I think the biggest challenge for my family is trying to continue to eat healthy, and pinch pennies!
I laughed at my husband this weekend as we were watching a T.V. marathon of “Extreme Couponing.” He started going on and on about how much money we could save, and why did I stop couponing to begin with??
I started to point out to him – LOOK at what they are buying. 200 candy bars, 125 boxes of sugar-filled cereals, 400 2 liters of pop. Yes they are saving a ton of money, but on what? These are not meals for your family for the week, it’s not a balanced diet. (NOTE: I am NOT against couponing, however, on a limited budget and even more limited time, right now this is NOT my focus).
It is not cheap to eat healthy. Produce, fresh meat, is expensive. When I run to the store after work just to pick up stuff for dinner that night I’m looking at spending $40 plus dollars just for one meal! I have realized I need to plan ahead and plan my meals according to sales and what deals I can get.
I found this GREAT website called $5 Dinners – she even includes Gluten Free menu’s! She has a cookbook you can order online, and from what I’ve seen she’s got some great ideas. I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet – but I will get back to you.
What is your budget dinner meal of choice??
My Goals for the Week:
- Drink at least 70 oz of water per day (did OK on this last week – until the weekend that is. Got soo busy, forgot to eat or drink until after 3 o’clock!)
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day ( again good last week – until the weekend. Though I believe cleaning my house could definitely count as a work out)
- Eat healthy well portioned meals for breakfast and lunch, and a normal (well portioned) meal with my family for dinner (again great last week – weekend’s kill me)
- Meal plan using some of the great recipes found in the $5 Dinner cookbook
About Jammie Morey
Those are awesome goals! We eat paleo in my house and it’s difficult because for the kids I supplement with rice and potatoes but really it’s just for the transition. They don’t need as much food as they were used to back when they were eating fillers and junk from a box and candy. The food is more expensive but when it’s real you don’t need as much. Today I made crock pot yogurt and I made it with cream. The kids won’t be able to eat as much because it’s SO rich. It’s still cheaper than buying greek yogurt at like a dollar a piece, and it’s unsweetened so it’s sugar-free for me but I can add fruit or honey for the kids! I watch extreme couponing and have the SAME reaction to what they’re buying and eating. *shudder*
Thank you for that image with the apple. Those are the reminders I need – that what I put into my body doesn’t go away that easily. 🙂
I struggle with this, too! We are on a budget as well, so we are trying to find that balance between healthy and frugal. I tend to use my crockpot a lot for those budget healthy meals. Helps me save time, too. It’s so nice to come home and see that dinner is already done!
I am also trying to up my water intake this week. Good luck!
Awesome tip on the website! I’ll be checking that out for sure.
I love slow cooker meals, and I often throw together a bunch of stuff that we have lying around the house. I get creative. 🙂
Good luck on your goals this week! 🙂