Grocery prices rising, income isn't
mamax5
Posts: 414 Member
OK...I am tired of people saying...."Eating better food is cheaper because it keeps you out of the doctor" Well ok....but what if you don't have the resources to begin with. What if you can't afford the organic fresh produce because it cost almost twice as much as non organic? What about frozen veggies? Are they bad too? What about McDonalds being the devil? And this a calorie is not a calorie? But then you have people saying a calorie is a calorie. Lots of different people saying completely different tings. I'm tired of it...I eat all kinds of stuff and "naughty foods".....If I had the money I would be a rawist, seriously, I love salads and all things vegetable....well, I would be a partial rawist since I don't want to completely give up meat. But, some of that stuff looks wonderful! I've even looked into a food dehydrater. But, I sadly do not make enough to buy produce every week. I am a part of the working class that barly gets by. Now, don't assume that I am a do nothing slob, I'm in college to get a degree in Human Services to be to a case manager with plans on furthering my education to be a sex therepist or something of that nature. I am doing the best I can with what's available! I do not want people telling me what I should be eating. I CANNOT afford to go shopping at The Fresh Mart in the next town although I would love nothing more in the world than to shop there and buy everything organic and their better tasting whole grain pasta and their hormone free buffalo meat, chicken and lean ground beef. I would be so happy! But you know what I can't...I have to buy the Walmart 80/20 ground beef, the frozen chicken breasts and frozen fish.
You know what I have done? I quit frying foods, I quit drinking diet soda and I've cut back on my portion sizes. I try withing my budget to eat more salads (my salads have lettace, cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions....I mean I run out of room!) I try to make it as colorful as possible. I eat different things and will try anything at least once. But, then I do have processed things in my diet, I have crackers, and bread, fast food, cream cheese. I do the best I can with what I have. I have lost 6lbs in 2 weeks, does that really mean what I'm doing is not working? If I complain about going over on calories I'm not always guilty about what I ate, it's how much....granted I am giving up onion rings, those are not worth it at all! I'm just really agrivated with all or nothing people. Sometimes a person cannot afford the "better" food. If you don't have it, you can't spend it. I do not have credit card bills, I refuse to give up the telephone, tv and internet,and I refuse to give up my vehichle. I refuse to give up these things....would you give up this stuff? Just because I can't spend all my money on super healthy organic food for 4 people, does this mean we are doomed to be fat? I really hope not
You know what I have done? I quit frying foods, I quit drinking diet soda and I've cut back on my portion sizes. I try withing my budget to eat more salads (my salads have lettace, cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions....I mean I run out of room!) I try to make it as colorful as possible. I eat different things and will try anything at least once. But, then I do have processed things in my diet, I have crackers, and bread, fast food, cream cheese. I do the best I can with what I have. I have lost 6lbs in 2 weeks, does that really mean what I'm doing is not working? If I complain about going over on calories I'm not always guilty about what I ate, it's how much....granted I am giving up onion rings, those are not worth it at all! I'm just really agrivated with all or nothing people. Sometimes a person cannot afford the "better" food. If you don't have it, you can't spend it. I do not have credit card bills, I refuse to give up the telephone, tv and internet,and I refuse to give up my vehichle. I refuse to give up these things....would you give up this stuff? Just because I can't spend all my money on super healthy organic food for 4 people, does this mean we are doomed to be fat? I really hope not
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agree
im a single mum of a 3 year old and studying as well - we eat heaps of frozen veges, plus crackers and treats - and the cheaper cuts of meat. of course when i finish uni we will hopefully be able to afford the "better quality" food - but to lose weight and live healthy you DONT have to live all organic, "clean" eating (whatever that is) and have NO preservatives etc in your diet. I for one dont have a problem with junk food - yes i have to limit it but dammit im still going to eat it! theres worse things in this world you can put in your mouth
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Just because something is organic doesn't mean it's better for you or even healthy. Buy what you can afford, keep on going on - and you'll do great 0
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I stock up when things go on sale. Split chicken breast was on sale .99/lb recently and I bought 8 packs so that will last me about 6 weeks or so. Same with produce, when its on sale, I freeze extras.
My issue lately is finding produce that isn't nasty!! I went to TWO different grocery chains yesterday for produce and at both stores, the spinach and romaine were all wilted, most the fruit were all smushed and had flies all over them. I asked the produce manager at both stores who told me it was from the recent heat we've had.. So instead of leaving with all my stuff, I was able to get a watermelon, 3 bananas and a bag of carrots.0 -
I wonder, could you have a little garden? Even a patio garden does very well. I would suggest an herb box too. Green onions will grow in a long rectangular box. Tomato plants also work in a pot. It isn't going to supply your every day with tons of fresh produce but it certainly would help! I have a decent size garden, I really managed to work a lot into a small space. I'd measure it at 12x8 feet approximately. I have basil, cilantro, dill, onions, had romaine lettuce but it bolted, green onions, garlic, hot banana peppers, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, green beans, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and two pumpkin vines with a big pumpkin each. My daughter loves pumpkins and they aren't cheap. I know plenty about gardens, if you have any questions I would love to help and offer advice!0
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I sounds to me like your on the right track. I don't eat all organic and I haven't quit eating foods I like and yes I still have a drink here and there, but in the end I try to watch my calories and exercise as much as possible. I'm finding that I'm eating healthier just due to watching my calories. oh and I drink a ton of water
we are also on a limited budget, but one of the things we discovered just recently is the farmers market. we can buy twice as much good foods for 1/2 the cost. if you have one near you give it a try its amazing what you can buy (veggy wise)
PS. 6 lbs is awesome keep up the great work.
if your looking for a MFP friend feel free to invite me.0 -
It's not about being perfect (esp. somebody else's idea of perfect) it's about doing better.
Improve what you can within your means and always keep an eye out for practical improvements, even if you can't make them all at once.0 -
double.0
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organic does not mean its better! buy what you can afford. if canned vegetables are what you can afford, then that's okay. I buy Great Value brand everything - meat, chips, etc. 80-20 just means 20% of the meat is fat, but fat isn't bad for you! Just read labels consistently, and look for coupons when you see them! i will look up products online and search for a coupon.0
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It's not about being perfect (esp. somebody else's idea of perfect) it's about doing better.
Improve what you can within your means and always keep an eye out for practical improvements, even if you can't make them all at once.
^thisPS. 6 lbs is awesome keep up the great work.0 -
Tbh I dont have the income either to be doing a regular shop for fresh fruit and veg.I come from australia where evrything is grown there and moved to new zealand where much is imported and the quality is significantly lower than what im used to.When I shop I stock up on tonnes of frozen veg(whatever is on special) and frozen berries.Generally with a lower income we are limited to our meat as well so we make do with alot of chicken as its cheaper.Ive lost alot of weight,im unsure if its due to buckling down and counting everyday or the actual reduction in the amount of fresh fruit/meat I used to eat;mass bananas,grapes,stone fruit,the lot,ate tonnes in perth.Now due to the cost bananas is the only fruit I eat and due to being imported I have to freeze them as they go off so fast.They are then added to my protein shakes so the amount of fresh produce I actually eat is almost nil.Frozen is what I have to make do with and this is the healthiest and slimmest Ive ever been.0
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I hear ya! I would love to "eat clean" and organic and all that good-for-you stuff, but right now I'm more concerned with having enough gas to get to work. It's tough and prices are still rising.
When things get really tough (i.e. this week ahead of me), I make sure I have eggs-- nope, not the free-range magic eggs, but the $1.99 eggs. I can get good protein from my omelette (made with generic frozen veggies). If I need the extra (refined!) carbs for energy at my second job, I make an egg sandwich. I'm not saying I eat eggs every day but they are a decent, healthy option. I also have my share of PBJ (300 cal is a bit high for how little it fills me up tho!) and frozen meats.
And I drink my water right out of the tap. :drinker:
There will always be all-or-nothing folks ready to tell you what they would do if they were you. But they're not you and they don't know what you're facing. 6 pounds is fabulous. Eating a healthy amount of calories and moving as much as you can are a proven method of success. There are other methods out there-- you can't do them all at once. If you've chosen to count calories, then focus on calories. Once you get to a point where you feel like you've come as far as you can just counting calories, then you can worry about the nit-picky stuff if you want. Me, on the other hand, I'm cool with my calories for the time being. It's gotten me to my goal weight and I'm confident I can stay here if I just keep doing what I've learned to do-- empty gas tank or not!0 -
Look into a food co-op, like bountiful baskets.http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ Every week you contribute $15 for a huge amount of half fresh fruit/half fresh vegetables. I know there are other co-ops around as well. I buy meat in bulk at Costco, but meat also is on sale somewhere almost every week. Starch is cheap if you eat it, I don't do much, but a bag of quinoa, rice, or potatoes lasts a long time for very little money. If you eat bread, all variety can be bought very cheap at a bakery outlet, usually less than half the price in grocery stores.0
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Why so worried about what others think? Do your best and that will be good enough.
When cooking with 80-20 boil some water while the meat cooks put meat in a stainer pour boiling water over it in the sink and wash away the fat.
Popcorn is cheap, buy the old fashion kind pour a shot glass full of kernels into a lunch bag roll up bag 2x's and pop in microwave for 2- 2:30 minutes.0 -
First of all what makes you think you have to eat organic to eat healthy? "Regular veggies/fruit" are just as healthy. I make all my food from scratch and it is cheaper than buying the pre made / pre packaged food. For example if you buy the fruit / veggies that are in season it is cheaper. There is nothing wrong with frozen veggies. I grow my own and freeze them for winter. Buy chicken leg quarters and take the skin off before cooking. Buy no name brands which will save a lot of money. Make soup from scratch (use the bones from your chicken legs for the stock). Make your own bread, muffins, cookies etc. That way you can control the amount of fat. There are a lot of things you can do to save money and still eat healthy.0
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have you tried your local food banks also on line they have 2 company's that you can buy their food and then supplement 1 is angel food ministries, and the other is the treasure box, they both have different food items frozen veggies are fine. and they are about 32 dollars for about 2 weeks of food depending on family size. You can go to social services and get lists of the help available in your area. We have one called Hope food you pay 30 dollars and they give you a shopping cart of food my daughter goes to one in Meza Az that is 16 dollars and she gets quite a bit of food you can also shop at the dollar store for fresh veggies, lots of options you just have to look Best wishes and no you dont have to by organic0
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I get a lot of stuff from the farmer's market and eat some and can the rest. Its not as cheap as last year but still better than buying it from a store.0
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I understand about the prices....but 6 lbs in two weeks is great!!!!0
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You do what you have to do....I hate the all or nothing approach, its a sure fire way to failure for many people. I do not buy organic, I simply can't afford it. I buy fresh frozen veg (has to be frozen within a short time of picking)...its as good as fresh from the stores as by the time its in the stores its older than the fresh frozen (fresh frozen is cheaper than fresh most of the time too) I buy the meat cuts I can afford, usually bogof offers. My shopping bags usually are full of largely orange and white (sainsburys own brand) or green and white (asdas own brand) there are a few exceptions, wont buy the cheapest pasta, rice or bread and I only like one brand of instant coffee.
This is your "journey" (hate the term but too lazy to think of another way of saying it) and you have to get there any way YOU can0 -
So sad but true. I have a friend trying to feed a family of four, and it is much less expensive for her to pick up meal-in-a-box at Wal-Mart than fresh veggies & chicken at a local market. Sure, portion size counts, but this food she has to buy feels like empty calories; thus, they eat larger portions to feel full. But she is relieved that at least they are all eating. It is really a wicked cycle. And one that is impossible to change until healthier groceries at reasonable prices become the norm, not the exception. Not too mention, she went back to school and her fiance works all the time, so time is an issue. They are busting their butts without public assistance and do not have resources to grow a garden (nor the space, they rent, not own a property), nor time to cook oatmeal from scratch to feed the boys in the morning, for example. Nutritious cereal can run at least 4 bucks per box; whereas, a loaf of cheap white bread for toast is a fraction of that cost. Well, that is my social commentary on the situation :grumble:
Meanwhile, sounds like you are really making great choices working with what you can. Awesome job!0 -
I don't bother with organic or "clean."
I do avoid fast food because... I can't afford it!
I get 5# package of boneless skinless chicken breasts for around $10, and I'll get a lot of meals out of it. I check the circulars online at a few different stores before I got shopping, and decide where to go and what to buy. I check the "reduced for quick sale" bins for fruits and veggies, buy store brand instead of name brand whenever possible. I love the bags of different mixes of veggies, like pepper stir fry, California blend, Italian blend, etc. Get a good variety without ended up with a crisper drawer in the fridge full of green slime.
A typical meal is some kind of meat, some frozen veggies, a marinade, and some brown rice or pasta. (I ain't afraid of no carbs!) Usually under $3 per person, for a delicious home-cooked meal... or I could get a dollar menu burger, dollar menu fry, and dollar menu drink, and not be as satisfied or well-nourished.0 -
Just because you can't afford to buy the organic produce doesn't mean that you can't lose the weight. I strongly suggest the farmer's market or pick-your-own veggie places, they are great and you can get quite a bit of produce for WAY cheap. Google to find those around your area. Canned/frozen veggies aren't bad, just make sure to read all the labels, get those in water instead of those in sauces, etc. When I was on a strict budget, I still made sure that I read everything and bought the best things I could. Don't get discouraged by buying "off-brand", I find most of those items can actually be better for you. It might take you a bit longer at the grocery store, but when you come home and cook a meal with all the great, healthy stuff you bought because you took time to read the labels, it will be worth it! Good luck, and keep up the good work!0
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Fug organic!, frozen is almost as good as fresh. Stock up during sales. Look for stores that sell oatmeal, rice, nuts, etc. in bulk, it's always cheaper. Canned fruits and veggies are not the devil look for the words "no sugar added" and "low sodium". It can be done!
oh, and learn to love BEANS!0 -
Another thing to do is coupon!! I been doing it for 4 years now and its made a world of difference. I sit down once a year and write down the names of items i use and email each and every one. Last year I had a list of 325 companies I emailed and received coupons from about 200 of them.. This year, I only emailed the ones who sent coupons last year so my list is at 202. I just google their company and click on contact us (usually near the bottom or near the top) and just gush about how much I love X product etc. I never specifically ask for coupons, lots just send for you taking the time to contact them.. I have saved so much money and have built up quite the stockpile from using coupons.0
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Another thing to do is coupon!! I been doing it for 4 years now and its made a world of difference. I sit down once a year and write down the names of items i use and email each and every one. Last year I had a list of 325 companies I emailed and received coupons from about 200 of them.. This year, I only emailed the ones who sent coupons last year so my list is at 202. I just google their company and click on contact us (usually near the bottom or near the top) and just gush about how much I love X product etc. I never specifically ask for coupons, lots just send for you taking the time to contact them.. I have saved so much money and have built up quite the stockpile from using coupons.
I coupon as well..I follow a super healthy diet and still save about 50-80% per visit.. The money i save on everyday items like health and beauty items and cleaning supplies goes towards better food. ( i haven't had to pay for any of that since i started using coupons) Ohh and if it's something that you would be interested in weusecoupons.com is a fantastic place to get started.0 -
I live in a small town and while we have several grocery stores, they are all EXORBITANT. I can't buy 'fresh' produce, it is already crappy by the time it gets stocked, so I go with the frozen. And 'organic' puhlease, for the prices they are charging for sub-standard quality items, it isn't worth the label. I buy the store brand frozen fruits and veggies and the most inexpensive bags of apples/oranges. I buy meats when they are on sale and freeze everything the minute I get home. I only thaw out what I am eating the day I am cooking it. This helps me stay accountable for portion control as well because I will weigh everything into single meal amounts BEFORE I freeze it and it takes away the convenience of 'having extra'. It helps that my kids are not home for meals several times a month so if I get a package that will feed us all 'plus one' I just freeze that as a single portion item for one of the nights I am cooking for just myself.
And again, if I buy rolls, etc. I freeze them in meal sized portions and not all together. That way I am not thawing a pack of 8 buns when we will only need 3 for the meal I have planned.
I spend a few extra dollars on freezer bags, and aluminum foil, but in the long run I think it saves me money on wasted foods.
I can't stand canned vegetables so almost never buy anything of the sort (except tomatoes and beets on occasion)0 -
I hear ya! I work 10 months a year, my husband, less than 7. that's just the way it is. we have 3 kids. I am struggling every day. their appetites are bigger every day. and they are skinny. two of them actually technically fall in the underweight category.
fortunately, our local walmart has lean, and extra lean ground beef. i buy fresh produce when it's in season cuz it's cheap, frozen when we can't. i even have a garden, but I would need one 10 times the size it is to even give me enough to last the summer.
I am trying very hard to be happy for those of you that will finish school and get better paying jobs. i am finished school, already upgraded, and am basically at the top of my income bracket, no where to move on to, and have had to take positions further and further from home, resulting in higher fuel use, way longer days....perhaps some of this pressure has lead to my weight issues?
*sigh* - sorry, didn't come in this thread to throw myself a pity party, but i guess it is what it is. and totally forgot my point. :-/0 -
organic does not mean its better! buy what you can afford. if canned vegetables are what you can afford, then that's okay. I buy Great Value brand everything - meat, chips, etc. 80-20 just means 20% of the meat is fat, but fat isn't bad for you! Just read labels consistently, and look for coupons when you see them! i will look up products online and search for a coupon.
Watch the GV brand...it's not always a great value, I have seen name brands that were cheaper a time or two!0 -
I'm learning the couponing ropes....we had a garden last year, but this year it wasn't possible. We had to much rain and couldn't get anytthing out...and what people did get out is really crappy. The Farmer's Market is very um, slip pickens this year. I don't mean to pick on the organic produce, but it's what a lot of people harp on. The people who tell me I eat naughty food...I know what I'm putting in my mouth, I choose to be focusing on the calories right now. I might be choosing to eat a little icecream here in a bit after I run on the treadmill. I just get tired of people basically telling me I'm doing this wrong. Oh, I tried last summer to grow organic and it didn't work out, the bugs started eating my brussel sprouts and the natural stuff wasn't working so I pesticided that stuff. And the corn? I don't know what happened but I barely had any kernals!! My red bell peppers wound up being the green kind and I lost all my scallions! I had one that grew! I was not happy. Anyway, I know how it feels when you think your only option is a take home box from walmart.....I've learned how to plan better and make better food....we have a stock pile of veggie soup in the freezer...it has beef in it and it tastes amazing! We make a lot of that in the winter and chili too. I got very discoraged by some all or nothing people and almost gave up 2 days ago....but I refuse to let anyone get me that down that I want to give up! Thanks for reading my rant everyone....I feel a little better now.0
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A bit off topic but I may be able to help a bit with your gardening problems. I grow a garden every year and my brother is an organic farmer.
Unless they put some other kind of peppers in your starter pots, they will turn color, if you wait long enough. Some years if you get too much rain they need to be picked before they get ripe or they will rot but baring bad conditions they will turn if you wait. The corn wasn't being pollinated properly. You need to plant corn in a block not in a few skinny rows. You need volume so that the pollen can get well distributed. No clue about the scallions.
Trying to grow organic is NOT easy, as you found out, but if your plants are not stressed - keep them fed and watered well with the proper soil ph - that will help and a lot of bugs like white fly and scale can be either washed off with a good blast of water. Get under the leaves too or you can kill them with insecticidal soaps (you have to do this frequently once you have a problem). You can also try beneficial insects like ladybugs. Like I said organic can be time consuming and tricky but you can cut back on some of the chemicals with these methods and fill in with the big guns if you get desperate! Good luck next year!0 -
I budget for the month and plan every meal before I go to the super market. When I have a bit more cash I buy organic veg when I dont I buy regular. (I also grow a lot myself) doing this I've managed to cut around £700 a month from my food bill. I dont eat any processed frood I cook every thing from scratch. Eating healthily can save a fortune.0
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