You dont have to follow the recipes..trust me. This lifestyle..if no other..can be so simple. You can buy cheap cuts of meat and any vegetables..they are especially cheap in the summer...and you really save money by not buying junk food. If you have a college cafe, eat at the salad bar, or get a burger and toss the bun. If you are really serious about this, then you need to check out the book at the library (free), and commit yourself....and not make excuses about the recipes being nasty and the groceries being expensive....i too am a nursing student...and my grocery bill is less now than it ever has been....you need to give this an honest shot if you want to see results and you want everyone here to help and encourage you.....if you make excuses..you're only hurting and short changing yourself. Sorry to sound so straight forward...goodluck