What's for dinner?: My own "survive on $35"

I mentioned that I'm budgeting. So far, so good. I'm sticking to $100 per week.

I have $40-50 for gas, which will vary depending on my needs.

$35 goes towards food. I never thought I spent that much but after looking at what I buy at $35, I realized I go far beyond. I might even go 1.5-2xs this budget.

Does the $35 look like a familiar number? The number is based off of FitFluential's Survive on 35 challenge. $35 is just about the amount given to those on food stamps, and it is actually pretty reasonable for one person. However, for a single lady, it's tough without the things I already had on hand.

The leftover is either saved, hopefully.

As for bills (loans, credit card, car insurance, cell phone), I will use my paychecks from my nighttime job. The paycheck from my morning job will be used for the $100 per week and then saved. On average, I should be able to save a huge chunk.

Already on hand

• Rotisserie chicken breasts
• Avocados
• Laughing Cow light Swiss cheese
• Sonoma tortillas (1)
• Chile lime chicken burgers (2)
• Cauliflower
• Eggs
• Salsa
• Peanut butter
• Hemp waffles (2)

Trader Joe's

• Vanilla cake mix - $2.49
• Canned pumpkin - $1.99
• Pink Lady apple - $0.69
• String cheese - $3.99
• Power to the Greens x 2 - $3.98

Mother's

• Oat flour - $3.49 

Ralph's

• Designer's Whey protein powder - $13.39

Target

• Cottage cheese x 2 - $5.28

Total: $35.30 + tax (on protein only)

Monday
m1 Nature's Path hemp waffle + 2 egg whites
m2 chicken salad
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 (at work)
m5 [Trader Joe's pumpkin Greek yogurt]

Tuesday
m1 hemp waffle + 2 egg whites
m2 chicken salad
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 tuna with cauliflower rice
m5 KIND bar

Wednesday
m1 oatmeal protein pancake
m2 chicken salad
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 tuna nori roll
m5 pumpkin cheesecake mousse

Thursday
m1 sweet potato protein pancake
m2 chicken & garbanzo bean salad
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 tuna nori roll
m5 pumpkin cheesecake mousse

Friday
m1 oatmeal protein pancake
m2 chicken & garbanzo bean salad*
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 chile lime chicken burger
m5 kind bar

Saturday
m1 oatmeal protein pancake
m2 chile lime chicken burger lettuce wrap
m3 apple, string cheese
m4 shrimp spring rolls + sweet potato
m5 pumpkin cheesecake mousse

Sunday
m1 oatmeal protein pancakes
m2 chicken wrap + salad
m3 KIND bar
m4 shrimp spring rolls + sweet potato
m5 pumpkin cheesecake mousse

Workouts
Monday - TurboKick
Tuesday - athletic training class
Wednesday - yoga
Thursday - strength, class
Friday - strength
Saturday - TurboKick, Zumba
Sunday - yoga

*I add in strength training before some of the classes.

How much do you spend on groceries per week? How many people do you feed?