Tight Budget Details

            My husband believes that I am a skilled buyer, getting the most food for the least money.  You know, I think he is right!  But after twenty-five years of trying to make our food budget stretch, it’s perfectly natural that I was able to find some tricks.  One of the first tricks up my sleeve is to buy all of my meat from a butcher the first paycheck of every month.  Doing this insures that you are not forced to eat some vegetarian meals the last week.  The rest of the shopping money goes to fruit, vegetables, potatoes and dairy.  Next, never buy expensive foods like prepared meal foods.  To me, “cheese food slices,” for example is an oxymoron.  Really, it is just flavored oil made into slices.  If the label needs to announce that it is edible, then think again about buying it.  It’s not good for wallet or body.  When shopping, try to avoid going down every isle.  This is very hard for my husband to do.  He is always worried that he will miss something.  It is most healthy to shop in the meat, fruit and vegetable and dairy sections.  Tight budgets do not need to waste money on pop, chips and cookies.  Finally, avoid frozen meals.  Prepare your own meals and freeze single size portions for when you are in a pinch.  I am sure that it would taste much better than the over processed meals at the local store.  

            Tight Budget Details

            Soup – You can always make a large pot of soup and eat it for a couple of day.  You can also put single size portions in a freezer bag in the freezer.

            Eggs – A wonderful food, extremely high in protein, and inexpensive. 

            Spaghetti Sauce – You can make a large batch of sauce as easily as a small batch, so make a large one and freeze the extra into meal size containers.

            Noodles – As much as I like to stay away from eating carbs, noodles are one way to stretch the meat for the day.  Try to limit the intake of noodles lest your middle grows.

            It is possible to have a family of four live off of $80.00 a week for food, (depending on what part of the country/world you are in.)  You have the power of choice in the grocery store.  Be disciplined and you will eat better, feel and look better.  Don’t waste your precious food budget on second rate foods.