What I Ate On $1.50 a Day // Budget Friendly Vegan Meals (Days 1-3)

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  • Опубліковано 4 тра 2017
  • From May 1-5 2017, I will be spending only $1.50 per day on food - the equivalent of the extreme poverty line. Here are all of the meals I ate on the first three days of the challenge.
    ✗ My 60+ Recipe Ebook ➢ bit.ly/FromMyBowlEbook
    ✗ My Kitchen Staples + Supplements ➢ bit.ly/vegan-pantry-staples
    ✗ My Vegan Tees ➢bit.ly/2FKwprY
    $7.50 Grocery Haul = • Budget-Friendly Vegan ...
    Days 4 - 5 = • What I Ate On a $1.50 ...
    Wrap Up Video = • My Experience Living o...
    The Original Live Below the Line Challenge: www.oaktree.org/live_below_the...
    *If you have money to spare, please consider donating to one of the following organizations that help to end world hunger. I encourage each of you to do your own research and select a nonprofit organization that most resonates with your values!
    www.thp.org/
    www.actionagainsthunger.org/
    www.unicef.org/
    www.oaktree.org/live_below_the...
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    • ABOUT THIS VIDEO •
    Cameras I Use: Canon G7x, Canon 80D
    Software: Final Cut Pro
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 4,7 тис.

  • @abigailkinghorn4707
    @abigailkinghorn4707 6 років тому +7082

    This is the only person I've seen do this who didn't do shit like "And I added a little of my $500 truffle infused caviar for just a bit of flavor". She actually honest to god stuck with her ingredients.

    • @mp5249
      @mp5249 5 років тому +91

      Abigail Kinghorn she needed some packets of bbq from fast food or something. "The packet drawer" ( I wouldn't know, I think we ate fast food a couple of times, and we were middle class)

    • @vanleeuwenhoek
      @vanleeuwenhoek 5 років тому +185

      "And then I put these humble beans in my Instant Pot, which retails from anywhere between $60 and $150. And I was able to turn this week-long experience into a paper for my Subaltern Ethnographies Course, which retails for $2500 a credit hour."

    • @omegajackson
      @omegajackson 5 років тому +5

      M P yyyessss exactly

    • @aliciabrumlow4412
      @aliciabrumlow4412 5 років тому +265

      vanleeuwenhoek She has an instant pot, but you can just cook your beans on the stove if you don’t have one. We have one, but we couldn’t afford to buy one, so my mother in law bought one for us for Christmas. Use what you have. :)

    • @biancagrijalva2091
      @biancagrijalva2091 5 років тому +84

      AliciaBrumlow i got a 20cup rice cooker @ a thrift store for 5$ & i cook everything in it!!! Even pizza! Lol

  • @bsummers1386
    @bsummers1386 5 років тому +4555

    I grew up hella poor and my mom would turn regular rice into Spanish rice and damnnnn that shit is amazing. Spices really do save your food.

    • @monkeymoonky7900
      @monkeymoonky7900 5 років тому +147

      We used soy sauce/hot pepper paste but that shit gets tiring when you eat it everyday with rice.

    • @BleedTheWineUnholy
      @BleedTheWineUnholy 5 років тому +241

      Her goal was to stay under a budget of $1.50 a day, so $1 on spices would have starved her. Spices can be cheap, but a lot of people still can't afford them.

    • @christophertaggart4921
      @christophertaggart4921 5 років тому +4

      Michelle Eva ,Spanish rice is reg rice

    • @bsummers1386
      @bsummers1386 5 років тому +80

      christopher taggart regular rice is white rice 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

    • @kelsiewadsworth1209
      @kelsiewadsworth1209 5 років тому +13

      What are the ingredients for the Spanish rice? I'd like to make it!

  • @user-lf1os3sh5c
    @user-lf1os3sh5c 5 років тому +992

    Spices are a good investment for any one on a budget. They can elevate any meal to a whole new level. Start off with cayenne, paprika, cinnamon and cumin.

  • @KaytlinGomez
    @KaytlinGomez 5 років тому +2470

    I lived on beans and rice my whole childhood 😂 honestly everything tastes good when you are starving 😭😂

    • @jessicapineda117
      @jessicapineda117 5 років тому +10

      Midnight Swami amen sister

    • @paolagarcia8298
      @paolagarcia8298 5 років тому +6

      Factss

    • @mishkeisha
      @mishkeisha 5 років тому +42

      Midnight Swami my mom turns that stuff into dinner for the queen tbh

    • @cassandra4238
      @cassandra4238 4 роки тому +63

      Really Madison Daily?! sounds like that's all they could afford. You're clearly not very intelligent, if you think that's what a child suffering is like...smh.

    • @ricebeansrockroll882
      @ricebeansrockroll882 4 роки тому +47

      @Madison Daily nobody should have kids if they lack the mental capacity to raise them into better than assholes, but yours did anyway...

  • @ImSupposedToSleep
    @ImSupposedToSleep 5 років тому +2648

    I didn't think about the effects of being hungry on your daily life. It made me realize that it can become a vicious circle when you don't have enough money to spend on health and food. Your education suffers from it and that makes it harder to get out of poverty.

    • @user-rz6nt5yj1c
      @user-rz6nt5yj1c 5 років тому +23

      I guess not only that but if you're a mum - your kid suffers too.. from lack of energy to pay attention to them - and also if you're a mum and breastfeeding - I mean - your kid might just have developmental brain issues from malnutrition or something

    • @irissasa6525
      @irissasa6525 5 років тому

      I'm there .

    • @afrinsayed5902
      @afrinsayed5902 5 років тому +5

      Welcome to the life of students in third world country.

    • @Makiaveli01
      @Makiaveli01 5 років тому +12

      Babette Vlaeminck “nothing a little hard work can’t fix”- right wingers

    • @Turgid_Spleenis
      @Turgid_Spleenis 5 років тому +4

      @varick wettlaufer Not true.

  • @oohbintyboo
    @oohbintyboo 7 років тому +2809

    I really appreciate you raising the point about not being able to concentrate. When I was teaching, I had to regularly stock my room with granola bars because my growing middle school boys were often hungry and would be unable to concentrate. This often leads to "acting out" and unless you take a step back and realize that they need their basic needs met, it was easy for other teachers to just discipline these students when in reality they hadn't eaten (sometimes in days). I hope others will do this challenge too because this conversation is so important. Thank you :)

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +192

      That's so sad...several other people have messaged me telling me stories like this. I feel so blessed to have had a good education, shelter, and a supportive family growing up

    • @mayaj291
      @mayaj291 7 років тому +49

      Brittany Hemingway there were a few of my teachers like that k-12, they made sure we had breakfast, lunch and a snack.

    • @mayaj291
      @mayaj291 7 років тому +26

      Brittany Hemingway especially for tests

    • @monkeymoonky7900
      @monkeymoonky7900 7 років тому +24

      Brittany Hemingway God bless you

    • @temporarythoughts
      @temporarythoughts 7 років тому +10

      Brittany Hemingway this is so lovely!

  • @mufasaiii2455
    @mufasaiii2455 5 років тому +610

    a great way to thicken soup is by adding potatoes. they're very filling, cheap and pretty healthy. just boil them really long to get them real mushy. or regular time boiling just for tatoes in your soup

    • @corrinnegarfield2460
      @corrinnegarfield2460 4 роки тому +15

      Overcooking. Potatoes releases starches that can cause bloat and sometimes heartburn.

    • @kristinsrowland8313
      @kristinsrowland8313 4 роки тому +7

      I microwave them first for ten mins then u only need to cook em for about twenty minutes

  • @Sam-gx5hb
    @Sam-gx5hb 4 роки тому +496

    Should have cooked the rice with some tomatoes instead of adding it later. Also, taco seasoning is like 50 cents and a tiny amount in while cooking rhe rice adds a lot of flavor.
    Source: I lived this life.

    • @nicoleraheem1195
      @nicoleraheem1195 2 роки тому +6

      True. I put taco seasoning on jackfruit😫😌

    • @agirly1503
      @agirly1503 2 роки тому

      Taco seasoning is useful 😋

  • @Thestarrycherry
    @Thestarrycherry 7 років тому +1765

    This really makes me think about the children who do not have the privilege of adequate nutrition and how it affects their mental, emotional and psychological being, thank you.

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +61

      Definitely, it's such a sad issue :(

    • @kathrynashin7154
      @kathrynashin7154 7 років тому +7

      Just what I was thinking while I watched this!

    • @mattnlogan101
      @mattnlogan101 7 років тому +8

      It really makes me think how glad I am to be rich and a meat eater.

    • @bstmeg5237
      @bstmeg5237 7 років тому +46

      tho you can be rich and well fed and still struggle with mental illness or you can eat vegan and be unhealthy or eat junk food and seem healthy. food doesn't cure mental illness but it sure helps to eat adequately

    • @thisthingcalledlove8
      @thisthingcalledlove8 7 років тому +29

      I grew up like that. Coming from a 3rd world country it was very difficult to have anything nutritious that wasn't expensive.

  • @MiVidaBellisima
    @MiVidaBellisima 6 років тому +865

    I like that she actually cared to make an attempt to understand someone else's lifestyle and struggles. Much respect

  • @SharonGisselle
    @SharonGisselle 5 років тому +424

    As a poor college student, this video gave me many food ideas without breaking my bank. Thank you so much for this video.

  • @deadsoon
    @deadsoon 5 років тому +2211

    This is more food than I ate when I still lived in Venezuela. Sometimes it'd only be rice and ketchup, or yam and plantains. Chicken was a luxury. Vegetables were scarce. Fruit was almost like dream. Even water, sometimes.

    • @theilliad4298
      @theilliad4298 5 років тому +302

      im so sorry you had to go through that. i hope everything is better

    • @fbb119b.3
      @fbb119b.3 5 років тому +148

      I hope you're living a better life

    • @Rhuddem000
      @Rhuddem000 5 років тому +205

      I am living in Venezuela, and sadly I can relate. It's honestly so fucking hard. But good for you that you're in a better place now

    • @beautifullybroken4879
      @beautifullybroken4879 5 років тому +45

      @@Rhuddem000 I hope you can get out soon

    • @reinasampson4840
      @reinasampson4840 5 років тому +59

      Maruzca oh my gosh. My family and used to live in Guatemala and we never had meat unless a villager brought us meat. We’d simmer beans and eat those with rice or have potatoes and fresh corn and an occasional soup.

  • @icannotchoose
    @icannotchoose 6 років тому +3286

    I think being honest about the difficulties of the challenge of important to show why poverty is such a huge issue.

    • @visuaIkei
      @visuaIkei 5 років тому +25

      Drama_Llama_5000 Its so sad this is what a lot of people go through and have to eat everydau

    • @youwhatmadeidk
      @youwhatmadeidk 5 років тому +24

      It actually not. You’re trying this in a Western country, where prices of food are more expensive. Try this in an Asian country, where they’re not very developed but have very cheap produce. They can feed their whole family each day, without being calorie deficient...

    • @lumen8341
      @lumen8341 5 років тому +57

      hey dingdong, we're dealing with the poverty in this country FROM PRICES BEING EXPENSIVE

    • @youwhatmadeidk
      @youwhatmadeidk 5 років тому +4

      Mandy C. If you mean Western countries, no you are not. Unless you’re trying to conform to some fancy diet, you can buy food very cheap in countries such as the U.K. and USA.

    • @ideljenny
      @ideljenny 5 років тому +23

      20 sek a day (Swedish for $1.50) will not get you 3 meals a day. Even if you completely cheapskate it and eat like a bird like she does. I'm always amazed at how cheap food seems to be in the US.

  • @sararazor982
    @sararazor982 6 років тому +402

    Wow it made me so sad when you were talking about being hungry at school and not being able to focus because it makes me think about kids who might be hungry at school.😢 it’s good that you shed light on this

    • @mp5249
      @mp5249 5 років тому +1

      Right in the Beans that's why schools offer free breakfast and lunch

    • @alexlodge2983
      @alexlodge2983 5 років тому +10

      @@mp5249 Only if your parents apply for the free or reduced lunch programs at the school. It takes a lot of time to research what help is available them and navigate the system. The application process is difficult and time consuming. They simply don't have the time or energy to do so.
      Plus they're generally only available on school days. You cool with not eating on Sat, Sun, holidays and all summer?

    • @rajalakshmisukumar2801
      @rajalakshmisukumar2801 5 років тому

      Always Changing artist G l

    • @KR-gi2co
      @KR-gi2co 5 років тому

      @@alexlodge2983 the process itself takes five minutes, it's very quick. Many people also lie about their income in order to let their kids receive these free lunches (gotta do what you gotta do). Recently there have also been breakfast in class which doesn't require any application

    • @katharinerobert8378
      @katharinerobert8378 5 років тому

      @@alexlodge2983 At my kids local school the application is one single form and that puts you into the application for both free and reduced lunches. All kids at their school get free bfast no questions asked. They also offer free bfast and lunch all summer long (as long as you can get to the school, which in my neighborhood kids can walk there, it's very close). I felt bad when my kids got free bfast there because they did not need it but I am very happy that they offer it to all the kids no questions asked - and I am sure that any 'left overs' go to waste if not eaten. I am packing up all my kids uniforms after school ends tomorrow from the last year that no longer fit and are in good condition to donate to the school for the kids that need them.

  • @HistoryHighwithLisaMarrie
    @HistoryHighwithLisaMarrie 4 роки тому +907

    I would have spent the 50 cents on an onion or a bell pepper to make the other food more bearable.

    • @mikaylah7487
      @mikaylah7487 4 роки тому +106

      Agreed, or maybe some garlic powder from the dollar tree if you can't buy fresh / minced garlic

    • @quarterhorsgirl
      @quarterhorsgirl 4 роки тому +19

      I was thiinking onion!

    • @WithloveTrinize
      @WithloveTrinize 4 роки тому +33

      these people white

    • @amber-dn5jk
      @amber-dn5jk 4 роки тому +100

      @@WithloveTrinize dude, race doesn't determine how much spice you use. My family's white, but I don't think i've ever had a plain home-made meal in my life

    • @WithloveTrinize
      @WithloveTrinize 4 роки тому +24

      @@amber-dn5jk First.... I'm a lady. Second.. Congrats to you because if you went up the street to Sarah's house I'm sure they cooked with no onion and slap ya mama's seasoning.... people so sensitive now.

  • @tothediaspora3905
    @tothediaspora3905 5 років тому +197

    Investing in affordable spices and herbs makes even the simplest meals become incredible

    • @outdoorgal9602
      @outdoorgal9602 5 років тому +3

      Sprouts is a great place for spices because you can buy from their bulk spices and get just as little or much as you want. The bulk prices are also much cheaper than buying spices in a jar.

    • @shannonkyle8064
      @shannonkyle8064 4 роки тому +3

      Agreed. You can buy spices, garlic, onions, and peppers pretty cheap to give food flavor. Eating that much white rice isn’t that good for you. It’s just filler and I cannot even entertain eating it, because I’m a diabetic.
      Her study is an eye opener, and she does state that she is grateful that this is not the norm for her.

    • @sammermanorange
      @sammermanorange 2 роки тому +1

      realistically you need every calorie you can get on 1.50 a day.

  • @TaraShulerAuthor
    @TaraShulerAuthor 7 років тому +4809

    Having grown up in poverty, I LOVE this video. I used to eat mostly ramen noodles and beans and rice, and it was boring and definitely didn't satisfy me. As a consequence, I really appreciate food more. In fact, I gained a LOT of weight when I was able to start buying my own food. I'm working on eating healthier, but I still don't have a ton of money even though I'm better off than my parents were for sure. I love fruits and veggies, so that helps. Thanks for these videos!

    • @WhatSayYouLandLubbers
      @WhatSayYouLandLubbers 6 років тому +94

      The G Family oh my God I TOTALLY get where you're coming from. My family actually went vegetarian for awhile because meat was too expensive. My mom made her own hummus so that was our protein most of the time.

    • @vampireleniore
      @vampireleniore 6 років тому +56

      Same for me. I still can't eat packaged ramen because I'm still so burned out on it.

    • @harleykelevra515
      @harleykelevra515 6 років тому +81

      I'm glad somebody gets it. growing up poor I definitely love food so much more as an adult. I actually ended up practically addicted to soda. I was drinking like a twelve pack a day but not gaining any weight and it took a long time to realise that I had actually developed an eating disorder. turns out a combination of being preme and malnourished I have no sensation in my stomach's so I can't tell if I'm hungry or full. so I was self medicating with sugar and caffeine for energy but wasn't actually nurishing my body and I would go days without eating without ever feeling hungry until I finally decided I should and I would throw up because I couldn't tell if I was full or not.
      I had to learn to remind myself. weigh my meals and spread them it through the day without relying on junk food Wich was so much cheaper and readily available. I'm fine now, a healthy 130, and I haven't even thought about my eating disorder in months but it was a struggle to get here

    • @milaanouska9810
      @milaanouska9810 6 років тому +4

      She basically just made beans nd rice though

    • @js44cana
      @js44cana 6 років тому

      The G Family At least you had ramen 💀

  • @esmeraelillywing612
    @esmeraelillywing612 7 років тому +495

    I sincerely appreciate your bringing attention to this topic. It's a real struggle, people seem to gorge themselves on the regular, and don't realize what truly poor people go through. My little family (hubby, me and our 7yr old son) went through a really bad time for about two years. I couldn't work because of illness and my husband for part of it had a very low paying job, and then no job at all for a while. We had to walk three miles up a hill to get something from a store because we didn't have gas in the car, nor insurance on it, obviously. Any gas we had had to be used to get him back and forth to work. I often couldn't buy groceries at all and had to depend on local food banks. I thank goodness for them, so now I try and donate whenever I can because they kept us alive. More times than I can count, my husband or I (or both) wouldn't eat at all just to make sure our son did. I learned how to support 3 people for about $5 a day, that's all inclusive. I would make clothes, or repair and mend ones we had because we couldn't afford new clothing if something ripped or got stained. And we also didn't have running water in the house for about 4 months at one point. It was an incredibly depressing and painful time, neither of us likes to think about it, but I think it brought us closer together. I found out later that most couples break up over finance related issues, so now we joke that if we could survive that, we could survive anything together. :) Anyway, thank you again. This was much appreciated!!

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +77

      I'm so sorry you had to go through that, and am glad you are in a better place now. It was definitely an eye-opening experience

    • @esmeraelillywing612
      @esmeraelillywing612 7 років тому +42

      Thank you :) I appreciate the kindness. But you know, in the end we are ok, and we learned some valuable lessons! Like how to appreciate what we have and not to overindulge because it's disrespectful to people in that situation. It also gives you a unique perspective on low income families. So often people talk about people on Medicaid or food stamps like they are trash, and I can tell you first hand that not only is that not true, but most people only use them while they truly need them, and don't take advantage of the situation. But videos like yours and challenges like this help bring awareness to the situation, and I really appreciate that!!

    • @monkiram
      @monkiram 7 років тому +27

      I think it's so admirable that your marriage survived through such an awful time, you must have a very healthy and strong relationship

    • @nycolbebraddy
      @nycolbebraddy 6 років тому +14

      Imaginary Winchester Your comment made me cry. It's beautiful that you and your husband got through such a rough time. Many people don't and aren't as strong as your family is. Happy to hear you guys are doing much better as well. This definitely inspired me to donate what I can to my local caring kitchen.

    • @AFROcentricFLO
      @AFROcentricFLO 6 років тому +4

      Imaginary Winchester ma'am, you are so amazing. I'm a recent college graduate, and I have to financially think, plan, and improvise just the same. The stress has brought me to the same point many times but one day, I and my family will be able to live and eat what's best for us and our bodies.

  • @Leah-Owens
    @Leah-Owens 4 роки тому +92

    These comments have me tearing up. I hope everyone can get out of their situation because those times I DO NOT MISS!

  • @tracyjusttracy8899
    @tracyjusttracy8899 5 років тому +86

    There was a time when my children and I lived off of 2 five lb bags of flour a week..I had a few spices like cinnamon and garlic powder..and I had an oven..so I got creative
    .I made bread, pretzels, pancakes etc...We only had to eat like that for 1 week each month because we would run out of food.

  • @WeWillBeRemembered
    @WeWillBeRemembered 7 років тому +1848

    I really appreciate your honesty about the food and the acknowledgement of the privilege many of us have with affording healthy food. You put yourself in an uncomfortable challenge to truly recognize a worldwide problem first hand, and I think that's very commendable. Really enjoying the series.

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +122

      thank you so much :)

    • @dangermouse6758
      @dangermouse6758 6 років тому +1

      Caitlin Shoemaker just a head's up to you and everyone else be aware of canned tomatoes because the aluminum of the can leeches into the food especially canned tomatoes because they are acidic, aluminum is one of the most toxic metals to the body and this in the form of canned tomatoes can be cancerous sorry not meaning to scare or alarm anyone just thought to mention for those that do not know. God Bless

    • @marioarias9942
      @marioarias9942 6 років тому +2

      Danger Mouse also check sodium levels they tend to be very high with anything tomato in cans.

    • @thrivesurvive
      @thrivesurvive 6 років тому

      I was going to say the same thing.

    • @pappajohndodgybob
      @pappajohndodgybob 6 років тому +7

      Uncomfortable challenge? It was a detox at best! A TRULY "uncomfortable challenge" would be to live like that for a month, NOT have the convenience of a car to go to the shops, NOT use running water, and have to scrape the money together to pay for the food! I'm guessing that $7.50 was to her just one latte at her favourite store! BTW how much money from this video actually went to the poor & needy? Zero I'm guessing! What a CYNICAL EXPLOITATIVE BITCH .

  • @dagoddess5748
    @dagoddess5748 5 років тому +989

    Thank you for bringing awareness. Alot of us are spoiled and can buy food and waste food like it's nothing. You literally did the challenge and did not stray. A very humbling experience. Peace and Love.

    • @Melodyofthesea78
      @Melodyofthesea78 5 років тому +9

      Hon....my uncle is on govt. assistance and he works. He definitely deserves some food like everyone else.

    • @Melodyofthesea78
      @Melodyofthesea78 5 років тому +3

      I don't think we need fancy food. It's a waste of money. I'd take burgers and French fries over anything fancy.

    • @thefinewino
      @thefinewino 4 роки тому +3

      @zadose child please

  • @VoiceTalk52
    @VoiceTalk52 4 роки тому +100

    I’m a social worker. I see my clients go through this. No car, no blender. Just food stamps and whole lotta doctors appointments. Thanks for making this video.

    • @alexandriamckoy4704
      @alexandriamckoy4704 3 роки тому +2

      I'm a Care Coordinator that works with the same group of patients. Food stamps and ALOT of appts....ALOT!

    • @amydecker6207
      @amydecker6207 2 роки тому +1

      We ate like kings when we had food stamps. Only two of us qualified, and there were six of us. That $347 fed all of us very well each month.

    • @overgrownkudzu
      @overgrownkudzu 11 місяців тому

      yeah i'm glad she mentioned that what she's doing here is not even realistic, because most poor people aren't going to have all this equipment or time.

  • @emilymelvin6631
    @emilymelvin6631 5 років тому +1999

    Having been very poor myself (and still am somewhat now) I’d just like to say most probably wouldn’t have a blender lol

    • @letsgoalready5515
      @letsgoalready5515 5 років тому +358

      Emily Melvin that is true but I found one on clearance for $4! It won’t blend ice but it is still a luxury to my family

    • @o0Avalon0o
      @o0Avalon0o 5 років тому +266

      @@q7jdwomfvkbj74 Salvation Army, especially in poor neighborhoods, inflate their prices to be equal to Walmart and box stores. Check out estate sales & garage sales for a blender for a dollar. Ask them to plug it into an outlet before you leave to make sure it works & doesn't smoke.
      Be friendly, ask them how the sale is going and treat them like kind and respectful people, they often will be happy to give you stuff for free or even invite you to lunch sometime as a friend. There's a lot of great people out there if you know how to look.

    • @thisismylovehandle
      @thisismylovehandle 5 років тому +118

      Yeah..or an instant pot. But I'm glad she has one. I saved for an entire year for my blender in my twenties. Got a Crock-Pot recently, in my thirties. So instant pot in my forties, hopefully!

    • @smp6565
      @smp6565 5 років тому +9

      Emily Melvin or that fancy cooking pot lol no idea what that is?!

    • @ShelleySkyDoe
      @ShelleySkyDoe 5 років тому +13

      Or a steamer/ rice cookers.

  • @carmiethegreat
    @carmiethegreat 7 років тому +1890

    It would be really cool if you could make a "vegan for a week" video that includes recipes and a "shopping list" based on a reasonable budget.

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +305

      That sounds like a great idea!

    • @esmerivera3287
      @esmerivera3287 7 років тому +40

      Caitlin Shoemaker really hope you do this eventually 😭 just came across your channel and subbed but my bestfriend is vegan and I'm vegetarian transitioning to vegan after seven years and next year we hope to get a place together. As two full time college students who will be working as well I'm a little worried but overall curious about groceries/prices for a plant based lifestyle 🌱

    • @hospitalcakewalk
      @hospitalcakewalk 7 років тому +29

      Reasonable meaning under $70 like most youtubers, or reasonable meaning actual reason like under $30 because that would be a challenge

    • @ski1509
      @ski1509 7 років тому

      J

    • @RobinVanger
      @RobinVanger 7 років тому +24

      Yes under 30 please because that is what I have to spend in a week because yea.. student life :")

  • @kaityparsons1212
    @kaityparsons1212 7 років тому +227

    I love this. I feel like most vegan UA-camrs don't understand what balling on a budget actually means. You see so many "vegan grocery halls on a budget" videos where they spend like 100 dollars a week.
    I am a university student working 4 jobs just to pay rent and tuition, so 100 dollars a week is obscene.

    • @kaityparsons1212
      @kaityparsons1212 7 років тому +32

      not to invalidate truly unprivileged people, I know I am very privileged, I just appreciate this video since it is so much more realistic

    • @tobe4real
      @tobe4real 6 років тому +3

      There are a lot of good cheaper ones you should check out

    • @erikasolorio2468
      @erikasolorio2468 6 років тому +2

      kaity parsons right im a single mom i try to keep my budget at 40 a week for my baby and i

  • @39Bosski
    @39Bosski 5 років тому +609

    plantains for 15 cents? what the??! from Aldi's? i realize this is a couple of years ago, but what the???? that's a fantastic bargain. wow. well done.

    • @Kingsusa
      @Kingsusa 5 років тому +39

      Aldi's and Lidl's have similar, fantastic prices. They carry a significant amount of organic veggies and fruits.

    • @SUKI23902
      @SUKI23902 5 років тому +22

      Aldis is the shit

    • @odette6328
      @odette6328 5 років тому +8

      Wait what? I thought those are German supermarkets?!? I'm shook

    • @shittymcrvids3119
      @shittymcrvids3119 4 роки тому +1

      Aldi has pretty good quality food for very low prices, I love it

    • @martiinnaaa
      @martiinnaaa 4 роки тому +4

      I bought 8 avocados for $2 from Aldi’s a couple months ago

  • @keeweefabulous7094
    @keeweefabulous7094 5 років тому +216

    I appreciate the fact that you’re so open-minded to challenge yourself like this. Also so so so so grateful to hear your insight and basic understanding of how “the other half” (of course a lot more than that) lives. Honestly, I come from an area where majority of the people and I myself had to experience living with limited resources. It’s no joke. The main thing is learning to be grateful for all that you have.
    Great job and great video.

  • @MadiMonkey1994
    @MadiMonkey1994 7 років тому +935

    You eat how I eat. But instead of beans and rice, we eat pasta almost every lunch and dinner. Sometimes I try to make something different, because my son gets tired of pasta. We just don't have the funds for that, though. I don't like saying that, but that's the way it is. After the week is over, my bank account is dry. I'm just thankful that I can feed my son.
    Just think. There is always someone who has it better than you; there is always someone who has it worse. We should be thankful.

    • @thenoobyoutuber2490
      @thenoobyoutuber2490 7 років тому +99

      Madison White u're a great mom for doing ur best :) always remember that god is always here for u and that things will eventially get better ; much love

    • @MariaGomez-qv6zc
      @MariaGomez-qv6zc 7 років тому +50

      Madison White do you have a food bank near you? it would be great if you could supplement with a few things for the week. I think you have a great attitude!

    • @MadiMonkey1994
      @MadiMonkey1994 7 років тому +89

      Yes, we do have a food bank. I actually volunteer there every year. Thank you. I give my all in having faith and staying positive. I know that things will get better in due time.

    • @maxhztrukl231
      @maxhztrukl231 7 років тому +16

      if you cannot even afford food, then do not breed, gosh...

    • @emilym6994
      @emilym6994 7 років тому +114

      @Jeezy @Max Hztrukl You're rude

  • @nenahunt
    @nenahunt 5 років тому +465

    Watching this made me cry for all the people and children who cannot afford enough food. We take so much for granted and complain about nonsense when in reality we are the lucky ones. Another thing, in my household with just wastage alone could easily feed another person or two....I will share this video with my husband and extended family. I think more awareness is definitely needed. Thank you 👍😘

    • @norahbradley5138
      @norahbradley5138 5 років тому +4

      Nevena H yeah this was hard for me to watch. I don’t tend to waste food, but I’ve never gone without food in my life. I went off to school and my mom made sure that I had a stocked pantry.
      Now I have a one year food pantry in my basement. I had a rough spot financially and ate out of that for eight months only buying pet food and eggs. I’ve fed four families at a time from my pantry when they fell on hard times. I just sent the cousin who i helped raise a four month supply of groceries. My daughter going hungry is one of my worst nightmares.

    • @romeo3771
      @romeo3771 5 років тому

      @@norahbradley5138 yeah man here I starve to death

  • @zsecnarf2143
    @zsecnarf2143 4 роки тому +57

    I remember eating rice with oil and soy sauce when I was a kid. 😭Feeling blessed today.

    • @deannahaynes1668
      @deannahaynes1668 3 роки тому +1

      Omg how did I find you in the comment section of this video 😂 shes one of my favorites!

  • @gee777
    @gee777 4 роки тому +41

    I remember finding 2 cans of pasta sauce for 50¢ and crying with happiness

  • @staishamichelle1232
    @staishamichelle1232 7 років тому +368

    You don't sound whinny, your just giving your honest opinion on what it's like to eat on 1.50 a day and how, what your making, really taste. It gives this video a realistic view on what it would be like

    • @MiVidaBellisima
      @MiVidaBellisima 6 років тому +9

      Staisha Michelle more importantly it gives insight into what ppl who have to live this way are experiencing on a daily basis.

    • @limeyfigdet7460
      @limeyfigdet7460 6 років тому +3

      Yeah, if it ain't pleasant, then that's even more reason to donate in order to help those poor kids.

  • @izzywo3254
    @izzywo3254 6 років тому +2199

    1,162,055 views. half of these are broke college students.

  • @candyman190
    @candyman190 5 років тому +165

    A little cinnamon with the pancakes would’ve been 👌🏽 😁

    • @daniellewelch8913
      @daniellewelch8913 4 роки тому +6

      Johnny Noon so true! Once when my daughter was little and I made her breakfast every day we accidentally dumped a LOT of cinnamon in the batter...and voila!...Cinnamon Pancakes! Now that is how I make them every time. 😊🐭🦋

    • @candyman190
      @candyman190 4 роки тому +3

      Danielle Welch haha! Love that! It’s anazing! And also, have you tried “frying it” in coconut oil? If not, then ugh! 😍 you dunno watchur missing! Put a nice heaping tablespoon or 2 of coconut oil and wait till the oil starts to smoke. When it does, pour your batter and you’re welcome. 😏😛

    • @victoriafuentes1883
      @victoriafuentes1883 4 роки тому +2

      I added cinnamon and vanilla

  • @trishaswartz1011
    @trishaswartz1011 5 років тому +80

    I'm not a spokesperson, but Aldis is totally the answer for everything. I eat $40/WK sometimes less n I'm golden.

    • @taylorbritt499
      @taylorbritt499 5 років тому +13

      I'm a college student (living on limited funds) I can spend about $30 at Aldi's and that food plus the few times I go to the dining hall last me a couple weeks, sometimes longer. Aldi's is a godsend for sure!

    • @CS-by4vg
      @CS-by4vg 5 років тому +7

      Its definitely good, but the one in my town has started jacking up its prices since it remodeled. Its attracting more higher middle class people who can pay the higher prices. Its rediculous. They wouldn't shop there before but now that it looks nice its the cats meow for them.

    • @camismith5338
      @camismith5338 5 років тому +2

      Lidl is a godsend also. I spend 80 there every 2 weeks roughly and I get alot of organic items. I would never go back to a traditional super market

    • @NikkiDocherty74
      @NikkiDocherty74 4 роки тому

      @@CS-by4vg I've shopped at Aldi since they built one in my town. I've always budgeted and never bought sodas or many junk foods but i always had snacks and quick lunches for my daughters.

    • @taoou2633
      @taoou2633 4 роки тому

      U EAT MONEY :0

  • @kateemma22
    @kateemma22 6 років тому +1848

    Your ‘whining’ was actually a great part because the simple fact is as good as these recipes are, living on $1.50 is impossible, and we need to start giving the poor a liveable wage. This is not liveable. Good on you for this vid.

    • @kkoreatheempressayhung6764
      @kkoreatheempressayhung6764 5 років тому +6

      The whinning was very much understood riiiiiiight.

    • @janejohn6473
      @janejohn6473 5 років тому +12

      I feel like this is almost what an anorexic person eats and that's scary

    • @JesusIsLove7777
      @JesusIsLove7777 5 років тому +2

      kateemma22 bananas oats and beans versus $5 mcdonalds meals is impossible?

    • @keyworkmermaid1246
      @keyworkmermaid1246 5 років тому +35

      @@JesusIsLove7777 you should be able to live in a decently healthy lifestyle. Fuck McDonald's

    • @Chris-hn2md
      @Chris-hn2md 5 років тому

      It's satire buh-ro

  • @alexiazamora3500
    @alexiazamora3500 6 років тому +810

    I’m so glad you were real with the fact that it wasn’t easy and it didn’t make you as full as you were used to. Thank you for this video!!

    • @whitevelcro6182
      @whitevelcro6182 6 років тому +7

      I have found an amazing key if you need more calories on a low budget is oil, particularly canola oil (soybean oil "vegetable oil" is pretty bad for you, canola is a lot better). I don't know what the prices are everywhere, but you can often get more than 5,000 calories per dollar from canola oil. Healthy fats are good for you and extremely satisfying. When Caitlin was talking about not feeling full, the whole time I was thinking "just add oil!"

    • @raapyna8544
      @raapyna8544 6 років тому +2

      White Velcro Yes, she was eating very little fat, and fat is what mostly keeps your brain going!

  • @SNancyB
    @SNancyB 5 років тому +40

    A good place to shop is Dollar Tree or a Dollar Store, Aldi, etc because everything is a dollar. They also have a freezer section too with frozen fruits and vegetables, sometimes, salmon and chicken. They sell eggs, roasted red peppers, old fashioned oatmeal, pita bread, and more.

    • @SmileyGirl22100
      @SmileyGirl22100 5 років тому +3

      I'm a little wary of Dollar Tree food but the frozen veggies sound like a great idea so I might check it out.

    • @CS-by4vg
      @CS-by4vg 5 років тому +1

      Ive eaten the dollar tree frozen veggies and I'll vouch for them being safe. The only thing is they have freezer burn and generally have no flavor/taste like dirt.

    • @katharinerobert8378
      @katharinerobert8378 5 років тому +1

      I've checked out food at the dollar tree / dollar store, and while some things are cheaper there I typically find $1 pasta at a regular grocery store and it's a bigger package. Most of their foods that do cost $1 cost the same at the regular grocery store (regular meaning normal less expensive grocery, not the fancy more expensive ones..)

  • @irissasa6525
    @irissasa6525 5 років тому +38

    With developing your cooking skills, your food can be amazing. I was poor, I'm still struggling with money, but my quality of food and the taste and texture of my meals are AHHH-MAE-ZING

  • @valeale2812
    @valeale2812 7 років тому +1379

    cait i eat like that almost every day and it's so nice to see this, cause every other video seems to be full of expensive products 😞

    • @lanadel-qf2qn
      @lanadel-qf2qn 7 років тому +58

      Val T stay strong,you're killing it

    • @charitybosua
      @charitybosua 7 років тому +39

      Cheap Lazy Vegan made a serie of videos like these. I found them very helpful :)

    • @Deminutuv
      @Deminutuv 7 років тому +9

      She doesn't usually eat expensive, just foods that are unavailable to some more left behind countries.

    • @valeale2812
      @valeale2812 7 років тому +2

      lana del 1975 thank you, you are so lovely ❤️

    • @valeale2812
      @valeale2812 7 років тому +3

      Charity Bosua yesss! i've watched them i love her :)

  • @lauravaldez3829
    @lauravaldez3829 5 років тому +818

    Going on an extreme budget. I just went from riches to rags.... no job. All my niceties completely out the window.... but although we fall down.... we can get back up! Meanwhile thank you for sharing... beans and rice and occasional ground beef with potatoes and corn I can do! I’m grateful in times of plenty and grateful in times of famine. Let’s do this!

    • @softesthard8168
      @softesthard8168 5 років тому +37

      laura valdez You got this, hermosa! Love your positivity. Wishing you the best.

    • @MrsDVK
      @MrsDVK 5 років тому +21

      Awesome attitude!

    • @heysisters636
      @heysisters636 5 років тому +10

      laura valdez Wish you the best!!

    • @mysterygirl2881
      @mysterygirl2881 5 років тому +30

      I like the last statement: I'm grateful in times of plenty and I'm grateful in times of famine. For those who didn't know, these are the words of Apostol Paul.

    • @ChainedFei
      @ChainedFei 5 років тому +4

      Ground beef, potatoes and Corn is shepherds pie with some cheese.

  • @sabrinazarogoza8686
    @sabrinazarogoza8686 4 роки тому +15

    Growing up my dad didn't always have a steady income, since concrete is such seasonal work and my mom has five kids, so it wasn't easy. Beans, Spanish rice and fried potatoes lots of dinners. Egg sandwiches for breakfast. Breakfast burritoes and raman noodles were also something we had lots of.
    Now my husband and I have a total monthly income of 1400 dollars, so it's better, although we do definitely still have our hard times.
    I'm so greatful for the prosperous and the difficult times.
    Most times we only eat dinner. I like to tell people it's because we choose to, but we're also kind of forced into it by our financial situation. So I try to make sure we keep our meals to 3 dollars per person. Sometimes I can afford more, it just depends on how bills and things like that work out, also if there's anything we need for the house like toilet paper or dish soap that can cut into things a bit as well.
    Honestly, the harder times are my favorite because it's proof that we can survive. We are strong and we can get through this.
    Not only that, but sometimes you come up with the most interesting recipes that actually taste good.

  • @kiarat3428
    @kiarat3428 4 роки тому +8

    I watched this and now I really appreciate my mom teaching me how to cook because let me tell you spices ARE EVERYTHING. Even adding a bit of garlic or a chile will spice up your life.

  • @corsicanlulu
    @corsicanlulu 6 років тому +879

    if ur poor like i am, u DEF. need to buy all the food u can in bulk!! u have to! i buy the spices i use the most in bulk, like garlic and onion powder. also brown rice, quinoa, lentils. yes it seems expensive at first but its worth it because the food can last for months and that always helps. amazon, and if u have club stores like bj's sams club u can go to them, or at least get a free one-day pass online and buy what u need online if u dont have one near u.

    • @Brandiisbeloved
      @Brandiisbeloved 5 років тому +37

      corsican lulu btw dollar tree has seasoning or at least where I live for only a dollar. It’s the only way I can afford seasoning

    • @ideljenny
      @ideljenny 5 років тому +75

      Have you ever heard of the work boots theory? If you're poor, its unlikely you have money available to buy in bulk, making everything paradoxicly more expensive.

    • @KisabellaLopez
      @KisabellaLopez 5 років тому +31

      :( unfortunately, the cost of signing up for bulk club stores like Costco would dent your food budget considerably. Sure, it's for a whole year and I'm sure you get your money back, but it would hurt to put it down all at once.

    • @JabberJelly
      @JabberJelly 5 років тому +35

      @@KisabellaLopez those memberships are def expensive especially if you're living on your own. What I do is: ask my friends or even my friends parents if they have a Costco, BJ's, or Sam's club memberships and if they do, I ask if I can tag along every few months so I can restock on bulk items that way I dont have to purchase my own memberships. SOMETIMES they do offer one day passes for new customers so I would look into that.

    • @JabberJelly
      @JabberJelly 5 років тому +22

      @@Brandiisbeloved If you have ethnic food stores near you, sometimes they sell everyday spices super cheap. I love to get most of my spices at my local Mexican store as they're $1 per packet of herb/spice and they last me a few months.

  • @ndjjiekkskkejjr
    @ndjjiekkskkejjr 7 років тому +701

    I appreciate thar she literally made the same meal in like 3 different ways lmao.

    • @airari24
      @airari24 6 років тому +48

      Theresa Akubuilo I think she was trying to show how to work with a week's worth of vegan groceries (So using it all up in different ways), instead of showing a bunch of original cool recipes

    • @juli-fz7ep
      @juli-fz7ep 6 років тому +8

      ikr she WAS SO CREATIVE

  • @evagibson1798
    @evagibson1798 5 років тому +206

    Do you rinse your rice? I've learned you can make the cheapest rice taste great when you rinse them off well.

    • @moondog7694
      @moondog7694 5 років тому +15

      I heard plastic rice was being sold in Jamaica by another country that had a machine that melted plastic bags into pellets the size of rice grains.

    • @bloodangelsheart
      @bloodangelsheart 5 років тому +34

      Wait, you don't wash your rice? I didn't know people didnt wash it.

    • @jean6061
      @jean6061 5 років тому +5

      Since rice used to be one of my few staples, I would only buy Calrose Rice - so good! - and yes, I rinsed it until the water ran clear, then cooked it in my rice steamer.

    • @k80_
      @k80_ 5 років тому +12

      Judging by the cloudiness of her soup seems like she didn’t

    • @elsitabebe
      @elsitabebe 4 роки тому +16

      As far as the rice tasting like plastic. She may actually be correct. Many lower quality rice has fillers in them made from a plastic like material. This is true, you can Google it and do some investigating yourself, I about fell over when I found this out. How does the government approve plastic for human consumption?? There were other foods also, which I don't remember, but RICE stuck with me since I use it a lot

  • @jctasm
    @jctasm 5 років тому

    Good for you Caitlin. Always looking on the bright side. You're grateful for what you do have and you don't complain about what you don't have. Very inspirational. You're amazing.

  • @kokonodes903
    @kokonodes903 6 років тому +752

    The only vegan youtuber I like cause she shows that we can be vegan on a low budget in comparison to other vegan youtubers who are extremely rich and she isn't raw

    • @airari24
      @airari24 6 років тому +12

      Komal Shireen She's great, but there are more UA-cam's like her! You should check them out

    • @squirrel6536
      @squirrel6536 6 років тому +22

      Cheap Lazy Vegan is also pretty awesome with a lot of (obviously) cheap, easy recipes.

    • @limeyfigdet7460
      @limeyfigdet7460 6 років тому +26

      This girl is the realest vegan UA-camr that I've seen. People like Vegan Gains and Freelee use stuff like fancy protein powders and exotic seeds.
      Regular people like me who want to follow a vegetarian diet aren't always on the same page as those rich folks.

  • @lawiez
    @lawiez 6 років тому +821

    if i'm on this diet, i'll probably be able to save $$ on the salt...
    the tears cascading down my face will be more than enough to season the food, probably lol

    • @amnygt92
      @amnygt92 5 років тому

      Lmao

    • @bikinggal1
      @bikinggal1 5 років тому +11

      salt? salt is el cheapo!! You could actually walk into macdonalds and pick up salt packs and ketchup!!

    • @thirtythreeeyes8624
      @thirtythreeeyes8624 5 років тому +5

      @Naughty Hotdog Ya just go without eating for 2 days and the rest of your food will taste better.

    • @ConsiderTheCrows
      @ConsiderTheCrows 5 років тому +10

      @@thirtythreeeyes8624 Starvation definitely enhances the flavor of anything edible.

    • @JayJay-ge9sm
      @JayJay-ge9sm 5 років тому

      You're a hero for that comment

  • @akanaistyping
    @akanaistyping 4 роки тому +8

    Thank you for this. I mean, what you’re eating is probably a lot more than what I eat on a “tight” day here in the Philippines. 1.50 is the equivalent of around 160 php here. You can’t eat that much quantities with 160 php. I also love that you’re being very respectful about all this because this is reality for some of us. Anyhow, this was really helpful for someone who’s not as privileged but also thinking of trying out veganism. Thank you!

  • @nlarrabee6847
    @nlarrabee6847 5 років тому +7

    As a very poor high school student I appreciate this video for many reasons. You bring awareness to the struggles of living below the poverty line, especially with not being able to concentrate. I’m also mentally cataloguing these meals to have something healthier than pasta 😅

  • @bigbird2299
    @bigbird2299 7 років тому +92

    I just found this vid, and I really like how honest you are. I feel like most people would be like "I feel amazing, I'm gonna do this everyday" and you're like. " it's not the best. but, I at least get to eat" keep up the good work. :)

    • @christinasmith8338
      @christinasmith8338 6 років тому

      Andréa Rosa I don't think many people would say they want to eat this way every day but I do agree people would claim they feel ok when they really don't. It is nice she was honest. :)

  • @beccalordon3680
    @beccalordon3680 7 років тому +96

    This challenge is super eye-opening to me as a "broke" college student I know the struggles of not being able to afford certain things I want for meals and in general, but it's honestly heartbreaking to see how little food and variety of food people in poverty can afford. Really makes me grateful for my situation, and makes me want to figure out how to help those who can't be able to eat enough healthy nutritious and delicious foods.

  • @nancylothian5014
    @nancylothian5014 5 років тому

    Caitlin, you are cracking me up with your "honest" commentaries on your meal creations. Thank you for your honesty, eating healthy on a budget and time constraints can be a challenge.
    Love what you are sharing, thank you!

  • @jaelynaaron9366
    @jaelynaaron9366 2 роки тому +2

    This has become my comfort vid. My inspo video. My food rut video. My everything vid. I hope it never leaves the internet.

  • @mariangelbriceno9724
    @mariangelbriceno9724 7 років тому +333

    Hi Caitlin! I love that you did this challenge to find out how some people are living. What makes me very sad is knowing that most people in my country, Venezuela, can't even afford eating what you ate during that challenge, beans and peanut butter? That's what rich people eat. It's heartbreaking to see people starving because we don't deserve this. I would recommend you to research about the situation that Venezuelan people are going through and spread it, because most people aren't aware of that.
    Thank you for creating such an amazing content always, I love your channel and it has inspired to be a better person, I've been vegetarian for 4 months and it's been amazing, hopefully one day I'll be 100% vegan just as you❤️❤️

    • @katieelizabethnelson921
      @katieelizabethnelson921 7 років тому +36

      That's how bad the situation is in Venezuela it's heartbreaking.

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +34

      Thank YOU for watching! I totally agree with you, poverty is horrible and no one should be forced to live the way many people do.

    • @marianat.4998
      @marianat.4998 7 років тому +6

      No pude dejar de pensar en nuestro país con este vídeo, sobretodo cuando dijo que seguramente los niños no se pueden concentrar en clases. Le doy clases de inglés a niños de Petare y llegan con hambre. Es la triste y dura realidad, no prestan atención, están de mal humor y lo único que piden es comida. Qué tristeza esta situación, se me parte el corazón por toda nuestra gente pasando hambre 💔😔

    • @emmalina3750
      @emmalina3750 7 років тому +2

      im venezuelan too ❤️

    • @anjelapatnaik
      @anjelapatnaik 7 років тому +3

      can you find out if there is an easy way for those in US to make some donations to those in Venezuela? I'm not sure how to go about doing this in a way that cannot be stolen/lost.

  • @InstantCrazy1
    @InstantCrazy1 7 років тому +276

    The worst place is to be just above the poverty line. You don't get government assistance, pb&j is a staple, and you have sleep for dinner to try and forget about the hunger pains.

    • @katederepasmusic3584
      @katederepasmusic3584 6 років тому +3

      InstantCrazy1 :(

    • @leal5049
      @leal5049 6 років тому +37

      InstantCrazy1 I feel terrible for the people barely above the line, making $50 too much for food stamps, like $50 is going to feed you for a month.

    • @Janelle-ws3cy
      @Janelle-ws3cy 6 років тому +3

      :(

    • @starhill6792
      @starhill6792 6 років тому +10

      InstantCrazy1 Sounds like the story of my family and my life.

    • @vampireleniore
      @vampireleniore 6 років тому +8

      I am a cancer patient who can't work and have absolutely no income and I was denied disability because "they suspected my condition wouldn't last for more than a year", so not everyone who is sick and poor gets government assistance, but I know what you're saying.

  • @kimberlypowell3236
    @kimberlypowell3236 3 роки тому +1

    Hi Caitlin! I am so proud of you for doing this challenge to spread awareness

  • @emileehill7797
    @emileehill7797 4 роки тому

    I’m EXTREMELY blessed to say I’ve never gone hungry. I’ve always been able to put whatever I wanted to eat in the buggy without thinking twice. And so many people don’t have that luxury. Thank you for bringing attention to this topic so many know noting about. ❤️❤️

  • @laughaholic13
    @laughaholic13 5 років тому +1525

    I grew up with an income of about $2000 for 4 people but I can't recall ever being hungry. My mom made sure we always had food to eat and my dad (who was the sole money maker) managed to make it work somehow. Now he makes like 120K can we appreciate that glow up! He did it all on his own too. Idk what the point was here lol maybe that things get better? My dad worked his ass off to make it better for us so I believe in working hard to make a good living cuz I saw it first hand.

    • @andream.liverman6966
      @andream.liverman6966 5 років тому +148

      It sounds like you have a lovely family. I'm glad your dad's hard work paid off for y'all.

    • @laughaholic13
      @laughaholic13 5 років тому +53

      Andrea M. Liverman thank you! I'm glad that he's living a life that he deserves 😊

    • @o0Avalon0o
      @o0Avalon0o 5 років тому +41

      What did your dad do? Start his own business? This seems like quite a big difference in salary, I'm sure people will love to know how to accomplish that.

    • @laughaholic13
      @laughaholic13 5 років тому +127

      @@o0Avalon0o We came to US on a visa and he used to work in a gas station and a dollar store. He wanted to be a doctor when he was younger but his dad refused to pay for his education so, after working at those places, he was fed up with it and learned computer science in his spare time and now he's a software engineer! They get paid a lot when you have the experience and good negotiating skills haha

    • @thisismylovehandle
      @thisismylovehandle 5 років тому +22

      We (5 people) live on one income of 2k/month net. Teachers pay in AZ. Sometimes, it takes hurts to tell your children to sleep best they can while they complain of hunger. We are often tired.. But we decided that it was worth it for me to stay home with the children and give them that greater education.

  • @molly104
    @molly104 7 років тому +105

    the comments here are amazing. this is what youtube should be. this is quality content, you are raising awareness of something that matters for you, you're sincere and honest about your intentions and present us with aesthetic and easy to watch videos. thank you. I was thinking today about the fact that so many of us are living above what is deemed to be normal and the opportunity to education is so taken for granted. I reflect on this far too little, thank you for bringing it to my attention as well as the privilege I have to adequate nutrition

  • @jazzyrush1
    @jazzyrush1 3 роки тому +7

    This is so informative and helpful! A small tip - let plaintains get super super brown (like an over ripe banana) to get the most flavor out of them

  • @mondugibaby
    @mondugibaby 5 років тому +315

    Omg please learn how to cook South Indian meals. Most are Vegan or vegetarian and so cheap but incredibly tasty. Tasty. Very tasty.

    • @ShelleySkyDoe
      @ShelleySkyDoe 5 років тому +46

      The spices do not come under the poverty line challenge. She would have to go a day without food per spice

    • @Sam-gx5hb
      @Sam-gx5hb 4 роки тому +12

      @@ShelleySkyDoe curry powder is $2 at walmart. It lasts forever. Yeah. Its not as good as real Indian cooking, but its also not unrealistic. It wouldn't work for her challenge, but when you live it every week you occasionally will have a little extra(like you wouldnt need to buy oatmeal or peanut butter every week, or sometimes something will be on sale half off, or maybe you found a fiver on the ground, or you got an extra hour at work.)

    • @BuddingPlanet
      @BuddingPlanet 4 роки тому +2

      As an Asian, I agree with DeeGirl. But on the other hand, I can see where Caitlin was coming from.
      Those under poverty in Asia would have some spice in their cupboard to make things a lot tastier than what I saw in the video.
      Indian dhall curry and rice with Azuki beans is delicious, super cheap too. It's something that I would see at Sai Babas' centers. They need to cut their cost super low, and yet make things tasty.

    • @reshma221180
      @reshma221180 4 роки тому +2

      Spices also increase the vitamin intake than normal.

  • @cr1994yellow
    @cr1994yellow 6 років тому +308

    Lol I’m Mexican, and this is how I eat everyday. I love that you are showing people how to be on a budget and not starve. Thanks :)

    • @hellooutthere8956
      @hellooutthere8956 6 років тому +7

      Carmen T. Reyes Gonzalez I imagine you season it differently than she did. I am starting to eat lots more beans and rice so I am curious abt your seasonings. Thanks.

    • @gabrielmaximus6447
      @gabrielmaximus6447 6 років тому +1

      Do you add anything to the beans to get rid of gas? I love beans and they're cheaper than everything else but I get terrible smelly and loud gas with them even when I take enzymes. I wonder if some herb offsets this.

    • @bandersnatchcucumberpatch
      @bandersnatchcucumberpatch 6 років тому +1

      Gabriel Maximus a tiny bit of baking soda will help

    • @joey_9698
      @joey_9698 6 років тому +5

      sharon anderson I'm Panamanian, and when I make rice I usually season it with a little bit of Goya seasoning, which you can usually find in the Hispanic aisle of a grocery store!

    • @nemira8301
      @nemira8301 5 років тому +2

      And some peppers or a small jalapeño. Also sofrito is vegan you can add to rice or beans

  • @woolyvaro7814
    @woolyvaro7814 7 років тому +68

    If I'm on a budget, I always buy potatoes. Not sure how expensive they are outside of Germany, but here they cost about 2 dollars for 5 pounds.

    • @TheHaSoMa
      @TheHaSoMa 6 років тому +18

      Wolle van Ro this. When I was a kid and we had financial Problems we ate potatoes so freaking often because they are cheap and filling

    • @lilxoluvr
      @lilxoluvr 6 років тому +1

      10 lbs for 99 cents in arizona

    • @hanawana
      @hanawana 6 років тому

      Jesse Hitman Where’s “here?”

    • @vampireleniore
      @vampireleniore 6 років тому +3

      Potatoes, rice, and beans are just about the most cheap, satisfying foods in existence, but potatoes are my favorite. So versatile and cheap. Also, nutritionally dense.

    • @babybatmouse4177
      @babybatmouse4177 6 років тому

      2.99 for 10lbs in North Carolina

  • @everythingstalli
    @everythingstalli 4 роки тому

    I grew up on very little food and it’s taken a toll on my body and health in older age, therefore I’ve made the decision to use most of my money for food while I finish school. Thank you for videos like this, it really helps me gain inspiration and faith❤️

  • @813torry
    @813torry 5 років тому

    i subbed when you put it in the perspective of the people that are less fortune ! you got a heart kiddo keep it up, and hope all is well with school !

  • @tsvetig.3793
    @tsvetig.3793 6 років тому +1523

    I'm impressed by how you managed to cook such good-looking food on a such low budget, you're so creative. Btw, I love your dimples, they're so cute :).

    • @veganonabudget7214
      @veganonabudget7214 6 років тому +2

      Tsveti G. Amen 🙏🏽 to that sister.

    • @midnightcorresponden
      @midnightcorresponden 6 років тому

      Hi Tsveti, thank u for choosing a life of veganism..I'm a vegan singer songwriter that would love to introduce other vegans to my music...if ur interested in hearing some brilliant folk-jazz-rock music written by a vegan..please respond to this and I'll send you a link to check my music out at Bandcamp....Hope to hear from you and Go Beyond Burger!

    • @tsvetig.3793
      @tsvetig.3793 6 років тому +1

      I'm interested in hearing it :D

    • @midnightcorresponden
      @midnightcorresponden 6 років тому

      jordonrothstein.bandcamp.com/album/transexual-closeit would lv to know what u think if u have any thoughts.. Happy holidays!

    • @lewisisdaman
      @lewisisdaman 6 років тому

      I agree Tvesti. She's really cute

  • @lorrainybrito5185
    @lorrainybrito5185 6 років тому +383

    you can cook the rice and beans with garlic and salt . Here in brazil we eat rice and beans every day , and we do like that :)

    • @Kpower
      @Kpower 6 років тому +30

      Yeah I was wondering why she did not get garlic, onion or basil. They are lifesavers. They make food taste so much better. If I was her I would not buy the beans, but instead, buy some eggs and garlic. It would allow more variety in meals and it tastes better.

    • @cahaureliano7
      @cahaureliano7 6 років тому +38

      K-power she is vegan tho, no eggs for her

    • @cahaureliano7
      @cahaureliano7 6 років тому +9

      não tem caldo no feijão, ela fez tudo errado tadinha

    • @yesica8088
      @yesica8088 6 років тому +2

      jalapeños make it even better omg

    • @js44cana
      @js44cana 6 років тому +8

      K-power She is vegan and was on a budget 🤦 Eggs cost more than 1.50

  • @sarahmh3971
    @sarahmh3971 4 роки тому

    I really appreciate how you keep all your videos real! Truly many of us (yes that includes me) cannot afford nor necessarily know how to mix different flavors to make a decadent vegan meal. I also see you as a purist in how your diet! Thank you!

  • @thehoneyasmr
    @thehoneyasmr 5 років тому +1

    Thank you so much for using your platform to try to bring some type of knowledge about how you'd have to eat if you were poor. The fact that this is vegan-friendly is perfect. This was an amazing video. Thank you for focusing on how hard it is to be poor and eat healthy.

  • @KristenLeo
    @KristenLeo 7 років тому +2196

    I loved this video and I want it to go viral NOWWWW Also I think we all need to appreciate the creativity that went into making all of this delicious looking food with such an incredibly low budget and keeping it so real and honest. Cannot wait for the next one!!!!

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +45

      thank you so much Kristen, that means a lot coming from you!

    • @alisonmartin3921
      @alisonmartin3921 6 років тому +1

      Pasta recipes

    • @captaindovestone3894
      @captaindovestone3894 6 років тому +1

      Kristen Leo fantastic isn't it, I'm an Ovo vegetarian from England working towards full vegan and I love these simple life hacks

    • @tanishaali2619
      @tanishaali2619 6 років тому +2

      It went viral

    • @Dichtsau
      @Dichtsau 5 років тому +2

      honestly? that food looks horrible to me and this i do not only say because i'm writing a vegan cookbook (with lots of cheap recipes).
      i'd rather buy a pack of toastbread, some tomatoes, some vegan mayo and a lettuce.
      if there's money leftover (maybe in the 2nd week) i'd cook southgerman medieval food: sauerkraut & potatobread.
      basically, i'd also say, eating beans & peanutbutter is healthy when it's about nutrition, but her frozen veggies have been a misbuy (not enough in the package + some of it is corn which doesn't feed you anything!) and also she misused the rice: if u eat rice, u need lots of it, so better buy more rice and just cook it with some veggie broth powder and eat it with nothing else; then the rice can be a cheap thing to keep the hunger away.
      PS: if u think in long terms and have a cool cellar, go get a sack of potatoes - they are lifesavers!

  • @sezmonsta3229
    @sezmonsta3229 6 років тому +321

    salt and pepper will save every broke person

    • @aeline1932
      @aeline1932 5 років тому +10

      Try buying provence herbs/Herbes de Provence (It's one of the cheapest seasoning you can find in France, and it lasts a long time (100g a year, 5€). It''s maybe more expensive in america). Tastes better, and is so much better for your health.

    • @ashleybeltran7182
      @ashleybeltran7182 5 років тому +1

      @@aeline1932 thanks for the advice .😉

    • @ultravioletpisces3666
      @ultravioletpisces3666 5 років тому +3

      You can do a lot with season-all.

    • @beautifuldreamz8698
      @beautifuldreamz8698 5 років тому

      Trueee

  • @claudiacreates554
    @claudiacreates554 5 років тому +6

    I realized how we are so much more privileged than others while watching this! I want to say thank u it really humbled me and I have been sick for 3 days and have only eaten about 2 pieces of watermelon and a little bit of applesauce that’s it so I get it

  • @bhargavisanthanam5888
    @bhargavisanthanam5888 5 років тому

    You were so honest n genuine with how u did things n how the food actually tasted,didnt fake anything for the sake of video..u were so creative-loved ur banana n peanut butter pancakes...awesome!! Budgeting

  • @glendapeterson1180
    @glendapeterson1180 5 років тому +418

    A really fun video. If you're interested in how poor people made it in the past, watch "Clara's Depression Era Cooking" videos. Her videos were also put into a cookbook. There are several other books on Depression and WWII cooking, which you might enjoy.

    • @phyto.sapien4022
      @phyto.sapien4022 5 років тому +7

      I love her videos! 😊

    • @christinabarnett7091
      @christinabarnett7091 5 років тому +1

      Glenda Peterson that is so cool, I’m glad I saw your comment!!

    • @mmmmmmmm1942
      @mmmmmmmm1942 5 років тому

      Yyyeeessss I love those videos

    • @kaylee8130
      @kaylee8130 5 років тому +1

      Glenda Peterson I actually was just watching Clara’s poor mans meal video xd

    • @user-mv5tm8eu5z
      @user-mv5tm8eu5z 5 років тому +2

      'a really fun video' uhh... what? fun because she only has to do this for a day?

  • @starrstark
    @starrstark 7 років тому +32

    Thanks for making this video. My family is considered to be below the poverty line. Since my parents eat meat and dairy, it's too much money for them to afford 3 separate meals just for me. This helps me get some vegan ideas that they can afford.

    • @starrstark
      @starrstark 7 років тому +1

      I will not replicate exactly because we can afford $15-20 a week for my food, but it's better for ideas than $50 a week or $4 each meal.

    • @shaelstrata517
      @shaelstrata517 5 років тому

      A vegan diet, is cheaper by default, than a traditional diet, because vegans don't buy meat,, dairy or egg products.
      A vegan diet, with processed faux animal like replicas, can be expensive, but not a Whole Foods Plant based diet, of plant based foods, in their natural state like nuts,, seeds, grain, fruit & vegetables.
      I know two people eating a traditional diet, and they eat animal based products, for 2 people EVERY meal, milk & cereal nearly every day, deli meat & cheese every lunch, and some dead body part for dinner every night.
      That works out to 8 gallons of milk a month, x 12 months = 48 gallons of milk a year!
      Plus a near constant hoard of meat, and cheese. Think about it, to feed 2 people deli meat and cheese every day, for 30 days, is 60 servings a month, PLUS another 60 servings of meat every day, for a month.
      Then besides that, they buy, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, whipped cream, butter, ice cream, etc.
      That has to to cost a massive amount of money!1

  • @xrebelkittenx
    @xrebelkittenx 5 років тому

    These types of videos make greatful for what I have. You're such an inspiration!

  • @BlackBerryTrees
    @BlackBerryTrees 5 років тому

    This was such an amazing video to watch! The whole time I was just thinking of other obstacles they would be facing such as not having a crock pot, or a blender, or even a home, or a freezer to be able to store foods in. I loved your comments about education and concentration because i've heard some stereotypes of why they always see homeless people sleeping instead of working, which would make a great point of how hard it is to perform basic functions if you are in chronic malnutrition. I like how you kept it vegan and made some interesting meals despite the challenges of the cost budget but this made me want to do a video of my own!

  • @nicolelink7369
    @nicolelink7369 7 років тому +121

    this is such a great way to bring attention to such an awful (and I'd like to think preventable) issue!
    also, very impressed with how creative you were able to get with these meals!

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +19

      thank you, and yes I totally agree! it could totally be preventable

  • @adrianacorbari146
    @adrianacorbari146 7 років тому +215

    really impressed with the variety of meals you were able to achieve which such limited ingredients, really well done, youre so appreciative of everything and positive, truly a role model hats off to you lol

  • @Em-sd8zm
    @Em-sd8zm 3 роки тому

    Thank you for bringing some awareness to this topic. Focus is definitely something that goes first for me when I’m not eating well. People all over the world struggle with the basic need of properly prepared food & clean water. You’d think in this day in age we as a species would have solved this problem already, but unfortunately we are far from it. Makes me feel grateful and happy that I do not have to struggle that way.

  • @thehopefulwanderer1143
    @thehopefulwanderer1143 5 років тому +1

    I'm not even vegan but I can't stop watching. Thanks for raising awareness and doing this challenge!

  • @valeriezamacona4755
    @valeriezamacona4755 7 років тому +487

    you incredible beautiful beam of sunshine thank you so much for participating in this challenge it's really inspired me to be more conscious of my waste and to be grateful for all i have
    its crazy and so sad to think that kids actually have to power through school with so little food
    love you

  • @magdalenakebede5838
    @magdalenakebede5838 7 років тому +23

    Hey Caitlyn! I'm so thankful that you've done this! Recently we're really having money proben (2kids+1 single mom) and I've been eating so much bread because it's so cheap and we rarely got more fruits than apples & bananas. Tbh you're video made me feel more human and less a ashamed of my situation ❤️

  • @sarahrossi2294
    @sarahrossi2294 4 роки тому +13

    Hello from Brazil, I usually use garlic to prepare my rice and beans. It's delicious and not expensive option. Great video :D

  • @mn-zh1sm
    @mn-zh1sm 4 роки тому

    you have such a positive attitude towards all this . really so beautiful 🦋

  • @sleepykokiri
    @sleepykokiri 7 років тому +44

    i really appreciate you making this video and how honest you were with how hungry you were. it shows that you CAN be vegan on very little money, but it's not necessarily going to be the same as YT vegans. anyone can be vegan - eating vegan on very low income isn't necessarily as easy as some people make it seem.
    something else that's important to note is that a lot of people with lower income will not have a blender. i asked for a blender as my big christmas gift and i was very lucky. pretty much every recipe you made used a blender, so it would be even harder to make vegan meals without that luxury!
    thank you for this video and your honesty!

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +8

      I agree with this completely :)

    • @sunbox4700
      @sunbox4700 6 років тому

      Can use cheap small food processor instead of blender, it costs around 20 dollars or less.

    • @erin2150
      @erin2150 6 років тому

      check out a thrift store if you need one anyone! I just moved and got a bunch of second hand kitchen things for cheap
      :)

  • @iasahmadaninurmariam6227
    @iasahmadaninurmariam6227 6 років тому +58

    I think you are the most honest humble and realistic vegan youTubers. Love ur content

  • @evarickert
    @evarickert 4 роки тому +1

    Very informative, creative and aware. Thank you. Appreciate what you say, how you say it, and what you cook and how you cook under the circumstances. Great job!

  • @nattigabrielle
    @nattigabrielle 5 років тому +2

    My boyfriend and I are about to move into our own apartment so we really have to work on a budget. This will totally save us. Not to mention how healthy and delicious these meals are. Thank you so much for the beautiful & informative video♡♡♡

  • @cascasasa
    @cascasasa 7 років тому +359

    Where I live that would be 5 dollars only to buy peanut butter.

    • @anjaylah
      @anjaylah 6 років тому +64

      I can tell by the brands, she went to Dollar Tree to buy, at least the PB, frozen veggies and oats. EVERYTHING at Dollar Tree is $1.

    • @GiantPetRat
      @GiantPetRat 6 років тому +7

      Do you live in Latin America? I know that in a lot of places in Latin America peanuts aren't too hard to find, but PB is practically a myth.

    • @harietam3194
      @harietam3194 6 років тому +6

      Same, over here it’s close to 6-7$

    • @aruytpadyugf
      @aruytpadyugf 6 років тому +11

      No, this person is most likely from LA or NY. Where organic peanut butter is literally $5 for 1 oz lol South Americans don't eat peanut butter, it's not part of the traditional diet. It's a very American thing.

    • @Chantwizzle
      @Chantwizzle 6 років тому

      aruytpadyugf but all the Americans and Europeans who live there do. My brother lives in Cabo, and its basically America in Mexico. There are stores the locals can't afford to shop in. But they cater to tourists and snowbirds.

  • @choicesdriveus4795
    @choicesdriveus4795 5 років тому +75

    You made me cry when you started talking about children trying to concentrate. 💔

  • @lizettecontreras9565
    @lizettecontreras9565 5 років тому

    Hi there! Just wanted to say that I’m very grateful I came across your video! I’m struggling financially but I’m still trying to be mindful of the way I eat and being vegan. You’re recipes are creative and sound simple yet delicious! I’m excited to try them.
    These will surely help me get through this time!

  • @tamimg83
    @tamimg83 4 роки тому

    I have to say that I love how honest you are! New subscriber here.

  • @yearspaceship6112
    @yearspaceship6112 7 років тому +9

    Caitlin. Thank you so much for acknowledging and bringing up the point that not everyone has the opportunity to receive a higher education. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue my education after community college (which I was able to attend on a pel grant), due to not being able to pay for it or take out private loans. And I know so many who didn't even have the opportunity to go to community college because they have to work multiple jobs to take Daren of themselves and their families. Thank you for being aware and bringing it to the attention of others. I'm so happy that you're doing this challenge to bring attention to poverty issues. GO CAITLIN!

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +8

      Thank YOU for watching! I am sorry that the school system has failed you and you were not able to continue your education...that should be a basic right

  • @c.c.1823
    @c.c.1823 7 років тому +146

    I think this is the best video you've ever made! xx

    • @CaitlinShoemaker
      @CaitlinShoemaker  7 років тому +118

      I think it is the one I am most proud of so far :)

    • @cristinamurillo4028
      @cristinamurillo4028 7 років тому +1

      whee you are a lazy mexican so you eat beans and rice on a daily basis (I put avocado on top, it's my favorite meal, tastes like childhood)

  • @ninahunter2957
    @ninahunter2957 4 роки тому

    I love the video ! Love that you considered people who have to do this everyday ❤️

  • @jeanika1712
    @jeanika1712 3 роки тому

    Love your honesty, its good that you explain everything so no unrealistic expectations.