*Feed Your Family $10 A Day Challenge*(AT HOME)

[mom2dea0813]

It breaks my heart to see all these kids getting very little protein, very little dairy, very few fruits and veggies and lots of high fat/high sodium processed food. I really hope some of these posts are a joke, or the tiny serving sizes over-exaggerated to look good in the thread.

You can eat very well on very little with a little planning. Spaghetti with meatballs and home made sauce is very inexpensive and pretty healthy.

I'm all for random processed/starch dinners - heck, last night my meal cost me $1.50 max as I had a cup o soup, some junky left over frozen pizza and a peach. But some of these posts just break my heart.

You do NOT NEED protien at every single meal ! And also look at ages , a CHILD can not eat what an adult can . I am so sorry but the food chart the gov puts out is a joke . HECK look at it I am pregnant and can NOT eat everything on that chart in one day . Its just way way to much food for me . I could not even eat a whole cup of soup / slice of pizzza and a peach in one sitting .

Please PLease PLease if you are not comming here to list what you cook , tell us a recipe or give us good way to feed our family on a BUDGET (even if that budget is WAY over 10.00 a day ) then please don't post .

 

[javamoma]

I know that you are drowning in zuchinni right now, but zuchini is not a complete vegetable and you are serving it with every meal.


What do you mean "not a complete vegetable"? I have not heard this term before.
Are you meaning, not a complete protein???

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

You do NOT NEED protien at every single meal ! And also look at ages , a CHILD can not eat what an adult can . I am so sorry but the food chart the gov puts out is a joke . HECK look at it I am pregnant and can NOT eat everything on that chart in one day . Its just way way to much food for me . I could not even eat a whole cup of soup / slice of pizzza and a peach in one sitting .

Please PLease PLease if you are not comming here to list what you cook , tell us a recipe or give us good way to feed our family on a BUDGET (even if that budget is WAY over 10.00 a day ) then please don't post .

Wow. Someone is defensive.

I was reading here, I was going to post and then I had my heart broken. I didn't say feed your kids what the government says and you must abide by those charts. I said it breaks my heart to see all the processed food and the lack of nutritional value in a lot of these meals. There seems to be so much focus on eating on a budget that the nutritional focus is lost. And as I said - I have nothing against processed/junky foods. The amount that I saw posted here though, on such a regular basis is heartbreaking.

In case you didn't notice, my comment spurred some healthy help for mommiepoppins and feeding her non-meat eating daughter. MP - my mom dealt with that from me for a loooong time. It's not uncommon with kids. Dawn has some great ideas that aren't super expensive. You can find blocks of tofu for $1 a block. If you are going to blend it you can freeze it since the texture won't matter.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

no I simply mean that zucchini cannot fully on it's own meet all the nutritional requirements of a growing girl.

There is nothing wrong with zucchini and it is certainly healthy - way healthier than McDonald's fries or a bag of chips. But you cannot rely on it to meet all your children's nutritional needs which is what you are doing when you serve it 2 or 3 times a day for weeks on end.

Everybody needs variety.

 

[dawn1967]

Did you know in other countries Milk is not the only source of calcium or vit d. They don't force cows milk down there kids throat. I for one find cow's milk extremely unhealthy. With all the chemicals going in our cows milk. I know some of you will go you freak that's ok but think about it when we breast fed our kids we had to be so careful what we put in our mouth's other wise it went to our breast milk well think about it's same as with a cow. If you child plays outside in the sunlight for 15 min a day they get more vit d then a glass a milk and calcium can be replaced with greens and other supplements if your concerened with that. But i for one will not feed the kids cows milk if they don't want it which they don't. We use Soy and Powdered milk of cereals. i buy a pint of milk about once a week and at times i have to throw it away.

 

[jennyf917]

I just wanted to add that since you have all of that zucchini, why not make zucchini bread? It is very tasty and is a good snack and will go far. My son is not a big meat fan, so I can empathize with you. I buy lots of frozen vegs in a big variety, whatever is on sale that week for him. Also, like someone mentioned above, spaghetti sauce is perfect for adding in extra vegetables. You can grate a zucchini and a carrot in there, or do like our family and add a bag of frozen mixed veggies (usually broccoli and cauliflower and carrots) to the sauce whole. DS loves that meal.

And for everyone, here is a good link that has helped me out many times.http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm

 

[mickeyfan2]

Did you know in other countries Milk is not the only source of calcium or vit d. They don't force cows milk down there kids throat. I for one find cow's milk extremely unhealthy. With all the chemicals going in our cows milk. I know some of you will go you freak that's ok but think about it when we breast fed our kids we had to be so careful what we put in our mouth's other wise it went to our breast milk well think about it's same as with a cow. If you child plays outside in the sunlight for 15 min a day they get more vit d then a glass a milk and calcium can be replaced with greens and other supplements if your concerened with that. But i for one will not feed the kids cows milk if they don't want it which they don't. We use Soy and Powdered milk of cereals. i buy a pint of milk about once a week and at times i have to throw it away.

I am not a milk drinker but get plenty of calcium.

I agree with you except when you talk about powdered milk. How is that better for you?

 

[dawn1967]

I am not a milk drinker but get plenty of calcium.

I agree with you except when you talk about powdered milk. How is that better for you?

Just use powdered for milk if i don't have soy on hand. It's really no better for you.
I'm learning now to make my own nut milks kids are really enjoying the flavor of those. I especially like the raw cashew milk. Gives great flavor to oatmeal.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Did you know in other countries Milk is not the only source of calcium or vit d. They don't force cows milk down there kids throat. I for one find cow's milk extremely unhealthy. With all the chemicals going in our cows milk. I know some of you will go you freak that's ok but think about it when we breast fed our kids we had to be so careful what we put in our mouth's other wise it went to our breast milk well think about it's same as with a cow. If you child plays outside in the sunlight for 15 min a day they get more vit d then a glass a milk and calcium can be replaced with greens and other supplements if your concerened with that. But i for one will not feed the kids cows milk if they don't want it which they don't. We use Soy and Powdered milk of cereals. i buy a pint of milk about once a week and at times i have to throw it away.

that's fine.
If you read the other thread I for one posted that our current Peditrician is also very anti-cow's milk. I have a son who is a vegan. No dairy, no meat, no fish, no eggs.

The first couple months of it we struggled like mad to keep him nutritious. The biggest struggle was just getting calories into him. Honestly, he is tall and skinny and has a very high metabolism. His Doctor finally hooked him up with a Nutritionist who sat down and showed him that given his age, gender, and activity levels he NEEDS about 2000 calories a day. Given his food diery he was lucky to break 1200 and that was why he was feeling so crappy all the time. His moods where terrible - his grades suffered - he had frequent headaches. He needed to learn how to fuel his body and does much better now.

Looking at some of these menus, I get very concerned when I see a 15year old girl that I'm doubting is even hitting 800 to 900 calories a day given what her Mother is posting.

 

[mom2dea0813]

Wow. Someone is defensive.

I was reading here, I was going to post and then I had my heart broken. I didn't say feed your kids what the government says and you must abide by those charts. I said it breaks my heart to see all the processed food and the lack of nutritional value in a lot of these meals. There seems to be so much focus on eating on a budget that the nutritional focus is lost. And as I said - I have nothing against processed/junky foods. The amount that I saw posted here though, on such a regular basis is heartbreaking.

In case you didn't notice, my comment spurred some healthy help for mommiepoppins and feeding her non-meat eating daughter. MP - my mom dealt with that from me for a loooong time. It's not uncommon with kids. Dawn has some great ideas that aren't super expensive. You can find blocks of tofu for $1 a block. If you are going to blend it you can freeze it since the texture won't matter.

Sorry yes I was defensive . I guess cause every few days someone comes on this thread and knocks on one of us . Its starts to get fustrating . I will says yes we are on a strict budget and I try to do my best with what we have . I would love more budget minded meals that are 100% healthy .

My kids love hotdogs and usually get it 1 time a week during the summer . During the school yr they get them maybe 1 time a month cause they are only cooked on the grill when cooked for a family meal . My family dose eat 1 box of mac and cheese every 2 weeks usually its on a Sunday when Dh cooks a meal or on a fast night . I only buy 1 box every two weeks so I know thats all they get . hmmm we don't do any other frozen meals except what we get from angel food witch is burrittos every other month it seems . We do eat canned green beans cause dh hates fresh and frozen . We eat frozen veggies the kids like that are not in season . But hey when you find veggies your kids like you stick with them . And our snacks when we are out of fresh fruit and fresh veggies are usually pb crackers , popcorn , nuts , cheese and crackers and then 1 time usually every other month each child gets to pick one snack from the dallor tree . (these are usually Cheese crackers , vannilla waffers , gummie snacks , oreo sticks and frosting , pretzils and cheese dip no not at all healthy but they get these items in small amounts . ) My Dh gets 2 -2 litters of soda every 2 weeks and I make decaf tea for me that the kids do not get . My kids drink milk (witch I hate them drinking !) , juice and water .

But please anyone that wants to offer help with budget friendly options I am all ears !

 

[dawn1967]

that's fine.
If you read the other thread I for one posted that our current Peditrician is also very anti-cow's milk. I have a son who is a vegan. No dairy, no meat, no fish, no eggs.

The first couple months of it we struggled like mad to keep him nutritious. The biggest struggle was just getting calories into him. Honestly, he is tall and skinny and has a very high metabolism. His Doctor finally hooked him up with a Nutritionist who sat down and showed him that given his age, gender, and activity levels he NEEDS about 2000 calories a day. Given his food diery he was lucky to break 1200 and that was why he was feeling so crappy all the time. His moods where terrible - his grades suffered - he had frequent headaches. He needed to learn how to fuel his body and does much better now.

Looking at some of these menus, I get very concerned when I see a 15year old girl that I'm doubting is even hitting 800 to 900 calories a day given what her Mother is posting.

Mommie has stated before earlier on the thread she's took her girls to the doctors and they thought she was eating enough and is healthy. I think it just depends I personally don't think my 8 yr old eats enough compare to some of his friends then i took him for his yearly physical and he is growing and weighing what a child his age should be.
And at 15 could your mother could any our mothers make us eat anything? Or even 10 no use screaming and fighting over something simple like food. When kids are hungry they will eat and when they are not they won't. Just my opinion.

 

[javamoma]

Wow, this threa is getting kind of crazy! If we don't watch out, it will get as bad as all those AP and non-AP threads (nasty!)

If anyone has any questions, I am a registered dietitian with a couple of degrees in nutrition. I think there are many healthy choices listed in the pages of this thread. And as a now stay at home mom, I understand that sometimes you have to do what you have to do to make ends meet. I cried the first time I had to buy conventional (not all natural) laundry detergent when I quit my job! Its tough.

 

[shirleyb]

One of the most budget friendly items you can make is to roast a turkey. Turkey is very cheap meat per pound, and you can make sandwiches, soup, pot pie, etc. Lots of meals out of one purchase.

Cabbage is cheap. Buy a head and make cole slaw, or fry it for some variety with your veggies.

Same as with a turkey, cook a roast, and make soup out of the leftovers.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

When kids are hungry they will eat and when they are not they won't. Just my opinion.

For that to be true, food has to be available and don't kid yourself, thousands of children in the United States are hospitalized every year for malnourishment and dietary deficiency problems.

1/5 of a can of tuna isn't going to cut it.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

One of the most budget friendly items you can make is to roast a turkey. Turkey is very cheap meat per pound, and you can make sandwiches, soup, pot pie, etc. Lots of meals out of one purchase.

Especially with fall approaching. Not too long before all those Thanksgiving turkeys will be going on sale for 39cents a pound. If you have the freezer space available, it is the time to stock up.

 

[mom2dea0813]

One of the most budget friendly items you can make is to roast a turkey. Turkey is very cheap meat per pound, and you can make sandwiches, soup, pot pie, etc. Lots of meals out of one purchase.

Cabbage is cheap. Buy a head and make cole slaw, or fry it for some variety with your veggies.

Same as with a turkey, cook a roast, and make soup out of the leftovers.

We do this 3 times a yr (easter , thanksgiving and christmas ) I do not think I could get my family to do another whole week of turkey another time threw out the yr ....

But I will say I have not made homemade cole slaw in a while and my family dose love it (well me and the youngest daughter do not at all ). I do fry it up when we do stir fry and I do hide it in soups but Dh hats cabbage . I also find having a soup night atleast 1 time every two weeks helps the budget a ton . When we do a roast the next day we usually make BBQ sandwiches out of it so that saves money . If I make a london broil I will make tacos the next night with the meat cut very very thin .
Whole chickens for us are usually 2 sometimes 3 meals .
Also breakfest night 1 time every 2 weeks helps the budget as well .

 

[Wonderlandmom]

MommieP, do your girls like salad? We love salad bar night. You can have various types of lettuces, spinach, veggies you like cut up, julienne strips of cheeses, julienne strips of ham or turkey or couple cans of tuna, chopped up eggs, cottage cheese, olives, crumbled turkey bacon, peas, beans you all like, nuts, sunflower seeds, croutons or wonton strips, etc! The skies the limit with this. Serve with warm bread and some olive oil dipping sauce.

You can also make a baked potato up with various toppings too (cheeses, beans, meats, etc). Serve a small salad or some soup with this.

My DS is picky but we do not do without what we like because of this. Sometimes it is easy to make a small dish without the item he does not like in it (for example no ricotta or cottage cheese in his lasagna). I have a smaller casserole dish for this. You could have a container with her beans or refried beans in the fridge and do her dish a little different. Meat in yours, beans in hers.

Do you like Red beans and rice? I serve this with low fat smoked sausage but you could do hers without and put cheese on the top instead. Serve with a small salad.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Family of 5. We do not eat dd12's allergens-----soy (except for soybean oil aka vegetable oil and soy lecithin), sesame, peanuts, treenuts, watermelon (oh that makes us soooo sad!). It has been a difficult transition since she was diagnosed in March.

I was used to cooking and baking from scratch already to save money and to eat better. I did rely on a very few "convenience" foods, like canned cream of whatever soup (used at most twice a month during cold weather), which we can no longer purchase due to the stupid need of food companies to put soy into every gosh darned product. We have stopped eating meatballs as all commercial breadcrumbs contain sesame. I hope to find a good meatball recipe by this winter (I've tried 6 so far).

Our convenience foods now consist of lowfat/vegetarian refried beans, one brand of taco seasoning, wholewheat tortillas (I really want to get a tortilla press--I've tried with a rolling pin and it just takes too long for what we eat), and frozen ravioli!

Every week we "lose" another breakfast cereal due to freaking soy contaminated wheat and/or corn. I never purchase sweetened cereal---I'm talking about not being able to eat Kellogg's corn flakes or plain shredded wheat!!!!

We eat red meat maybe once a month. We rely on lean poultry (ground turkey breast, boneless chicken breast) though once or twice a month we'll have skinless chicken legs/thighs. I buy only fresh turkey Italian sausage (again, a soy issue). We eat bacon and/or ham only when it's on sale, in which case I'll buy a lot and freeze the excess.

We do a lot of beans/cheese and whole grains meals. Eggs are also popular--thankfully we all have low cholesterol Dh and dd12 are lactose intolerant-----they can't drink regular milk but are fine with it in baking and can eat cheese and yogurt.

We eat in season fruits and vegetables, both from my garden and from local farms and the orchard a few miles away. Sure we might have zucchini/yellow squash four times a week and peaches twice a day now. Next week we'll have tomatoes coming out our ears (and hopefully jumping into my canning jars too ). In a month, gosh apples, apples, apples and the return to fresh lettuce and spinach after the hot months. This morning I counted 20 developing butternut squash in the garden (with more setting)-----we'll be eating that this winter.

I'm sorry to go off on a minirant about food. This is just such a hot topic for me. I'm also a bit afraid as dd7 has just started to complain of reflux-like pain. Once again I go with the food diary to look for any correlations before seeing the doctor. I sure hope she's not developing anything...

I'm going to go in the garden and pick whatever is ready, then I'll post today's meals

 

[mommiepoppins]

tacos are actually a great meal for hiding all kinds of things that kids won't eat because the taco seasoning disguises most of it. If I was serving your meal I would probably add at least a 1/2pound of ground turkey or a lowfat beef in there. At 99cents a pound, you are only talking an additional 50 cents.

If you absolutely don't want meat, lentil beans are very high quality protein and much healthier than canned. Tofu is a common standby but it can also be pretty pricey so many people don't use much of it. I also often put shredded carrots into a taco mixture and we like it. Carrots are packed with nutrients.

You could try soaking some Lentil beans and then making a soup with some frozen vegetables and a broth to serve as an afternoon snack with your matzo crackers. The cost would be very comparable to your pbj and mandarin oranges.

I know that you are drowning in zuchinni right now, but zuchini is not a complete vegetable and you are serving it with every meal. I know you are taking alot of heat, but I really think your kids need some better food.

At the very least I would get a bag of frozen peas or mixed vegetables to serve tonight, again -- less than $1

The tuna honestly continues to confuse me. What you are posting is simply not enough food for 5 people. Could you throw a couple of hard boiled eggs in there?

Peas, beans, and nuts are staples of the vegetarian diet. Watch for sales on those. Canned is better than none, but try to stay with fresher options. There really isn't anything wrong with Peanut Butter, but many brands are fairly processed and can be high in sugar. Look for sales on bags of raw peanuts.

And I know your 15year old daughter "hates" alot of things but you really need to explain to her the importance of calcium and women during her growing years. Broccoli and spinach (dark green veggies) are all good calcium sources.

A woman pretty much has until age 30 to store calcium in her bones and then it is downhill from there. The diet you are posting is really setting all your girls up for extreme brittle bone problems as adults - you too for that matter. If nothing else, please buy a large bottle of generic Tums and supplement. You all need it.

as far as my 15 year old my dh and I have talked to her about calcium until we are blue in the face . now I really do not want to make a big deal about food with them because it I do not want my 4dd's worried about getting fat and getting an eating disorder .I do talk with them about eating fruits and veggies and limiting junk food. I have a weight issue along with my dads side of the family. I struggle to keep my weight down. I did not eat the tuna today or any other day. I really eat more veggies and fruit and dinner. I have a thyroid problem and my parents have diebetes (sp) so I have to eat like a bird.. I must say in the last 2 years I have really changed our eating habbits to add more fruit and veggies.

Turkey I love ground turkey and ground chicken it is my fav . I could eat that with just salsa and be in my glory.. however dd 10 knows its meat and flips out . I have made turkey tacos for dh and he did eat them , but he did not " like them" When dh is home I always try to make a meal with some ground turkey or chicken, I just do not tell him . DD 15 and 6, 4 have no problems with ground chicken and ground turkey.

 

[bavaria]

Eating vegetarian can be very cost effective and nutritious! While I do not have a family to feed, I am veggie. Here is what I ate this week for some of my lunches or dinners:

Lunch: Aloo Gobi - I make this myself quite often, with cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peas. I will often throw in other veggies as well. Serve alone or with rice. Eat hot or cold; good for taking to work/school as leftovers.

Dinner: bought this from my favourite takeaway which happens to sell at 1/2 price before the market closes for the day. (I will pay full price for it, but if I happen to be around at 1/2 price time it is a bonus!)
Curried lentils, chick pea mix with roasted nuts and peppers and tomatoes, spinach and potato curry

Yesterday was 'lentil Tuesday' so I went back to the market as I am rarely around on Tuesdays, and had moong beans, rice, and the same chick pea mix.

Lentils, chick peas, and tofu can be used as the base for a wide variety of veggie dishes, and provide nutrition which is often lacking in a veggie diet.

I don't eat processed foods in America as they give me migraines, and I can't eat much dairy in America as it makes me ill. And I am certainly proof that a vegetarian does not need to be underweight!