Tax write offs with a 1099

I just recently started a job that uses a 1099 form while I also have a job that uses a W-2. The 1099 job has told me that everything that I spend for that work is a write off such as food, water, phone bills, repairs and more. He did not go in depth with the write offs and I was wondering what exactly can I use for a write-off and do I need to file quarterly or just at the end of the year?