Food $ense/Cent$

If I am eating all natural, organic foods, my food budget must be out of sight, no?

Not really. I eat what I call a common sense diet, one that is based on fresh foods, whole grains and beans, sprouts and sea veggies. And since I create most of my meals from scratch, what I save by not buying a great deal of processed items (chip, prepared meals, juices, etc.) I can put to my fresh produce budget.

Also, I don’t eat meat or hard cheese, both of which are more expensive than beans, a major source of my protein. Most of my protein comes from tempeh or tofu, beans that I buy dry and soak (although I keep some cans of beans handy), and eggs about twice a week. I am contemplating some fish occasionally, especially when I travel and beans are cooked with bacon or soy protein is not available.

Tempeh “fish” sticks from www.suratasoy.com/tempehrecipes.html

If I spend a little over my budget one week, I consciously use up what I have in the freezer or pantry until I get caught up with my outlay of food money. I have a general idea of what I spend on food, but I plan to start keeping a more accurate account so I can share it with you on this blog.

Also,  I think eating foods that are fresh and lightly prepared are part of a healthy life style, which means a healthier body. Since I am over 70, staying healthy becomes more and more important. And eating  “high octane” food is a priority. I do use supplements, but I take no prescription drugs, which is a savings right there, although vitamins can be costly. For example, I take an immune booster called Aloe Arborescence that cost $70 per bottle. However, I took it all last winter and didn’t catch a cold or get the flu. So one bottle saved me a lot sniffles and drugs.

These are NOT part of my daily regime
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010

Common sense eating need not be expensive, if you consider that the benefits are a healthy body that supports you at work, at play, and in every day activities. I would rather have one less pair of shoes or one less pair of earrings and instead have money for my food.

If eating a whole foods diet is a priority, then there are common sense ways to save money and still eat well. For example, I make my own soup stock from the tops and bottoms of veggies that people throw away or compost. Instead, I throw them all in a pot of filtered water, simmer the veggies for a couple of hours, strain and pour into jars that I place in the ‘frig. When I make grains or soup, I just use the soup stock and get a boost of nutrients for free!

Source:www.freewebs.com/stmarksporty/groups.htm

As I post my menus for the day, I will make note when there is some common sense technique I use to save money on food costs.  Also, feel free to send comments and questions in the Comments link.

Nobody Eats Like Me is designed to include you, so that eventually anyone reading this can shop, cook, and enjoy meals that reflect my motto, The Good Taste of Health.

♥Bon Appetit!♥