Need major help eating cheap!

[ryan840]

Hello everyone. We need to cut our budget as much as possible, and it is sooo expensive to eat healthy that we can't figure out how to cut it. We already don't eat all the fruits and veggies you're supposed to because it's so expensive. I'm not one for canned fruits/veggies because they taste nasty but more importantly they are basically void of any (most) nutrients, so what do we do? How do you do three meals a day plus snacks and drinks for a family of three for less than $150/month? I'm all for coupons but they are hit or miss around here. We have a Sam's Club account and I buy generic/sale items as often as possible, but it still costs us about $300/mo to eat. I know that that's not a huge amount, but we have to cut down to pay off our bills and save for Christmas/new baby. After Christmas we should be able to relax again, hopefully! TIA!!!

 

[deadhedjen]

I buy the groceries for a family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids) and I'm not sure I could do it for $300 a month (double the amount you said you'd need for 3), not without coupons anyway.

Some tips I do have for you to save on fresh items (meats, veggies, fruits, dairy) is to ask your grocer if they discount their close to expiry(sell by this date) items. I find that if I hit my stores just after opening, I find that there is plenty of fruits and veggies on the "last chance" rack DEEPLY discounted. I buy anything I think I can use for lunch, after school snacks, dinner, and anything I can dice and freeze for another meal. Also, the meats (roasts, burger, chicken, etc) have mark down stickers on them when they're getting close to sitting in the case too long. There is another store I shop at that marks down their dairy items when they are nearing the expiry(sell by) date. Here's where I really save, b/c there is usually coupons for those items (go-gurts, pillsbury rolls, string cheese, etc) so I wind up getting these items for almost free.
If your grocer doesn't discount items, call around to other stores in your area to see if they do.

With couponing I estimate I spend $150-200/ month on the food budget. That includes paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc. I'm sure I could do much better if I got into refunding, but so far I haven't had much luck. I lack that discipline needed to keep track of receipts, UPC's, forms, etc. I only do the rebates through my grocer that are online. THey keep track of what I buy and automatically send out my checks when I meet my requirements.

Oh, also check out mycoupons.com and click on "shopping boards" link to find a wealth of ways to save money at the store. The "tips of the trade" board is the best!!! Have fun!

Jennifer.

 

[Crankyshank]

I go food shopping late at night right before close - that's when you find the marked down meat. I also don't eat ground beef anymore. Ground turkey and chicken is so much cheaper and better for you (usually I get them BOGOF)

I also cruise the discount canned goods, baked goods, and veggie section.

 

[RADOPT]

I buy our canned food, juice and frozen veggies at Grocery Outlet - usually better then the grocery store on sale. I only buy the fresh veggies/fruits that are in season. I also stock up on sale items - love those 10 for $10 with a coupon on top of it. I also strech the juice by adding water to it. For snacks it is popcorn, crackers (on sale), cheese, or veggie/fruit sticks. We buy very little junk food. Also, hit the farmers markets just before they close.

 

[wide awake]

Beans and rice/bread products make a complete protein...and there are tons of delicious ways to cook them. Can you grow a garden ? I know here in Sacramento there are many vegetables I can grow in the winter which cuts down on the grocery bill. Finally, many times frozen fruits or veggies are cheaper and have more nutrients than fresh, because of storage, picking time, etc. You're looking at $5 per day, so no convenience foods, water and tea or coffee to drink, w/ 2 cups of dairy products for your child...I think you can do it but it will probably be very different than what you're used to eating. I wouldn't worry about coupons too much...lots of times they're for items I'd never buy because even w/ the coupon they're too expensive. Think oatmeal, grits, rice (bought in large quantities), legumes, and seasoning veggies. Grow your own herbs, fresh parsley, basil, etc make a huge difference. I'll think about this more and try to post menus/prices, w/in the next couple days.

 

[ryan840]

Thanks for the tips everyone! We live in an apartment so a garden is out... I'd love to get some inexpensive recipes though.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Hi, I don't know what your apartment is situated like. But ours has some pretty big windows with deep cills...and we are able to buy large pots and plant some veggies in the summer months. They grow well..and it's a great alternative for us, since I am a vegetarian, as well as my dd. Hubby has not converted yet..but I am workin on it!
Anyhow..its saved us some money on veggies. Also, try your local farmers market. I find that on Saturday am, its a nice stroll, and I am able to get the freshest, cheapest produce there is.
Good Luck. I know eating healthy is expensive. But we are a family of three and definatly could make around $200 a month work. If you want some meal ideas...just pm me.

 

[deadhedjen]

Thanks for the tips everyone! We live in an apartment so a garden is out... I'd love to get some inexpensive recipes though.

There is a thread on this board about cheap meal ideas. I haven't figured out yet how to add a link into a post, but I'm sure someone here can do it.

Jennifer.

 

[mhf]

My grocery has specials tags for "discontinued" items. For example, I got apple muffin mixes for 64 cents each because they will no longer carry that flavor after they're sold out. I make a point to look at the hanging tags on each shelf to see if they say "sale" (regular weekly sale) or "discontinued." "Scratch and dent" is typically even cheaper, assuming it's not so dangerously damaged as to be contaminated.

The butcher also wanders around the area and when I look lost (which is often), he'll say "chicken is on half price this week" or whatever. I try to use the sales circular to make my list but sometimes they put things on sale that are not in the flyer.

I also seem to remember a website where you could print off coupons but I don't remember its name..perhaps another poster can come up with the name or you could try your internet search engine.

Try growing cherry tomatoes on your window sill..it's fun!

MHF
aw: aw: aw: aw:

 

[mommytotwo]

Thanks for the tips everyone! We live in an apartment so a garden is out... I'd love to get some inexpensive recipes though.

You can grow a herb garden on your window sill.
Just get a planter and add in a variety of different herbs.
You can add them to your dishes and it will give it a more flavorful taste.

 

[justcruisin]

A friend (a skinny one!) recommends beans and broccoli 3 times a week -- just rinse the canned beans, chop some fresh broccoli, saute in some oil with garlic --- surprisingly good. Add some rice if you want. Dinner for about $2. DH is not too keen on it, but he'll survive.

 

[pearlieq]

$300 per month for the 3 of you is pretty darn good! DH and I go through about $350 a month, so I think you're ahead of the game!

Some ideas for fruits/veggies

1.) Buy what's in season--apples in the fall, oranges in the winter, berries and peaches in the summer, etc. Only buy the fruits/veggies that are on sale.
2.) As others have mentioned, try to buy at a farmers market, or grow your own. Gratefully accept extras from family and friends.
3.) If you're feeling really ambitious, look into renting a community garden plot. In our community you can rent a small plot for about $30 for the season and you can grow whatever you want. It's actually a very nice activity for the family.
4.) Rely on frozen and canned veggies and fruits. I'm not sure where you got the idea that frozen/canned weren't as healthy as fresh, but that couldn't be farther from the truth!!! Because frozen and canned veggies are processed and preserved quickly, farmers can let them ripen longer on the vine so they are at peak nutritiousness when they are picked. They're processed very quickly after they're picked, so most of the nutrients are locked in. Sadly, most fresh fruits and veggies have to be picked way before they're ripe to get them to the store before they spoil. By the time you buy them they've lost a lot of their nutrients. Be sure to buy the low/no salt versions of the canned veggies.
5.) If you're not crazy about the taste of the canned/frozen veggies, try to sneak them in places. Make frozen fruit smoothies, bake up some muffins/cobblers/crisps, make homemade spaghetti sauce with canned tomatoes (thow in some finely grated carrots for extra credit!) add veggies to soups and casseroles. I hate frozen veggies straight but they taste great in a pot pie, stew, or stir-fry!
6.) If you're worried about nutrition, consider buying an inexpensive multivitamin, just for some extra insurance.

 

[travelitis]

You seem to already be a smart shopper, but since canned can really save you, I'll add my 2 cents. Another reason to have canned veggies and fruit on hand is it's good to have food that won't spoil if you don't have electricity. I believe in buying ahead to be prepared should you have an emergency (financial, natural disaster, or illness). Think of so many hurricane evacuees complaining of being hungry and expecting the govt to have food ready for all of them. What if they'd cleaned out the cupboards of canned foods? We live in an area that has to watch hurricanes and just moved from Orange, TX (got the eye of Rita), so you better believe I used canned products. But I digress. You can disguise canned veggies in casseroles. I've baked with canned peaches. The other way canned can really save is that fresh has a much shorter shelf life which means more frequent grocery trips at $3/gal.

From http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lh_general_info/article/0,2041,DIY_14040_2273068,00.html

A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes using canned ingredients are similar in nutritional values and taste appeal to those made with fresh or frozen items. The research analyzed nutritional content of entire recipes comparing such nutrients as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The study also conducted sensory analysis evaluating taste, appearance, color, aroma and texture of dishes prepared with canned, fresh and/or frozen ingredients. . . .

It was the third and most complex nutrition study yet to test canned foods vs. fresh and frozen counterparts. ...

"Our research found similar nutrient profiles of dishes made from canned, fresh and/or frozen ingredients," Samonds said. "In fact, recipes made with canned ingredients are good sources of many nutrients, like their fresh and frozen counterparts. Our results also showed that recipes prepared with canned foods delivered favorably on taste, appearance, aroma and texture."

According to Samonds, key findings from the nutrition study included:

Nutritional analysis of 13 "family-friendly" recipes found similar nutrient content of dishes made with canned, fresh and/or frozen ingredients. In the test, UMass researchers compared protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in each dish. For example, the Tuna Salad Wrap recipe, which included white tuna, pita bread, celery, chopped apples and mango one with canned ingredients and one with fresh ingredients proved to be an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B-12 and riboflavin, regardless of the ingredient form.

And sensory findings showed that 10 of the 13 recipes prepared with canned ingredients were equally or more acceptable in taste, appearance, aroma and texture than those prepared with fresh and/or frozen ingredients.

"This study shows that the ingredients you choose, not the form of the ingredients, are what really determine a recipe's nutrient content," Samonds said. "With limited growing seasons in most of the country, canned food provides an ideal way to add nutrition, flavor and variety to any recipe, anywhere and at any time of the year."

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Check around and see if you have a farmers market. They don't always advertise. It may be once a week or you may have a whole store. Produce is usually a lot cheaper there. I have no idea where you are in MI but I found this . Trader Joes is a good place to find cheap milk, eggs and other food. Some swear by The Grocery Game but I find I do better on my own. It's only $1 to try it out so ya can't really lose.

Try and buy whole wheat or whole grain pasta. Buy pasta sauce in the largest jar, cook up a pound of meat and freeze it in servings (how much you'd use for a meal). Learn to make your own sauces with stuff you have at home. I'm a creative cook and I'll take butter, cooking wine, fresh garlic, pesto sauce and some cheese (parmesan, romano and asiago). I boil my noodles, drain them. While they are in the strainer I'll use that pot to melt the butter, mince and add the garlic, add a little wine, cook for about 15 seconds, add the cheese, cook about 30 seconds then toss in the pasta. Cook for about a minute while tossing/stirring and then serve.

You can make your own casseroles that are healthy. Find a recipe for a white sauce (here is one) :

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
2 cups milk
melt butter, stir in flour, stir in milk, stir until thick (don't stop stirring).

I use that sauce and add 2 (or 3) cans of tuna, veggies such as frozen peas (I hate canned), canned or frozen beans, canned mushrooms. Microwave for about 5 minutes on 80% power.

For the most part frozen veggies are better than canned.

Air popped popcorn makes a great snack and it's much cheaper (and healthier) than microwave. You can get an air popper for $15 or so at Target. If you want cheese corn add some Kraft parmesan and sprinkle it over the popcorn.

You can buy toiletrees at Target or Wal-Mart for less than half the price of the grocery store, and they both take coupons (at face value).

Know the cost of the items at the grocery store and when you go to the club store see which is truly cheaper. I've found that for the products I use most I can get them cheaper at the grocery store or Target with a coupon, and without.

Don't be brand loyal and buy what is on sale or you have a coupon for. But check the prices of all the brands. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy something that isn't on sale or that you have a coupon for. Sometimes store brands aren't cheaper and sometimes brand names are better. TP, paper towel are not all the same. The 'jumbo rolls' don't last longer but you're paying more for fewer rolls. Experiment with different brands of papertowels by buying single rolls of a few brands. Find the one you like the best. You're not saving money by buying the cheaper rolls if you go through them faster.

Good luck!

 

[tink2dw]

The first thing to do is STOP SHOPPING in chain grocery stores. Look around for the discount grocery stores. There was a long list here not long ago. So ask here for the ones in your area. That alone will cut your shopping bill in half.

There are 3 tpyes of discount grocery stores where I live.
1. The kind the buys overstock items from other stores,and they buy too close to the sell by date items, and odds and ends. You may not find the same item in this store the next you shop. But you can stock up on basics cheaply. *Key to shopping here is to watch those "sell by dates" and don't get too fancy! just because they sell smoked salmon with raspberry/aprocot dryed fruit centers, doen't mean it was ever a good, tasty treat sensation. You can get all your staples here pasta is pasta but I want mine cheap. Canned goods,Cereal,cheese, are a good buy and frozen foods, too. Buy treats here especially if they sell regular candy bars for 4/$100, cookies,and pasteries need to as cheap.

2. The grocery store that beats every other stores prices in town but you have to bag your own food. *Key to shopping here use it for milk,eggs,and meat and items you can't get at the 1st type store.

3. This is the fruit/veggie stand. *key to shopping here is You must be Committed to cooking or eating everything you buy here quickly or it turns your cash to trash.

I have been shopping like this for ten years. My food budget is $150.00. And this how I do it.

I had to go to a Safeway for a friend to buy her a few items. I was Shocked beyond belief at the food prices. And this is in the same town same neighborhood I live. But 2 different ways of shopping for the same food.

 

[disneysteve]

Pick up a copy of "The Tightwad Gazette" and read all of her tips. Especially, start a price book to track which stores in your area have the best prices on which items so you know where to go for what. No one store is cheapest on everything. It definitely pays to shop around.

Good luck with the budget, the healthy eating and with the new baby!

 

[Bride2Be0705]

This statement jumped out at me. I can certainly understand needing money for the new baby, but if you are having trouble paying your bills and buying nutritious food, seems to me that buying Christmas presents shouldn't be high on your list of things to do. How about just doing homemade stuff - baked goods, crafts, providing services (car washing, dog walking, etc.) to those you want to give a gift to?

I find this 'advice' rude... My DH & I are cutting back in other places (just like the original poster) to save for both our new baby and Christmas presents. We enjoy giving gifts, and I believe a lot of people do this. I don't think she said that they were having TROUBLE paying their bills, she said that they wanted to 'pay off some bills,' meaning get them taken care of before the new baby, which I completely understand. I think that you should stick to the original question and not offer your 'opinion' on her financial situation.

As far as the original question, my DH & I buy larger packages of hamburger and I put it in freezer bags, so that we can separate it into more meals. I do this with chicken (when it's buy one/get one free) and pork chops. I buy a mix of frozen and canned veggies (but am like you and HATE the way canned fruit tastes) so that I can use them in casseroles, make pasta sauce, etc. I also buy the big jars of pasta sauce and just use what I need and store the other in the fridge for another night. Try making big batches of chilli and freezing it, so that you have it for other meals, same with soups.

Try smartsource.com for coupons also.

 

[disneysteve]

I didn't mean to be rude. I was just wondering if there might be other places they could cut back rather than sacrificing good nutrition to save money. I think $300/month to feed 3 people is pretty good and I can't imagine doing it on half that much. I apologize to the OP if my post was offensive.

I've deleted those comments. Sorry.

 

[powellrj]

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/ she has lots of great ideas on feeding your family for less money.

 

[CheapMom]

First of all- you are doing great at $150 per month. Also, I agree with DisneySteve that some things are just worth paying for- like a nutritious diet. Instilling healthy eating habits in your child will definately be a wise investment.

I agree that a lot of canned veggies taste yucky but I don't mind frozen.
Like one other poster said, buy what is in season/on sale.
Plan your meals around the loss leaders. You may have to go to a few different stores to get all the deals but that is a way to save.
Make soup- potato soup or bean soup are really cheap and filling. You can make a lot and freeze leftovers.

Congratulations on the new baby- I am a big fan of breastfeeding- now there is a BIG moneysaver with many added benefits!!!!

I really have no business giving you advice though- you should be giving me advice- I spend a lot more than you!