The Poor Woman's Diet

KristensMom314

So...okay I know there are good foods/bad foods to eat for a diet. I know what's best to eat, and what's not good to eat. My problem is this: my husband and I have four kids! It's hard enough to scrape together money for ANY groceries, let alone fresh fruits and veggies, etc. I try to "splurge" by getting 1% instead of 2% milk and whole grains instead of bad ones...

...but it's difficult. And when we do have healthy food I try to save it for the kids.

So I'm stuck. Any suggestions for the "poor" woman's diet?

hstallings13

bump

leftymac

Frozen veggies are like 99 cents a bag at my grocery store. They're just as fresh as fresh ones.

thegymbunny

I'm in the same boat...

Kids don't mind repetition so much.. a nice healthy soup can be cheap and feed you for a while.

MB_Positif

Here's a pretty cool site to look at.

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/category/100-days-of-real-food-on-a-budget/

and also www.5dollardinners.com

I also read "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan, one thing he mentioned was he didn't understand why we would pay $3 or $4 for a bag of chips but then say a pineapple is too expensive, etc. One thing I have done to save us A LOT of money is realizing the chicken breasts that you get at the grocery store are usually 9 to 10 ounces each. A serving is 4 ounces. I make a lot of chicken dishes where I take 2 breasts and a lot of veggies, etc. and turn it into enough to feed me, my hubby and son dinner and then leftovers for lunch the next day too. It's all about stretching what you've got and being creative! feel free to add me, because even though I only have one kid, we're poor too!

tameko2

beans? dry beans are cheap, filling, don't need a TON of seasoning.

I think I need more info - list some foods you rely on now and we can offer cheap healthier options.

chefchazz

off brand cereal, yogurts, whole grain breads. frozen veggies. buy popcorn kernels instead of microwave. you get way more for your $. it is pricey to eat healthier. i got to the store 2-3times aweek now.

tcpowell25

Try buying the store brand food instead of the name brand. For instance, I purchase Equate or Sam's Club at walmart instead of General Mills or etc. This helps out a lot. Also, I use coupons. It is definitely costly at times and I know what you mean because I'm a family of five with 3 children.

dmpizza

Have you tried a Costco or a food coop?

pickenslmc

Do you have bountiful baskets in your area? It is a food co-op and to participate it is $15 each week you want to get a basket. It is a lot of produce, 50% fruit/50% veggies. It really helps me to get fresh produce, and has cut down on my food bill a ton. http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ The remainder of our food is mostly bought at Costco, they have a great selection of quality meats/nuts/staples.

EvaiTryst

It's hard. My husband, son and I are on FoodShare right now because we can't afford much. That was a hit to the pride this year.
My son gets fed first then us. Frozen veggies are a good thing. We buy the off brands on everything. Most of the time it's just as good. Turkey Burgers are good for you and not to expensive around here at least. Grilling is actually relatively cheap.
The thing that sucks is most of the time... Eating healthy is more expensive. At least from what I've seen.

CandyR1018

I've been told that unless you are getting your produce locally (within 20-30 miles), the frozen is healthier because they blanch it and freeze it at it's freshest (and highest nutrient value), where when you get produce that has been on a truck for who knows how long, it's not considered fresh anymore.

Hope that helps, of course I've also read that even canned veggies are better than chips!

KristensMom314

We are picky about a few things, but for the most part I try to buy whichever brand is cheapest, whether I have a coupon that makes it cheaper or the store brand (and sometimes I even like the store brand better!). We tend to rely on the quick meals like hamburger helper and mac & cheese (though I did just discover whole grain versions of both--though more expensive than the store brand I might go out of my way to buy these!).

Basically if I can find something that's quick, easy, and healthy I'm happy. I generally don't get home until 5:30 every night, so by then I only have an hour and a half to cook, eat, and spend time with my kids before I need to start the bedtime routine.

Thanks for all the links! I'll check them out.

KristensMom314

I've been told that unless you are getting your produce locally (within 20-30 miles), the frozen is healthier because they blanch it and freeze it at it's freshest (and highest nutrient value), where when you get produce that has been on a truck for who knows how long, it's not considered fresh anymore.

Hope that helps, of course I've also read that even canned veggies are better than chips!

I had no idea about the frozen produce! Everybody always raves about fresh.

MuffinMan25

Black beans are cheap and Yummy!! FIBER!!!

Artemis_Acorn

Feeding a family healthily can be challenging, as you've discovered. Fruits and veggies in season are probably the best you're going to be able to do with the fresh stuff, but here's some of the things I did with my kids - and I wasn't so big back then...

Buy whole grain bread at the bread outlet store and freeze the extras. (Pass by the other crap they sell as if you're blind)
Buy brown rice (you can freeze it to keep it from spoiling) and dried beans - they are good foundation foods.
Potatoes are often a good deal, and are a fantastic source of potassium - eat in moderation.
Buy cases of tuna when it's on sale - rinse it for a minute to wash out excess sodium.
Eggs are a cheap source of protein and have many nutrients in them.
Serve less meat - a very small portion is plenty of protein, especially for children.
Peanut butter - pick it up on sale
If you have a freezer, you can do the same with frozen vegetables and stock up when they're on sale. Next best thing to fresh.
Use powdered milk to cook with. It's usually non-fat. I would often add a little extra powder to boost the protein and calcium.
Buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself.
Oatmeal is cheap if you buy it in bulk. The little packets are a rip-off.
There are lots of ways to stretch that food dollar and still keep it healthy. The BEST way is to refuse to buy any junk food. Easier said than done, I know.

shauna121211

I find that going to Farmer's Markets is cheaper for getting fresh fruits and veggies! Do one lap around the market and take note of prices, then you can usually find big differences in prices and go back to the place that's cheapest (as long as their produce still looks good!) And they're usually pretty fun as well.

WWH_AJ

I have also bought the turkey burgers and the turkey bacon because it's a little cheaper. I don't have any "real" children, but we do have 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 3 guinea pigs that I consider my children and sometimes I have to decide whether I get that $20 bag of dogfood or groceries for the week. I've started buying great value everything (the brand at Wal Mart) and I decided to buy bolonga this week instead of turkey meat because it has more slices for less and bolonga even has less calories! I also stopped buying Smart Ones frozen meals and have instead started buying Banquets for $.88 and Michealina's for $1 and they have the extra calories, etc as the other ones. I also buy the frozen broccoli and such Green Gaint sells for cheap and they're delicious!

CeejayGee

We are picky about a few things, but for the most part I try to buy whichever brand is cheapest, whether I have a coupon that makes it cheaper or the store brand (and sometimes I even like the store brand better!). We tend to rely on the quick meals like hamburger helper and mac & cheese (though I did just discover whole grain versions of both--though more expensive than the store brand I might go out of my way to buy these!).

Basically if I can find something that's quick, easy, and healthy I'm happy. I generally don't get home until 5:30 every night, so by then I only have an hour and a half to cook, eat, and spend time with my kids before I need to start the bedtime routine.

Even the whole grain version of those foods aren't healthy, though, because they are loaded with sodium, preservatives, etc. And, even though it seems cheap, it's generally more expensive to buy boxed foods.

What about making crock-pot meals? A lot of frozen veggies or beans and/or a meat and seasonings can make food for a couple of days, not cost much, and can be prepped the day before and just cook while you're at work.

ewejewel

I don't know where you live (Canada or USA) but in Ontario we have a dry goods store called the "Bulk Barn" and it's amazing how economical it is to buy food without fancy packaging....you buy what you need so there is very little waste. Especially things like bulgar and quinoa. Another tip is doing baked beans, casseroles and the like is slow cookers...especially if you cook the meat ahead of time and drain it, it makes the meals much leaner....hope this helps!

veganbaum

We are picky about a few things, but for the most part I try to buy whichever brand is cheapest, whether I have a coupon that makes it cheaper or the store brand (and sometimes I even like the store brand better!). We tend to rely on the quick meals like hamburger helper and mac & cheese (though I did just discover whole grain versions of both--though more expensive than the store brand I might go out of my way to buy these!).

Basically if I can find something that's quick, easy, and healthy I'm happy. I generally don't get home until 5:30 every night, so by then I only have an hour and a half to cook, eat, and spend time with my kids before I need to start the bedtime routine.

Even the whole grain version of those foods aren't healthy, though, because they are loaded with sodium, preservatives, etc. And, even though it seems cheap, it's generally more expensive to buy boxed foods.

What about making crock-pot meals? A lot of frozen veggies or beans and/or a meat and seasonings can make food for a couple of days, not cost much, and can be prepped the day before and just cook while you're at work.

I was just gonna say - the crock pot is your friend. I am a starving student. There's me and three animals to feed, not a lot of money to go around. Look for farmer's markets or a CSA, which I think someone mentioned, can be a really great way to get fresh fruit and veggies at a really good price. Making soups and stews can really stretch food. I'm vegan, so obviously no animal products for me, but you could easily make a crock pot stew using veggies, beans, whole grain like brown rice or barley, and add in some meat if you must have it. With all those ingredients you can use less of some of the more expensive, like meat, while upping the inexpensive, like beans and grains, and still get in those veggies - all while making a meal that is hands-off, healthy, and should feed all six of you twice. And don't forget- investing in good food is investing in good health. Someone mentioned Pollan's persepctive on things like chips vs. fresh fruit - maybe there are some things like that you can cut back on here and there.

sunyg

Except for asparagus & mushrooms all of our veggies are frozen. Sometimes I even buy frozen fruit if I'm making something like yogurt pops. I buy frozen chicken too. We have 4 kids as well and I've been laid off since December.
It has been a challenge but I have gotten better about shopping around the outside of the grocery store. I tend to make the same things often because I know we can afford them and that my family will eat it.
Hamburger helper is cheap. But I've found several recipes that are "like" hamburger helper. They are quick & easy. They usually work out cheap as well because we can either have them for dinner twice or there is enough for "left over" night.

k4evans1

I tend to whip together speedy meals. Feel free to look at my blog for ideas. http://freshfitnfabulous.blogspot.com/

Heatherbelle_87

We are picky about a few things, but for the most part I try to buy whichever brand is cheapest, whether I have a coupon that makes it cheaper or the store brand (and sometimes I even like the store brand better!). We tend to rely on the quick meals like hamburger helper and mac & cheese (though I did just discover whole grain versions of both--though more expensive than the store brand I might go out of my way to buy these!).

Basically if I can find something that's quick, easy, and healthy I'm happy. I generally don't get home until 5:30 every night, so by then I only have an hour and a half to cook, eat, and spend time with my kids before I need to start the bedtime routine.

Even the whole grain version of those foods aren't healthy, though, because they are loaded with sodium, preservatives, etc. And, even though it seems cheap, it's generally more expensive to buy boxed foods.

What about making crock-pot meals? A lot of frozen veggies or beans and/or a meat and seasonings can make food for a couple of days, not cost much, and can be prepped the day before and just cook while you're at work.

I agree with pretty much all youve been told AND especially the crock pot.

My sister and I, our parents, and two toddlers all live in the same house. No my sister buys all her own food, but to feed 5 we do it on around $600/mo. We also have gluten intolerances and nut allergies in our house. So if we can do it, you definently can. Making large meals and dividing them in half to freeze, or even individuals help ALOT in cost.

Also remember

WASTE is going to kill your budget. If you wont eat it before it spoils, dont buy it or dont buy as much. We freeze any fruits that are about to go bad and make smoothies

auntiebabs

How old are the kids?
Do you have a yard?

If YOU'VE got a good attitude about this you can make it a fun project for the kids. With 2 jobs I know you don't have a lot of time but encourage them to do most of the leg work depending on their ages. (Maybe Grandma/Grandpa/Aunts or Uncles would like to spend some quality time with the kids.)

Seeds are cheap.
Plant a garden, when I was a kid there were some years we had stuff growing from March thru Nov.
My Dad did most of the watering (he didn't want the water bill to go up too high)
But the kids did most of the harvesting.

They be more excited about eating healthy food if they've grown it.
And You can turn it into a game or a puzzle to find out what grows best in your climate, your yard

It a good way to build your kids self-esteem and confidence.
They'll feel useful and productive and know that they are a valuable and contributing part of the family.
(what do adults want, but to feel useful and productive... It makes you feel important. Guess what it makes kids feel important too, even if the do grumble at chores)


We always had:
-Tomatoes... taste soooo much better than store bought
(I was living in NYC for 12 yrs before I could bring myself to spend $$$ on a tomato)
-Cucumbers
-Radishes
-Snow Peas or Sugar Peas
-Peppers
-Zuchini
-Strawberries
-Green beans
-Scallions

Sometimes:
- Brussels Sprouts
- Lettuce
- Corn (This takes a good amount of space you've got to plant 2 or 3 rows for this be successful)
- Carrots
- Onions
- Garlic

KristensMom314

We are picky about a few things, but for the most part I try to buy whichever brand is cheapest, whether I have a coupon that makes it cheaper or the store brand (and sometimes I even like the store brand better!). We tend to rely on the quick meals like hamburger helper and mac & cheese (though I did just discover whole grain versions of both--though more expensive than the store brand I might go out of my way to buy these!).

Basically if I can find something that's quick, easy, and healthy I'm happy. I generally don't get home until 5:30 every night, so by then I only have an hour and a half to cook, eat, and spend time with my kids before I need to start the bedtime routine.

Even the whole grain version of those foods aren't healthy, though, because they are loaded with sodium, preservatives, etc. And, even though it seems cheap, it's generally more expensive to buy boxed foods.

What about making crock-pot meals? A lot of frozen veggies or beans and/or a meat and seasonings can make food for a couple of days, not cost much, and can be prepped the day before and just cook while you're at work.

I do like crock pot meals (when I remember to thaw the meat ahead of time!). Sad thing is that I have a total of about 3 things I know how to make in it! :embarassed:

KristensMom314

I tend to whip together speedy meals. Feel free to look at my blog for ideas. http://freshfitnfabulous.blogspot.com/

Thanks! I'll definitely check this out!

KristensMom314

How old are the kids?
Do you have a yard?

If YOU'VE got a good attitude about this you can make it a fun project for the kids. With 2 jobs I know you don't have a lot of time but encourage them to do most of the leg work depending on their ages. (Maybe Grandma/Grandpa/Aunts or Uncles would like to spend some quality time with the kids.)

Seeds are cheap.
Plant a garden, when I was a kid there were some years we had stuff growing from March thru Nov.
My Dad did most of the watering (he didn't want the water bill to go up too high)
But the kids did most of the harvesting.

They be more excited about eating healthy food if they've grown it.
And You can turn it into a game or a puzzle to find out what grows best in your climate, your yard

It a good way to build your kids self-esteem and confidence.
They'll feel useful and productive and know that they are a valuable and contributing part of the family.
(what do adults want, but to feel useful and productive... It makes you feel important. Guess what it makes kids feel important too, even if the do grumble at chores)

Honestly, I would LOVE to have a vegetable garden! I've wanted one since we moved in two years ago, but we live (somewhat) in town, so we have a small yard. And with a dog and 4 kids, even the sunflowers we had back there got trampled. So until we get a bigger yard, we can't do the vegetable garden. Although--are there any veggies that grow okay in planters/pots?

DistantJ

If your kids are under 5, you likely qualify for WIC. Look it up!

Also, I have found that fresh fruits and vegies are pretty cheap compared to processed foods. What else can you buy for 99 cents per pound?

Try making your own whole grain breads and pastas from scratch. Insanely cheap as well. Vegan bread recipes are even more cheap because they have no butter, milk or eggs.

Good luck to you!

CindyWarner

I find meat the hardest until I realized to buy the biggest porton you can find. Divide up the serving sizes as soon as you get home and freeze them all. Just make sure you date them.

PJoy6

"Although--are there any veggies that grow okay in planters/pots? "

Yes!

We live in a townhouse and we are not allowed to have any food growing in the ground, so my dear boyfriend with his green thumb made a Salad Table (google it) for our deck. It gave us greens for most of the summer, though they've dried up recently. Also, we have potted green peppers and tomato plants that are full of vegetables. And I have a pot filled with herbs: chives, basil & dill. It's been excellent this year.

Frugality is about planning. You have to read all the sales flyers for grocery stores in your area & find the best deals.
Don't go to a store without knowing ahead of time what you are getting and weather it's on sale. Plan meals around sales.
Be smart!!!