And trial it is. It's been so tough in different ways. One of the most noticeable ways is financially. I never realized how expensive it is to keep your house stocked with fresh produce. It's only been a week, but I've been to the store about 4 times and each time I spend way too much money. Produce really adds up!
I went grocery shopping on Monday and I told myself and Enoch that we were good for the rest of the week. Well, today is Thursday and I didn't have anything to serve us for dinner. I was given permission to run to the store.
I planned on getting stuff to make tacos. Nothing harmless in that. While I was there I figured I'd pick up some more bananas, since we just ran out... "maybe a couple of potatoes, too. They will go to good use within the next couple of days. Oh yeah, that applesauce is on sale, let me just grab a couple of those. Well, that's right next to the canned fruit. Since we do seem to keep running out of fresh fruit so quickly, what's the harm in a couple of cans???" In the baking aisle I saw that Betty Crocker now sells gluten free brownie mixes for a mere $3.79 a box. That's not too cheap, but compared to the usual $5 a box for gluten free stuff it is an improvement. I do have some self control though, I didn't purchase any. Small victories do happen sometimes! While I was getting the cheese for the tacos I threw a couple of ice cream cartons in the cart (on sale, of course). Negative $50 and positive guilty feelings later I was on my way home.
Does anyone out there have tips on how to keep well stocked produce in the house without breaking the bank? I could really use some advice!
6 comments:
Magruder's always seemed to have more choices and they wer cheaper. Also, check out Farmer's Markets.
Meal planning has really helped me when I grocery shop. I try to plan a week of meals at a time and get everything I need in one trip. Not only do I (usually) have everything on hand and not need to make extra trips to the store, but it also helps keep me from impulse shopping.
Have you checked out Costco? They have a lot of fresh produce. I don't know if there prices are better.
Magruder's and Costco both have really great produce choices. The former is kind of far and the latter always seems like such a big chore for me. Going around the big store with the littles usually has me drained within a short period of time.
This week I did better with my menu planning. I don't think I'll be running to the store for any last minute items... we can live without yogurt for a week, right???
Oops... that was really just me who commented and not Enoch.
Our grocery store has a discount produce section. Bananas that are single (rather than on a bunch), apples that have one or two bruises, pears, anything that is not "perfect" are on it for half price. We always buy from there and then if the fruit is not good to eat just that way I will make applesauce or something with it, but usually it is at least mainly good if you just cut it up and discard the bruises...
~Chey.L.Baird
did you consider joining a csa like we did last year? You would have to go to t once a week to pick up the veggies that they pick weekly. You'd have to be creative with your veggie uses, but you would have plenty of it, it would be local and super healthy, and you'd have one set price. Plus you could freeze lots of stuff...I think planning your meals should help you figure out what to buy. Also, don't forget that frozen veggies, especially from certain brands, are just as good as fresh, and might cut down on your prep a little...
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