How to lower food costs and improve health.

[OldWiseGuy]

Eat less, and chew yer food real good.

"Rather than continually changing the food we eat, jumping from one diet plan to another, just chew more. Most of us chew our food an average of only seven times before swallowing. Throughout most of this book, seven is a great number, but here is where it doesn't apply. If we chewed each mouthful twenty – thirty times, our average caloric intake could be cut from more than 3000 per day to 2000. And we would feel full on less food. Chewing more allows digestion to begin in the mouth and prepares the entire digestive system."

Food - Chew More, Eat Less, Live Longer, Lose Weight - Acufinder.com

 

[Johan_1988]

If you eat healthier foods, you will eat less. Like whole grains and enough vegetables. Unfortunately high starch and sugary garbage food will always make you hungry for more. A hard pill to swallow for most.

And sadly that is most of what is on the shelves.

 

[Joyous Song]

If you give up sugar for a month, you find you no longer crave it and sugary foods will taste too sweet.

 

[bèlla]

OWG,

Convenience is the largest contributor to food prices. Prepared meals, sectioned meat and others that streamline the cooking process cost significantly more than their labor intensive original. You’ll pay more for chicken parts than the bird. Pasta sauce and canned goods add up.

The key is purchasing food in its season and natural state. The prices are always lower and it tastes better. Shop in bulk for staples like legumes and rice. Be mindful of flours. They usually last a year and won’t perform the same when older.

Consider your family size and eating habits before making changes. Meat eating households may be better off buying from a farmer than the store. Meat purchased in bulk is less expensive and you have the option of extras if the farmer allows you to choose the cut.

Meal planning is a must. It allows you to use your food more economically and reduce spoilage. A smaller freezer is helpful. You can buy vegetables at the farmers market and freeze them later. A vacuum sealer is best. I use the Food Saver. I got it from Costco.

Get used to making things from scratch. Instead of the pancake mix whip up your own. You can do the same for cocoa. Pinterest has lots of tips. Bake the muffins yourself and enjoy fruit or homemade cookies instead. You control the ingredients and the end result is better.

Take inventory of your pantry. What flies off the shelves and what remains untouched? If you love dried fruit get a dehydrator and do it yourself. Learn to can and make your own vegetables, jams and condiments. It all adds up.

Committing to a healthier lifestyle and becoming hands-on is the secret. You’ll eat better and save more in the long run. Use the seasonal guide to discover what’s fresh in your area.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

 

[Joyous Song]

LaBèlla stated: Convenience is the largest contributor to food prices. Prepared meals, sectioned meat and others that streamline the cooking process cost significantly more than their labor intensive original. You’ll pay more for chicken parts than the bird. Pasta sauce and canned goods add up.


JS I was add that convenience foods also have extra salt and hidden sugars, when you cook from scratch you control these things. Put simply there is not reason to add sugar to sauce, stock or even bread, crackers or pizza dough. Sure yeast likes a pinch of sugar but convenience forms add far more than that pinch. Read labels can really open your eyes but watch also alternate names for both sugar and fat. If you know theses you often find sugar added in three to five different places in ingredients.

 

[ChristianGirl_96]

This is a list of tips-

Plan your meals wisely. Every week make notes on what is in your fridge etc. Do not overspend on food. Make sure to read all the labels properly. What can you afford? Go from there.
Cook meals properly. Be inventive. If you love to eat meat, look at meat recipes. Shop for food when there are fewer customers. Invest in proper reliable cooking equipment. Keep a record of recipes on hand. Try not to waste good food either.