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September 7, 2008, 5:46 pm
Flag as Inappropriate 2Ronnies  

When the budget is extra tight for a while, how do you maintain the same standard of healthy eating? I am finding it hard to find a balance-too much fat and carbohydrate.

If you aren't growing your own produce, local farmer's markets or vegetable stands often have great prices. Also whatever is in season and on sale. Cut it ahead and freeze or can for later.

I am having a heck of a time keeping up with produce costs and have been buying more canned & frozen foods. I also check the flyers for the 2 local grocery stores to see who is having the better deals week to week.

Produce costs are the big one for me too. Even at the farmer's markets, things grown without pesticides are expensive! As for meats and stuff, beans are CHEAP, tofu is cheap. Cheaper than meat and no added hormones and antibiotics.

It is hard to do, that is for sure, but the thing that kills most people is proteins, so you just have to think outside the box. KaraW is right, tofu is CHEAP, and so are beans and peanut butter. Eggs can also be a less expensive way to get proteins. Check for sales and stock up on hamburger and chicken when the price is right. Also stick to fruits and veggies that are in season and you will save some cash.

There was a place I used to visit when a teen and low on the funds. It was a full salad place but they also served what they called "mid dinner meals", nothing 7 course, but it filled you up and it was super cheap.

The prices of food today are getting higher and higher. That's why I started planting my own vegetables at my backyard. I already have plenty of cabbage, cucumber, long beans, onions, garlic, potato, tomato and many more. At least in this way I can save money. I can even sell those veggies to my neighbors.

Well, I have started planting my own plants to get cheap veggies on the table. Those organic veggies are getting out of my reach.

Organic foods have always been more expensive. I have really noticed a hike in price of chicken lately. Things are certainly not easy at the moment.

Some of the local little farmer markets still have some really good prices on fresh fruits and veggies, so, make sure to look into those. Those also can still save money even if they are a bit more pricey simply because you can eat them raw as well without cooking and save on your electric bill a bit.

It's a tough one. Food prices are rising. I say shop the sales and freeze what you can't eat. Buy things when they are on sale. If it's fruit- you can "can" it for later use.

I also have a big garden. I love it- Healthy and free!

It is difficult,but definitely worth it. I try to cook as often as I can not only to save money, but also to control what ingredients I use. I shop often at a store called Trader Joe's. They have natural and organic foods at reasonable prices.