils and black beans? If you have the time to cook them of course
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
It is more cost effective to buy dried legumes in the long run, but if you are limited on funds then the cheapest short term option is canned.
@Melanie____
3 жыл бұрын
Try dried beans instead too they are way cheaper and taste better. And the extra cash on an onion or garlic or a lemon.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately where I am I can't buy dried beans for cheaper than tinned, but this is a great tip for anyone who might have access to bulk bins or specialty markets 👍
@Melanie____
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal are you sure? how much is a tin and how much is a 375g bag of dried beans there?
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
@@Melanie____ Yes, I'm sure :) I don't remember which beans I used in this video, but if you take Black Beans for example: the tin is 80c and the the 375g bag is $2.30. In a challenge like this one where the aim is to feed yourself for 3 days for less than $10 every cent counts! And the 4 standard serves in the tin was enough for me.
@Melanie____
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal i think there’s about 1.5 cups of beans in a can and about 6-7 cups of cooked beans from a 375g packet. So the dried beans are about half the price of the canned beans. (45-60c a can equivalent). If it was really struggletown maybe a bag of dried beans could do all 7 days if you had just under half a cup cooked per each main meal along with something else.
@XxkristybellxX
2 жыл бұрын
this is so useful! I've watched the other videos you mention but have always wondered if it's possible in Aus.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching!
@Sonja...
3 жыл бұрын
This is awesome. I just went on coles online. I would have gotten eggs, pasta, rice, mixed veg, 4 bean tin, tin tomatoes. $8.70
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
I love love to know what meals ideas you had ... could be the beginnings of another video!
@Sonja...
3 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal nothing too exciting haha scrambled eggs. Fried rice kind of with eggs and veg.
@frugalmum7943
3 жыл бұрын
@@Sonja... no oil, for the fried rice. :'(
@violetgypsie
3 жыл бұрын
You did really well on your challenge. You could make a creamed soup with the leftover rice, vegetables and milk. Might make a change from having the same meals for all three days.
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@ynotann
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Nikki, I have learned such a lot from your videos. I try to save gold coins at the beginning of the month and put them in a jar. (don't touch) At the end of the month count them up. You may be surprised at the amount. You can buy xtra pantry staples and maybe some mince meat or chicken and think up some wonderful recipes with those.
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, Ann! That's an awesome tip & most definitely adds up! Love it!! xx
@danijohnson1038
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for showing me how to use tomato paste and water to make sauce! I can't have garlic because of my platelets and this will help a bunch!
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching!
@sassywolf1
2 жыл бұрын
Just watching this now and wow prices have sky rocketed since this video. Will you so more of this type of challenge?
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
It's crazy just how much groceries have gone up of late. I am hoping to get some more videos out like these Extreme Budget Challenge videos soon - it will be an interesting experiment to see what I can come up with only a few bucks to play with!
@meganm5184
2 жыл бұрын
Love this video and your suggestions about using beans and lentils instead of meat. Don't listen to the haters on here.... for someone on a tight budget, I also understand how important it is to substitute high cost items for cheaper ones. So many Australian families eat so much meat, and sometimes I ask myself why. Too much meat is BAD for our bodies, waistlines and the environment and from a vegan's perspective, it's just downright cruel what they do to the animals. I'm a flexitarian, so I occasionally eat meat in my diet, but in recent years I've cut down to just having chicken and fish, and even then, only once a week for both. Most of my meals are similiar to yours- I do a lot of fried rice with beans. I also buy most of my groceries from Aldi, which is a godsend in these expensive times. The tofu at aldi is insanely cheap, at $2 something for 400grams, it's filling and I use it to bulk up a lot of my stir fry and other dishes. Also...oats. so cheap, filling and very nutritious. I used to eat very fancy when I was a kid, eating a lot of meat, bbqs, heaps of feasts, but when you grow up and you don't have the money, your priorities change. Plus, your values around health change too. Some people on here just don't get it.
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Megan! I really appreciate your comment. The more I'm learning and experimenting with plant based meals, the less I'm cooking with meat & dairy, and we're really enjoying it. I'm looking forward to show casing some of our more recent plant based meals that aren't quite so dirt cheap (although they are still super affordable), just to show people that vegan doesn't have to be "boring beans" and "plain pasta". Should be fun!
@Sonja...
3 жыл бұрын
Woohoo congratulations on 1k!!!! 🎊🎉
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, Sonja! 😀
@rev.ruthe.gallot9103
3 жыл бұрын
great video!
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Sewsweet08Australia
Жыл бұрын
a can of coconut milk would be good to make curry veg with rice, or bacon and egg to make fried rice which stretch for meals for a few people.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing ❤️
@NZSaskia
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, still much cheaper than NZ for similar products! I think people in a bind load up on white bread.
@loveandrea590
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely.
@Geekchess
2 жыл бұрын
Lol, honestly, the colour of the food after cooked looked so unappetising. You made it work though and stretched it a long way. Nicely done!
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching :)
@terrifiedofhumans1129
3 жыл бұрын
Have you thought of doing some 'urban foraging' or other forage methods in budget challenges?
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think that's something that I would be comfortable with, but it's a neat idea.
@joanneruth1168
2 жыл бұрын
I wonder what you think of using some or all of the liquid from the tin of beans in your sauce instead of all of the one cup of water, I googled it, they said it could be salty, depends if you need salt in your dish It could add flavour, nutrition, texture & seasoning. Maybe the tinned liquid could be frozen in ice cube trays to add a cube or more at a time to further cooks including rice. Please share tour thoughts.
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
I think it's a great idea! I personally have to rinse my beans otherwise I end up with digestion issues, but I think it's a great option for others out there, and I love the idea of making use of absolutely everything we purchase. Thanks for sharing!
@joanneruth1168
2 жыл бұрын
@@NikkiBeal thanks Nikki for your reply.
@TeenaSuttonMurphy
Жыл бұрын
it would be interesting to see what you would do for a budget challenge nowadays, what with inflation as it is and all the prices going up!
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
It's definitely getting harder to do extremely low budget challenges like this one. I've done a few recently at $20 for 6 days, but even that is becoming a stretch now.
@jennifermaskiell6788
Жыл бұрын
$10.85 today for the exact same ingredients except the frozen veg. Frozen peas are the cheapest option available for me.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the update!
@davelazenby77255
Жыл бұрын
I've been watching an English guy do these similar challenges, the price of food in Australia is crazy.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
The price of food in Australia can be challenging, but then again it's all relative - we have higher wages but also a higher cost of living etc compared to say our neighbours in the USA. (I'm not sure how we stack up against the UK). We've also seen some significant jumps in food pricing since this video was filmed, thanks to lockdowns, fuel hikes, & unseasonal weather in the last 12 months. But then again, other countries have been similarly affected, so ... 🤷
@Sewsweet08Australia
Жыл бұрын
Maybe get coles homebrand passata or large tin of homebrand tomato paste or tomatoes for not much more so the pasta was more saucy, iga homebrand is a bit cheaper i thing for tin food.
@NikkiBeal
Жыл бұрын
Definitely some good ideas if there's a few more dollars in the budget 👍
@Charzard782
3 жыл бұрын
Good Job!
@NikkiBeal
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Cheers!
@wildwoman8494
2 жыл бұрын
Have you tried Aldi or NQR? You might get more for your $$$. Blessed be.
@NikkiBeal
2 жыл бұрын
There is a few Aldi videos on my channel, and I definitely think that they are cheaper than Coles and Woolies :D Unfortunately we don't have an NQR near us.
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