Sum Dum Gai
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 15, 2011 15:39:24 GMT -5
Posts: 19,892
|
Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jul 17, 2012 15:45:43 GMT -5
Our diet is all over the place right now. Partly because the kids have so much going on, partly because we do, and partly due to summer vacation. Hopefully we get back to some form of normalcy soon. Oh, and the doc says I need more fat in my diet since my cholesterol is too low, so we have to work that in somehow.
|
|
NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,330
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
|
Post by NancysSummerSip on Jul 17, 2012 19:32:33 GMT -5
<<Makes note to send Dark a quadruple cheeseburger with extra bacon and duck fat-fried French fries.>>
|
|
Formerly SK
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 27, 2011 14:23:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,255
|
Post by Formerly SK on Jul 17, 2012 19:40:04 GMT -5
Our diet is all over the place right now. Partly because the kids have so much going on, partly because we do, and partly due to summer vacation. Hopefully we get back to some form of normalcy soon. Oh, and the doc says I need more fat in my diet since my cholesterol is too low, so we have to work that in somehow. Is there such a thing as too low of cholesterol? Or do you mean your "good" cholesterol is too low? Just curious...I've never heard someone say that before.
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 17, 2012 20:09:59 GMT -5
Chunk some eggplant, (or zucchini) onions, garlic (or use garlic powder) mushrooms, Italian seasonings, and saute until water has dissipated somewhat. Smash contents until kind of smooth. Remove from heat and let cool. Add egg, Parmesan cheese and enough bread crumbs to make a stiff dough. Shape into patties, spray with oil, and bake in 450 degree preheated oven for approx. 25 minutes, or until browned to your liking. Eat as is or add some salsa on top and thin slice of pepper cheese and microwave until cheese melts! Absolutely delicious! Cheap and replaces meat. You will not even miss the meat! At least, I didn't! Oh! You can also add smashed black beans to the mix. This is good also!
|
|
moxie
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 28, 2012 18:35:10 GMT -5
Posts: 1,488
|
Post by moxie on Jul 17, 2012 20:15:15 GMT -5
Are you cranberry from MSN?
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 17, 2012 20:20:09 GMT -5
Are you cranberry from MSN? Yes! Ummmm...sorry, who are you? I recognize your name but can't place you....
|
|
moxie
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 28, 2012 18:35:10 GMT -5
Posts: 1,488
|
Post by moxie on Jul 17, 2012 20:36:22 GMT -5
I sent you a pm...
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:44 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2012 20:48:07 GMT -5
Cabbage is a cheap, bulky veggie that makes a great stir fry or is good for cabbage rolls. The stuffing can be anything you want. Roast veggies are also easy and tasty. A good alternative to having a starch with every meal.
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 17, 2012 20:49:05 GMT -5
I sent you a pm... Received, read, and replied! ;D
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 17, 2012 20:51:15 GMT -5
Eat lots of beans! Beans and rice make a complete protein. Beans can also be mashed and served with chili seasonings to make tacos or wraps! Add whatever else you like with it.
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 17, 2012 20:55:18 GMT -5
I made this recipe the other day and my family loved it! Cheap to make too... Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Cook time: 28 minutes Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely minced Lemon juice from half a lemon Olive oil Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper Parmesan cheese Method 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cauliflower into florets and put in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish. Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle lemon juice over cauliflower and drizzle each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If the oven hasn't reached 400°F yet, set aside until it has. 2 Place casserole in the hot oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. Test with a fork for desired doneness. Fork tines should be able to easily pierce the cauliflower. Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Yield: Serves 4 Note: I did not add the lemon juice. It was still good. Might of been better if I had of added it? I dunno....
|
|
weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
|
Post by weltschmerz on Jul 17, 2012 22:15:33 GMT -5
I don't eat meat, but I buy plenty of fish/seafood when it's on sale. You can get some really good deals. I cook a lot from scratch...one poster suggested buying discount bruised or wilted veggies for soups and sauces; it makes no difference in taste or quality. A lot of people have offered up their recipes for quick and easy spaghetti sauce. DON'T FORGET THE SUGAR! A touch of sugar makes a world of difference as far as acidity is concerned and makes the sauce much better. My downfall is fruit. I adore fruit and will splurge if I have to.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:44 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2012 22:36:46 GMT -5
I don't eat meat, but I buy plenty of fish/seafood when it's on sale. You eat sea bugs! I'm only half joking; I figured if I can eat crab to be polite, the honey bee grub that was offered to me by a local farmer was no problem. It just tasted like water with a bit of squish. I do wonder about the meat =/= fish distinction. I sort of figure if it can stare at me from the plate, I'd rather pass given the choice To answer the OP: we spend on average $85 per week on food, buying the vast majority at Whole Foods. My psoriasis flares like crazy when we shop other places, and God help me, I'm so weak... I cannot enter Walmart without wanting a bag of chips. It seems easier to avoid high junk food ratio stores entirely. Sweets and snacks are too expensive at WF to really buy many. So yeah, grains, veggies, and oil that are on sale make up the bulk of our diet. We round things out with bits of cheese and egg for flavor and protein. DF does buy meat, but in quarter pound increments. He says the clerk gives him a weird look for doing it
|
|
weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
|
Post by weltschmerz on Jul 17, 2012 22:47:46 GMT -5
You eat sea bugs! ---------------- I surely do! I can buy a bag of fresh mussels for $3.99 and make a big pot of steamed mussels in a garlic/white wine sauce for next to nothing. Pair that with a salad and baguette for "mopping up", and I'm good to go.
|
|
weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
|
Post by weltschmerz on Jul 17, 2012 22:50:13 GMT -5
I do wonder about the meat =/= fish distinction. I sort of figure if it can stare at me from the plate, I'd rather pass given the choice --------------------- I wanted to go purely vegetarian, but my doctor won't let me, so we compromised on fish. I don't feel too guilty eating fish, as it usually has a pretty decent life before ending up on my plate.
|
|
chiver78
Administrator
Current Events Admin
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:04:45 GMT -5
Posts: 38,558
|
Post by chiver78 on Jul 17, 2012 22:57:56 GMT -5
Or use high impact proteins like bacon and pancetta... shit, shit, shit!! This post jogged my memory - I bought a large chunk of pancetta last Wed when I was picking up veggies for my kale and bean stew, totally forgot about it. I just ran back down to the fridge for a sanity check and yep, it was still in there. 2/3 lb, with a $10 price tag. do we think that's still good? I can portion it out tomorrow and freeze it. ouch. that's an expensive airhead moment. guess I really have been flat out busy lately. sent from my electronic distraction
|
|
weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
|
Post by weltschmerz on Jul 17, 2012 23:28:34 GMT -5
I love cauliflower. I parboil it, then fry it lightly in olive oil and Italian bread crumbs, and serve with parmesan. Delicious!
|
|
Jaguar
Administrator
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
Joined: Dec 20, 2011 6:07:45 GMT -5
Posts: 50,108
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IZlZ65.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Text Color: 290066
|
Post by Jaguar on Jul 18, 2012 1:30:23 GMT -5
I love cauliflower. I parboil it, then fry it lightly in olive oil and Italian bread crumbs, and serve with parmesan. Delicious! Oh must try this. Thanks Welts.
|
|
Jaguar
Administrator
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
Joined: Dec 20, 2011 6:07:45 GMT -5
Posts: 50,108
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IZlZ65.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Text Color: 290066
|
Post by Jaguar on Jul 18, 2012 1:33:00 GMT -5
Oh I allot $250 per month for food and I'm seriously thinking of making it $300 per month. I hate processed food, it tastes like cardboard. It's just me in my household.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:44 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2012 5:36:25 GMT -5
Our diet is all over the place right now. Partly because the kids have so much going on, partly because we do, and partly due to summer vacation. Hopefully we get back to some form of normalcy soon. Oh, and the doc says I need more fat in my diet since my cholesterol is too low, so we have to work that in somehow. guacamole!!!!! ;D "good" cholesterol numbers can be raised by exercised, FWIW.
|
|
Peace77
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 1:42:40 GMT -5
Posts: 3,930
|
Post by Peace77 on Jul 18, 2012 6:26:17 GMT -5
Lentil stew is a great option. I make mine with onion, garlic, brown rice, carrots and celery (if I have it).
Soup over brown rice is another option.
Don't pay $6 for sauce! That is way too expensive.
Don't buy bottled water either. If you can't drink tap water, ask for a water filter on Freecycle or the wanted section of Craigslist.
Are there any farms or orchards near you? If so, ask about opportunities for gleaning.
If you can't afford enough food, then find out about your local food banks and use them.
|
|
marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
|
Post by marvholly on Jul 18, 2012 7:53:38 GMT -5
I am a single w/a cat living in a modHCOL area (Chicago metro NOT LA or NYC).
I spend about $25/week on everything: food, cat, HBA, cleaning supplies and paper goods. I seldom eat out (1-2x/month) and that is from my fun money.
I do meal plan (but often go off plan), I eat red meat about 1x/week, mostly chicken with tuna, eggs, ground turkey, veggie meals, low fat cottage cheese and fish filling in. I eat 1 serving of fruit, 1 LARGE salad, and 2 servings (about 3 oz cooked) of protein/day filling in w/ more veggies (mostly fresh) and a serving or 2 of potato, rice or bread daily.
I did an analysis about a month ago. Spent 1/3 on all protein sources, 1/3 on dairy and 1/3 on produce. I do have the advantage of multiple ethnic, independent markets and natl chains plus Target & Walmart so I do a LOT of comparison shopping and multiple stops to stock up.
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Jul 18, 2012 8:22:25 GMT -5
This thread has a lot of people talking about what they like to eat and what it cost which is interesting reading. What I read in your OP was that you only have about $80 a month to spend to feed three people including two teen boys. As far as COLA I live in NJ so M/HCOLA for food. I would think the same as yours in NCA. I do use coupons and we are very flexible as far as what we will buy and eat. Truthfully I couldn't feed us, on total processed crap using coupons to get most for free, for $20 a week. I have no idea how you could in CA with less choices for stores and not having double coupons.
I spend about $50-$80 a week on groceries. About $20 of that each week is spent at my local produce store. The rest of my grocery money is spent at the grocery stores. Ninety percent of the things I buy there are for stocking up purposes. I scan the ads and buy whatever is on sale that we will eat. I am not saying that I don't ever not buy food that isn't on sale, since we really can afford it, but I try REALLY hard not to. ;D
I do sometimes make my own sauce with canned tomatoes and spices in a crock pot. It is way easier to put it in the crock pot in the morning and let it simmer all day. I do have a bunch of bottled sauce in my pantry. It was on sale and I had a coupon which made it cost 0.06 cents a jar. It doesn't make my whole house smell great like my sauce does while cooking but I add a few spices to it and it really does taste about the same. And there is no way I could buy the ingredients anywhere near as cheap as I bought the bottles!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:45 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2012 8:28:06 GMT -5
Honestly, my grocery is bill is probably our biggest uncontrolled expense. I really don't know how much we spend on groceries. With 5 of us, it is a constant trek to the store for milk, bread and so forth. And, i am cooking at home a lot more so we are eating at home but i find that making homemade stuff isn't necessarily any cheaper and sometimes actually more expensive.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,258
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Jul 18, 2012 9:14:31 GMT -5
cooking at home a lot more so we are eating at home but i find that making homemade stuff isn't necessarily any cheaper and sometimes actually more expensive
Shooby you might like the cookbook Make the Bread, Buy the Butter. The author decides she's going to try to make everything from scratch for a year. The book is about her journey and what is worth making at home vs what is worth buying at the supermarket.
It was a great read and has some really good recipes in it.
I've started making my own tortilla chips. WAY better than the pre-packged and not that much more expensive to buy a bag of corn tortillas as opposed to chips.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:45 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2012 10:37:04 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and ideas. I like this thread, very interesting reading.
To answer a couple questions, we have no food waste in my house. If we do manage to have some tops of veggies or some bread that happens to mold before it is finished, we have chickens. However, I would say 98% of what is purchased is consumed by the humans.
I cannot drink or self-filter our well water. The water is highly contaminated, and though I run three filtration systems for the plant/tanks, plus a softener, the water is not potable enough to drink.
I probably spend at least $40 a month on water, but it is just one of the costs of living here. Someday when the kids move out, that cost will drastically drop. Until then, gotta have water for drinking, brushing teeth, etc... and we don't drink much else in my house.
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Jul 18, 2012 12:48:32 GMT -5
This thread has a lot of people talking about what they like to eat and what it cost which is interesting reading. What I read in your OP was that you only have about $80 a month to spend to feed three people including two teen boys. As far as COLA I live in NJ so M/HCOLA for food. I would think the same as yours in NCA. I do use coupons and we are very flexible as far as what we will buy and eat. Truthfully I couldn't feed us, on total processed crap using coupons to get most for free, for $20 a week. I have no idea how you could in CA with less choices for stores and not having double coupons. I spend about $50-$80 a week on groceries. About $20 of that each week is spent at my local produce store. The rest of my grocery money is spent at the grocery stores. Ninety percent of the things I buy there are for stocking up purposes. I scan the ads and buy whatever is on sale that we will eat. I am not saying that I don't ever not buy food that isn't on sale, since we really can afford it, but I try REALLY hard not to. ;D I do sometimes make my own sauce with canned tomatoes and spices in a crock pot. It is way easier to put it in the crock pot in the morning and let it simmer all day. I do have a bunch of bottled sauce in my pantry. It was on sale and I had a coupon which made it cost 0.06 cents a jar. It doesn't make my whole house smell great like my sauce does while cooking but I add a few spices to it and it really does taste about the same. And there is no way I could buy the ingredients anywhere near as cheap as I bought the bottles! I think she said, without Food Stamps, she has $200/mo for food PLUS whatever "extra" money she has, which this month is $80, so I'm seeing $280/mo for 3 people. It may not be a lot, but it's doable with some planning and shopping the sales.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 22:28:45 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2012 13:13:57 GMT -5
Yes, I have about $200 a month from SS and to that I can add whatever I made the month before, and this is what we use to buy groceries and all that type of thing. It also has to cover every other various expense that comes up.
(It is not ideal and I am very actively looking to increase it. Hard this month because my WAH job hasn't had any work for us in a couple weeks and I didn't have luck finding a back-up. I think I now have. I also have a contract job starting in September, so I know it will be better, just trying to get there on the funds that I have.)
So far this month I have made $80, so next month's budget currently stands at $280. I am hoping to be able to add another $100 or so to that before the month ends. Still, at $380 there is a lot of squeeze to feed myself and two grown teen boys in the area in which I live.
|
|
cranberry49
Familiar Member
'Sometimes the simple things are the prettiest'
Joined: Jul 15, 2011 21:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 734
|
Post by cranberry49 on Jul 18, 2012 13:51:16 GMT -5
Yes, I have about $200 a month from SS and to that I can add whatever I made the month before, and this is what we use to buy groceries and all that type of thing. It also has to cover every other various expense that comes up. (It is not ideal and I am very actively looking to increase it. Hard this month because my WAH job hasn't had any work for us in a couple weeks and I didn't have luck finding a back-up. I think I now have. I also have a contract job starting in September, so I know it will be better, just trying to get there on the funds that I have.) So far this month I have made $80, so next month's budget currently stands at $280. I am hoping to be able to add another $100 or so to that before the month ends. Still, at $380 there is a lot of squeeze to feed myself and two grown teen boys in the area in which I live. I know the feeling, hon. I wish you all the best. I was once a single mom with five small kids to feed. Their father never paid a dime in child support. So, I know how you have to scrimp and save. I have done it all my life. Even though things are a lot better in my life and all of my kids are now grown, I still cook and buy accordingly. As I, and many others have said, eat lots of beans and rice. This accounts for protein when you don't have meat. Heres to you!
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 18, 2012 14:46:56 GMT -5
Shasta....
One thing you might want to try is serving some sort of soup with every meal. You can use some veggies that are nearly gone and supplement with legumes/beans, which will help fill your boys up.
I know last winter I was making lentil soup a lot. We have a Middle Eastern store that sells lentils cheap in bulk and I think I calculated that the HUGE pot of soup cost me about $3 to make......but was a week worth of lunches.
The rehab facility that I was in last winter served soup with every lunch and dinner. Soups were made out of leftovers from earlier in the week and whomever made them was really good about getting a lot of flavor out of cheap ingredients.
|
|