Have you ever noticed how expensive healthy foods can be? Seriously. Things have been pretty tight around here financially for the last few weeks. I have really had to put a huge limit on our family budget in order to make ends meet. And one of the areas in which we had to cut back in order to pay our most basic bills was that of the grocery bill.
I don't know if you know this or not, but we are a family of seven. That is a lot of mouths to feed. And the difference between a monthly grocery shopping trip in which you buy for quantity instead of quality can mean saving a couple hundred dollars, at least. Isn't that sad?
It disgusted me so much, that I have not logged my calories or even weighed myself during these last few weeks. I just didn't have the heart. I can tell that I've gained some weight by the fit of my clothing. I can tell that eating less healthy foods has put me back in other ways as well. Such as in water retention and increase of pain.
I could have bought less food and put the family on a diet, but that would not be fair to them. They require much more calories than I do and putting severe limits on what my children are allowed to eat and how much just wasn't in the cards. So, I took the hit. It is very hard to stay within a 1200 calorie range with a lack of healthy, fresh foods to choose from.
BUT, the food did last longer and nobody went hungry. I did notice something else, as well. My tastes for these foods have changed and I am sorely missing fresh fruits and vegetables. My body does not like all this processed, salted food. I feel horrible.
Anyway, for those who have noticed my absence.... That is where I have been. That's where I am now. For the moment. I'm trying to work up the nerve to actually weigh in without getting discouraged. It saddens me that in order to eat healthier, fresher foods you must have it within your budget to do so.
Hugs ... any fruit stands where you can pick up fresh items ... and look for Angel Ministries for food.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you have had to cut back on the fresh fruits and vegetables but we have to do what we have to do. Hopefully your financial situation will improve and you can get back to the fruits and vegetables again.
ReplyDelete:( I hope things improve, you have to do what is best for you - or I guess I should say what is within your power, and changing the menu plan is probably the only thing you can do right now. Best wishes to a better week.
ReplyDeleteIt is terrible and the cost difference. I've had to make sacrafices as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the cost of eating healthy is crazy, it's no wonder America is obese! Have you tried Farmer's Markets to pick up some things for you? I hear they can be pretty cheap. I keep trying to get to one by me but I haven't quite made it yet.
ReplyDeleteEating healthy is expensive, I have a family of five so I know. Still, you can buy brown rice fairly cheaply, as well as dried beans and lentils, split peas, etc. Those foods are high in protein, fiber, and low in fat. They are filling. Add whatever vegetables you can and if you are very careful you can stay in a 1200-1400 calorie range.
ReplyDeleteI'm TOTALLY with you on this one! I also have a family of 7 and let me tell you, they can eat! It has been so hard for us lately that while I am not really able to go to work, I'm gonna have to. I'm desperately looking for a 3rd shift job right now because I can't work any other schedule. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard. Thank goodness for a garden but up here not much for fresh fruits however I did pick a few plums tonight off my dad's tree and I asked grandma for a couple 5 gallon buckets of apples soon. Otherwise it's hard to even afford lettuce.
ReplyDeleteJust try your best and keep portion small and drink lots of water to help pass the salt. T
Take care and God Bless!!