Hello DIS friends!!

Im a long time lurker on this board but finally felt I should contribute.
Weve recently begun the attempt to cut out packaged and processed foods
which leaves me gasping over the price of organic ingredients, spending a LOT more time in the kitchen making things from scratch, and really bare looking cupboards.
Im still building up a reserve of foods with less (or no) additives and preservatives but I was really stumped when it came to making dinners since my usual standbys ( packaged noodles, potatoes, canned gravy and bean etc) are no longer in the house.
Ive been canvassing the internet for three weeks, trying to find recipes that dont use these products so that I can still make the foods we love, only healthier.
Im also trying to stick to my regular weekly food budget, so that I can continue to save up for the next Disney trip.
Anyway, I do a big shop every two weeks and then just pick up milk, eggs and fresh produce in the in between weeks, so my meal plans go from Thursday to Wednesday
covering two weeks. As its Monday, were already a few days in but this is what Ive outlined for the date range of September 20th to October 3rd:
Thursday-Rotisserie Chicken with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad
Friday-Garbanzo Bean Stew (ended up being East Side MariosDH had a really stressful week)
Saturday-Leftover chicken
Sunday-Shepherds Pie
Monday-leftover Shepherds Pie
Tuesday-Homemade Pizzas (using naan bread for the crust)
WednesdayBean and Rice Burritos
ThursdaySteak and baked potatoes
FridayTurkey medallions with our last package of Lipton noodles
SaturdayPasta Casserole
Sundayleftover pasta casserole
MondayRoast beef in the crock pot with root veggies
TuesdayRoast beef dips
WednesdayChicken Fried Rice