Let's face it, we are in tough economic times. One may think that eating healthy is a challenge to your expenses, but I am as frugal as they come and look to cut corners all the time. There are options for fresh food items and ideas to keep your refrigerator and freezer full without breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions:
Use your local Garden Farm Market for a lower cost on fresh fruits and colorful vegetables. You can also buy yams and sweet potatoes, which are a great source of fiber and vitamin A.
In the supermarket, you can purchase store brand brown rice for a whole grain and canned beans as another source of fiber and protein. Frozen fruits and store brand frozen vegetables are also very economical in lieu of fresh options. When buying meats, stock up when your favorite choices go on sale!
Finally, you can use the wholesale clubs for one stop bulk shopping. Many think since they do not have a big family, the food would go to waste. I buy for my family of two and I eat more than my husband. If you live independently, share the cost with a friend! With bulk shopping, you can save tremendously on meats. I buy chicken, fish and beef and definitely seen a difference in my food bill. The key is taking the time to portion the food for your freezer. When you are ready to cook, you take out what is needed. There are also fresh fruits and vegetables at the wholesale clubs. This would be a good option to share the cost if you live independently. Eating healthy on a tight budget is possible!
5 comments:
I hope you decide to post "cooking healthy" on your blog soon. :o) I may desire to buy healthy, but I'm no chef in anybody's definition so I'm often tempted to go the path of the "frozen meal" or out to eat. Any suggestions?
My my mother purchased a chest freezer for me about a year ago. I usually ppurchase chicken on sale and I do the portion thing. I sometimes even season the portions prior to freezing. The freezer bag is marked with the item, seasoning and date. It's such a timesaver. I just take it out of the freezer and put in the frig in the morning before work and it's ready to throw on the indoor grill or broiler when I get home. I also find purchasing frozen vegetables in bulk a savings as well. Also, vegetables and fruits which are individually quick frozen (iqf) retain more nutrients than those that are canned. Last spring I went blueberry and strawvbery picking and how have plenty of them in the freezer.
Anyone interseted ind preparing healthy meals may consider purchasing the book "The World's Healthiest Foods" by George Mateljan. It's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
Since my husband has lost his job I have put him to work as my personal "chef". I love soup but I am very sensitive to sodium content and find it hard to enjoy the canned soup variety. Homemade soup can be easy, nutricious, and economical. I highly recommend the Rachel Ray November 2008 magazine issue. She has a variety of soup and stewp (stew/soup) recipes that are wonderful. I am partial to the butternut squash recipe. A pot will last me a week! I have a nice hot soup for lunch each day during the cold winter months- great way to get the veggies instead of salad!
Gail - Great advice and very familiar. Growing up, meat was a luxury we coul dnot afford.
My mother served a lot of chicken and fish and we had more than our share of beans and rice. To this day one of my favorite dishes is pinto beans and rice minus only the neckbones and with brown rice!
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