BlogHer - Is It Possible To Eat Healthy on a Budget? - Comments

It's possible!

MealMixer — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:41:49 -0500

Beans and rice, and buying what seasonal are good ways to keep expenses low. Staples like pasta and eggs can be purchased pretty cheaply as well. It's those packaged goods that trade time for money (and health) that really get us. One of the main things we hear over at MealMixer is that members are really starting to stick to their plans to avoid those side trips to the store that cost so much, and being more disciplined about cooking at home.

As far as clothes, my friends and I pass around stuff for the kids and pride ourselves on the $2 shirt from Kohl's!

Try Target.

Asianmommy — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:30:01 -0500

I've found that Target seems to have lower prices on shelf items than the local grocery store. Whenever I head over there to buy household items, I also make sure to stock up on non-perishables in their food section.

Thrift stores are the best.

Catherine Morgan — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:10:49 -0500

I love thrift stores...and when you can save money on clothes you have more money for food. :-)

I have a Bealls Outlet in my neighborhood, and everything in the store is 70% off all the time, and once or twice a month they take an additional 40% off. I've gotten shoes for $1 and $3s -- tops and pants for $5. If I wasn't able to buy these things at such a low price, I would just be doing without, and that would be fine.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan at
catherine-morgan.com, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Meal planning to save money.

Catherine Morgan — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:02:47 -0500

Hi Cheryl. Meal planning is a great way to save money on your grocery bill. Thanks for commenting.

:-)

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan at catherine-morgan.com, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

Planning equals savings

Candelaria Silva — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:58:48 -0500

I've always worked for non-profits and was mostly a single-parent whose ex never contributes mroe than $50 a week (some weeks) to raise his 2 children, so I learned to cook economically and well.

Planning meals, buying what's on sale, getting a freezer, these work wonders. When my children were young, I even shared meals with a couple of neighbors. That gave me two evenings a week when I didn't have to cook.

It requires a commitment to cook your own food and be creative with meals but it is worth the effort.

I also only bought clothes at deep discount or from thrift stores when my children were young. Now that they're grown, I still only buy clothes on deep discount and I do shop thrift. I find if I stay out of stores - even my beloved Mar-shalls, I want less and can usually work with what I already have.

Candelaria - Good and plenty!

Growing your own fruits and vegetables

Catherine Morgan — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:12:56 -0500

Hi Sue. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great idea. I have a grapefruit tree that I love, and I'm trying to grow tomatoes, peppers, and squash (without a lot of success).

:-)

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan at catherine-morgan.com, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog

YES!

Mommyto5 — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:54:58 -0500

I am a single mom of 5....two now grown and enjoying their own homes and three still at home. I love to cook and always plan my meals out. Seems to save alot of money this way instead of the last minute dash to the market--where you tend to spend alot more because you're in a rush. My older daughters who both live on their own now have come to appreciate a little planning now. It helps with the budget and leaves a lot more time to enjoy life instead of standing in the kitchen every night saying "HMMMM What do I make???"

Cheryl

http://dailyblonde.blogspot.com

A very easy and inexpensive

Sue Walsh — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:59:01 -0500

A very easy and inexpensive way to be able to eat healthy on a budget is to grow your own fruits and produce. Not only will it save you a lot of money but home grown veggies, herbs, and fruits (it's easy to grow strawberries!)but they will taste so much better!

Wedding Tips

Is It Possible To Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Catherine Morgan — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:22:17 -0500

With the value of a dollar going down, and gas prices going up, the ability to make healthy food choices is getting more and more costly. Now that we are spending more money at the pump, we have less to spend at the grocery store, and many are resorting to just buying the cheapest food they can get their hands on.

The trouble with that is...The cheapest food is most likely also going to be the least healthy food. And this isn't just about the money, or the food. It's about your life, and the life of your family.

It's not just speculation anymore, we now know that poor eating habits and obesity, are directly related to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Even more troubling is the rate at witch our children are becoming obese, and developing adult medical conditions in childhood.

But, what can we do? Is it possible to eat healthy on a budget?

The answer is...Yes. It's not always easy, but it is possible. Here are some links to women who are blogging about eating healthy on a budget.

Student Mum has a post on How To Feed Your Family For Less...

Feeding a family is done best by a family. Involve even the youngest members of your family in all aspects. They will feel they are appreciated and valued, and they will be learning valuable life skills at the same time. The phrase, "A family who play together stay together," can be related to cooking and eating. Cooking a meal together can be great fun and eating together, especially in the evening, allows us all a chance to share our day, our thoughts, our ideas or our plans.

This is from MommyK at The Great Walls of Baltimore...

When a friend of mine went to her doctor in early January for her yearly physical, he had bad news for her. Her blood sugar was up, her cholesterol was in the high range, and she had gained ten pounds in the past year. He told her she needs to lose weight or face serious health risks. Frightened by the prospect of diabetes and heart disease, she immediately overhauled the way she cooks and eats. Since then, she's lost that ten pounds she gained last year and she feels better than she has in years. In fact, there's only one downside to the new eating plan. Buying healthy food has taken a big chunk out of her grocery budget.

Stacy from Parent Traps also has a post on Feeding Your Family For Less...

Choose generic or store brands of healthy groceries, such as whole-grain cereal and frozen vegetables. Look high and low for them—the most costly options are shelved at eye level. Buy fresh produce in season. Try local farmers’ markets for fresher, less expensive options. Frozen vegetables are healthy and even more affordable than fresh produce, and you can get out-of-season vegetables less expensively.

Amanda from Mrs. W's Kitchen has a post on Food Budget Issues...

Build menu plans based on what's on sale at local grocery stores. Check those sale flyers! I find it's useful to spend that $1.50 for the Sunday newspaper (we don't purchase regular paper delivery) for the flyers and coupons. Most big-chain grocery stores also publish sale flyers online.

A must read (and also print out)...

Alanna Kellogg wrote one of my all time favorite BlogHer CE posts - Family Finance: How To Save Money On Groceries She also did a follow-up post - How To Save Time and Money at the Grocery Store

Also See:

Mommy Points - High Price For Healthy Food

Nina Smith -- How To Eat on a Shoestring

We Are What We Eat

Menus4Moms -- Frugal Meal Planning

The Coupon Mom

So, the bottom line is. It's not easy, and it will take a little extra work...But, you can eat healthy on a budget. Do you have any tips, stories, links, or recipes? I would love for you to share them with us in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan at catherine-morgan.com, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog