Inflation has highlighted the pains of overconsumption. We can address this issue with varying degrees of belt-tightening. Like the old SNL skit “Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford”, one of the few items we can directly control is the food we eat. 
Since I’m not a fan of hunger, I’ve developed a grim fascination for YouTube channels with extreme grocery budget challenges. The intention of these videos are to provide the viewer with an example list for a trip to the store with a scant amount to spend.
I’ve compiled a list of YouTubers that adhere to increasing measures of thrift.
That Lisa Dawn:
Lisa makes personal content that is firmly rooted in the reality of her actual purchases and meal preparation throughout the week, for herself and two other adults. Helpful tips and ideas are shared. I feel the amount of dedication she holds to work, life, and budget is attainable. A portion of preparation tactics are easier to apply than others. Some may balk at her pasta and bread techniques. As always, YMMV.
Dollar Tree Dinners:
Rebecca’s videos are created with groceries purchased specifically from Dollar Tree and Dollar General, but these ingredients can be commonly sourced from other outlets. This is a realistic resource for those living in rural areas or food deserts with minimal access to fully functional grocers. Some may choose to live a life removed from the suburban comfort of choice and be left with Dollar Tree or Dollar General as the only option. Michelle is also a driving force for the novelty clothing company Nerdgasmatron.
Ardent Michelle:
Hearty doses of matronly wisdom are served here. Michelle shares kitchen shortcuts, and eagerly applies a variety of methods to make those meager mealtimes stretch. Some portions extend beyond any trail we would be willing to tread. Like a burst sack of quarters in the parking lot of a coin-op car wash, there are useful morsels to gather here. You may find some of her suggestions have rolled into your own rotations.
Atomic Shrimp:
I’m sure many of you are familiar with Atomic Shrimp, from his hilarious Scambaiting to foraging forays around Shrimp Cottage and environs. A few years ago, I took notice of his extreme budget challenge videos. How does someone create 3 meals for 2 people with 1 British Pound per day? While inflation may have evicted him from this specific plan, it’s entertaining to see what he can create despite great limitation.
Claw Master
I have left this cavalier gambler from Japan for our final entry. Observe functional decision-making skills and remaining funds decrease as hunger and desperation increase. Impulsive wagers dominate and daily weigh-ins reflect the absence of adequate nourishment. The austerity is real. Cheer his victories and mourn failures of that damned claw to grasp anything. Fortunately, the time of his challenge was limited, and normal habits resumed (along with his waistline.) I fear this has become habitual as a similar, follow-up episode has appeared.