trying to avoid cheap processed food

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2009
trying to avoid cheap processed food
9
Sun, 03-22-2009 - 5:18pm

One thing I've been concerned about for a while is how DH has been struggling with his weight.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-1998
Sun, 03-22-2009 - 5:57pm

Not sure about your area but here where I live they have what is called Healthy Harvest box that you can sign up for about $12-25 a month you get a large box of in season fresh vegetables. I find that there is usually more than enough for the 2 of us for the month and we have also tried some new types of vegetables that we wouldn't have normally purchased. Try a google search for your city and healthy harvest.

Sharon





iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Sun, 03-22-2009 - 6:50pm

Feeding your husband roman noodles and banquet meals is only putting on a ton of water weight on him and in the end you are spending more money.


If you have to buy noodles get them in a box and put a little Italian dressing on them for taste A lot less salt and cost a lot less too.


Stay away from canned foods. My God they are loaded with salt and not only that you are paying for a half of a can of

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-10-2006
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 1:48am

Try checking out the Angel Food Ministries website. They have some sites close to you that are doing this. Just go to local sites and type in your zip code. It's at http://www.angelfoodministries.com They have boxes of fruits and vegetables along with meats.


Avatar for mahopac
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-1997
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 9:43am

There are about a hundred other things you could be eating besides processed foods! Starting with BEANS. Beans are the cheapest, healthiest sources of protein available. You will need to spend more time cooking, but if you cook a lot at once, then you will have lots of good, healthy food to freeze and reheat.

When we were at our poorest, I made big batches of lentil soup (no meat at all) and chili (kidney beans and a small amount of ground beef), and I ate them all the time. You can make a big container of salad every few days (buy the cheapest veggies) and eat it with every dinner - filling and slimming! Buy lots of skim milk, which is also filling and good for you, and have a glass three times a day.

For breakfast I would eat farina or oatmeal (NOT the packets, they are nothing but sugar - buy the large containers of rolled oats and add your own brown sugar and cinnamon). Lunch was PB&J, with carrots, fruit, and skim milk.

I was never thinner or healthier than when I didn't have money to eat a lot, and I guarantee you it was cheaper than what you're eating now.

Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 9:55am

I've had the same problem for the past couple of years.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 12:23pm

I personally find it cheaper not to eat processed meals.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 12:25pm

Hmm potatoes?




iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2003
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 4:02pm

I live in NC as well. Have you tried an Aldi's supermarket. There is one down in Fuquay Varina. I'm not sure if there is one any closer to you. They are a small German grocer and absolutely fabulous on staples. I'm not crazy about the meat, but basics are great there as well as snacks for the kids.

You should also check the Farmer's Market in Raleigh. You can go to their website and find out what is in season. Their produce and plants are of better quality and less expensive than those you find in the supermarket. I bought some vegetable plants there last year and had a fantastic garden.

Maybe your Walmart isn't a "Super Wal-mart". Ours is and the selection is pretty good. There is a brand new one in Holly Springs. I hit there for what I can't find at Aldi's. I am able to shop for a family of six on less than $100 per week.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Mon, 03-23-2009 - 8:15pm

You might want to check out the frugal kitchen board here in ivillage.