Budget by Lauren – The Blog

Category: Uncategorized

  • Cheesy Gochujang Egg Pita

    It’s Day 1 of trying recipes in my new book, Low-Cal Kitchen Bangers (affiliate link 4.5% commission). These come from a UK creator who specializes in delicious and easy low-calorie recipes. I’ll be adapting for U.S. ingredients and for a larger family size as I work through this book over the next few weeks!

    First up on the meal plan: Breakfast! I’m trying the cheesy gochujang egg pitas. To keep it simple, hubby prepped a triple batch (enough for 6 servings) to make sure we use up the 6 pitas come in the Joseph’s flatbreads we picked up at Walmart. The recipe calls for chorizo, but I substituted a chipotle chicken sausage, since the Mexican style of chorizo is often different from the European/Spanish style.

    The eggs, mixed with blended cottage cheese, reheated beautifully each day and breakfast was ready in under 5 minutes which is always a win.

    After 6 days of eating an egg-y breakfast I’m ready to try something new! First recipe (adapted) gets a 5 stars for me on flavor, simplicity and bonus points for the ability to be prepped ahead! I’m looking forward to a full week of good eats.

    Please note: while the book is advertised as a low-calorie recipe book this is not a promotion of a low-calorie lifestyle.

  • Weekly Menu -5/5/2025

    Here’s what I’m looking forward to this week:

    Dinners

    • Crispy Sweet Chili Beef Noodles
    • Crispy Katsu Fish Sandwiches
    • Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan
    • Korean BBQ Beef Quesadilla
    • Creamy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi
    • Garlic Bread Meatball Subs
    • Butter Chicken, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry, and Garlic

    Breakfast and Lunch

    • Cheesy Gochujang Egg Pitas
    • Molten Chocolate Baked Oats
    • Chicken Bacon Ranch Chopped Sandwich
    • Pizza Bowls

    All of the recipes this week (and for the next few weeks!) are coming from Low-Cal Kitchen Bangers (affiliate link 4.5% commission). I won’t be sharing the recipe details- you’ll have to snag the book if you like what you see!

    Each recipe is designed to serve 1-2 people so perfect for individuals and couples. As a family of 6 I’ll need to make some adjustments.

    Later this week I’ll complete my favorite analysis of whether or not these recipes are budget friendly, but for now here’s my shopping list…

    Grocery List

    We Need:

    • Deli rolls (Meatball Subs AND CBR Chopped Sandwich
    • Gnocchi (Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi)
    • Burger buns (Katsu Fish Sandwich)
    • Pita (Cheesy Gochujang Egg Pitas)
    • Red onion
    • White onion
    • Broccoli (Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi)
    • Carrots (Korean BBQ Quesadillas)
    • Coleslaw (Katsu Fish Sandwich)
    • Linguine (Crispy Sweet Chili Beef Noodles)
    • Smoked sausage (Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan)
    • Pepperoni (Pizza Bowls)
    • European Style Chorizo – I subbed Chipotle Chicken Sausage
    • Ham (adding to the Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi)
    • Cod/White fish (Katsu Fish Sandwich)
    • Eggs (Cheesy Gochujang Egg Pitas)
    • Greek yogurt
    • Cream cheese (Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi)
    • Rice wine vinegar (Crispy Sweet Chili Beef Noodles)
    • Coconut milk (curry)
    • Dark chocolate (Molten Chocolate Oats)
    • Marinara (Pizza Bowls)

    We Have Already:

    • Ground beef
    • Chicken breast
    • Bacon
    • Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
    • Tortillas
    • Oats
    • Bell peppers
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Chickpeas
    • Tomato paste/tomato sauce
    • Chicken stock
    • Cocoa powder
    • Chocolate chips
    • Soy sauce
    • Sweet chili sauce
    • Mayo
    • Gochujang
    • Ketchup
    • Sriracha
    • Barbecue sauce
    • Baking powder
    • Cornstarch
    • Breadcrumbs
    • Ranch seasoning
    • Spices (salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, curry powder. garam masala, turmeric, cumin)
    • Minced ginger
    • Minced garlic

    Stay tuned for the updates on each recipe/meal and how we make it work for our family of 6!

  • Welcome to Budget by Lauren!

    Hi there — I’m Lauren, and I’m so glad you’re here.

    If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge wondering what’s for dinner and how to make it all work within your grocery budget — you’re in the right place.

    I started Budget by Lauren as a way to share our real-life journey of budgeting and for us one of the biggest categories is always our groceries.

    What You’ll Find Here

    This blog is your go-to hub for:

    • Weekly meal plans with a diverse array of flavors and cultures
    • Family-friendly recipes that don’t break the bank
    • Grocery shopping lists to help you stay organized and on budget
    • Product reviews of products from Aldi, Walmart and Costco!

    Whether you’re trying to cut down your grocery bill, feed picky eaters, or just feel a little more in control of your kitchen, I’ve got your back.

    Let’s Stay Connected

    Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a new meal plan, recipe drop, or printable. And if you’re coming from TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube — welcome! You’re already part of the family.

    Let’s eat well, save smart, and do this thing together.

    💛
    Lauren
    aka Budget by Lauren