Ellamac77's Journal, 04 Oct 19

If you have a computer/laptop you can go to the main website and see all journals. I know what it's like being on a budget, I'm on a very low budget. Only have 35-50 bucks a month to feed 2 people. Eating healthy can be done but it takes work.  

What can u eat for that price... I have four in the home and my kids won't eat the stuff that we eat. I'm open to all ideas. 

One thing I do is plan the meals out weekly based on what is on sale, if nothing is on sale that you want don't be afraid to shop the discounted meats and produce. When you find a good deal on something you like look up ways to preserve it. You could can it or more easily freeze it if you have that option. My husband does not eat the same as me so I've also learned to improvise. Take for example the other night we had chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice. He hates rice and won't eat broccoli much. I made him chicken, broccoli and cheese (just melted some cheese in his portion), and a baked potato. When his kids are here during the summer its a different thing as they will not eat much healthy food. Then I have to feed 5 on a budget of around $60 a month. We eat good, not fancy by any means. We eat chicken, ground turkey, pork, and beef. Rice, potatoes, and many fresh veggies. Salads is a go to when the kids are here, whatever I make them, they love any kind of meat or taco, I'll turn mine into a salad and use the meat as the protein. If you have any leftovers, save them for lunch the next day. You can buy chicken leg quarters and make 1 at a time and make many different things to feed 4 with it.  

Sounds great. I'm wanting pinto beans for a while and don't know if it's ok to eat them because of the carbs 

I agree! I am spending a fortune buying so many healthy, low carb items. My favorite low carb bread is about $9 a loaf...its crazy! 

Pickles are a good option if you don't buy the Batempte for $5! 

For bread I use the 35 calorie bread. It isn't low carb but it's so low calorie it makes a difference 

We are vegan: no meat, no dairy, no animal products including honey and eggs. That may not be for you but I have lost 11 lbs. since we started July 1. We buy tons of veggies, nut butters (Not Jif or Skippy, e.g.), almond milk, etc. We use an InstantPot to prepare our meals too. On the weekend we make our meals for the week. We make large portions then divide up into fist-size portions through the week. I wear a Garmin watch so I can keep track of my steps. Our eating style might not be for you but it is helping me with weight, stress, BP, cholesterol, etc. I just feel better too! 

The reality is that if you couple portion control and moderation with the best food choices available to you, you can do this. It would be super for everyone to eat only grass fed this and that and vegetable grown by monks on the side of a distant hilltop but that is not many people’s reality. I think you might find that your food bill will do ok. Eliminate the things like sodas and as many processed foods as possible. Follow along here for some really good recipe ideas from some good cooks, cook the things that are in season when they are least expensive.good luck to you. 

Asmerella — if your kids get hungry enough they will eat. Stop buying crap food and Fast food and tell them this is how it has to be for health reasons from now on, Then elicit their help in coming up with a food plan. If you all have been eating a fairly poor diet these changes may help keep them from suffering the same fate as your husband. When you said babies I wasn’t thinking 8th grade.