Healthy food and expense, post your tips! :)

[rak1978]

There was some discussion on another thread about the inability to eat healthy because of expense.
I thought it may be helpful to more than a few people here to start a thread where people can post their secret tips.
If you want, it would be fun to see recipes and/or snack tips as well as total cost.
I'll would start the ball rolling, but I have to leave at the moment...be back later!

Rachel

[ADSOFT]

Well you know, breads are tough for all D's.


I'm not into cooking much. But I always loved breads and oatmeal cookies. At first I thought that killing that craving for breads was going to be tough, till I put this together for lunch:


Avocado
Tuna
Olives
Red Onions.
Walnuts
Romain Lettuce
Olive Oil : optional.

I then realized that getting off breads wasn't going to be that hard.

[rak1978]

Costco frozen uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on),
2 lbs for about 10$
Could be used in countless ways!
Easy, low carb, low calorie, and cheap. Gotta love it.

[ADSOFT]

I don't want to be a party pooper but doesn't shrimp have a lot of cholestorol.

[rak1978]

I have no idea.
I like it though!

Eating foods with cholesterol actually causing higher cholesterol is a very controversial issue...maybe for another thread.


Another couple of tips...Costco again...
*Fresh organic Edamame, big tub for around 4$. Great snack.
*Plain non-fat greek yogurt, 33 oz tub for around 5$ (this has 20 grm protein and 9 carbs for 1 cup)

Not sure on the exact prices, but these are in the ballpark.

:)
Anyone else with some tips? I know there are affordable healthy foods out there.

[ADSOFT]

Ok I have a question, where can you get some Walnuts and D consious peanut butter at a good price.

[ShottleBop]

Canned sardines (packed in water, $1.29 at Trader Joe's, but I can often find 4/$5 at Ralphs, as well).

Trader Joe's also has walnuts ($5 or so for a pound of halves and pieces) and almonds (I forget the exact price) cheap.

Smart & Final (at least, here in San Diego) often has very small avocados (i.e., single serving size) for 3 or 4 for a dollar.

[rak1978]

Ok I have a question, where can you get some Walnuts and D consious peanut butter at a good price.

Trader Joe's peanut butter is super cheap...maybe 2$?? Can't remember exactly.
I would buy walnuts there also or dare I say....Costco :)

[foxl]

My local grovery in the midwest that has cheap stuff is HyVee. My husband buys their house brand stuff a lot -- unsalted nuts, etc. The small jars are sometimes a better buy, too ...

He also buys a brand of organic eggs (I did not know these are organic, from free-range-in-a-barn hens) that is fairly inexpensive -- Sparboe Farms ...

I DO like the pre-washed, packaged salad greens, which are expensive, and good imported cheeses (just had a lovely Manchego!).

I guess, we just suck it up and pay.

[ADSOFT]

Ok here is another question.

Red Wine, where is a good place for red-wine and how much should I be paying for a bottle SutterHome is what I bought yesterday just to experiment.

I paid $5.69, I think I got ripped off but I was desperate to experiment and local deli is know for guaging.

[rak1978]

Ok here is another question.

Red Wine, where is a good place for red-wine and how much should I be paying for a bottle SutterHome is what I bought yesterday just to experiment.

I paid $5.69, I think I got ripped off but I was desperate to experiment and local deli is know for guaging.

I'm not an expert, but 5.69 sounds like a great price.
Also, Trader Joe's has 2 buck Charlie (Charles Shaw).
Not sure if it's any good, but it's cheap!

[Granny Shanny]

Sutter Home Chateau Sauvignon - wine prices. (http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/sutter+home+chateau+sauvignon/1/usa)

[ADSOFT]

We have a trader joe's up the street. I have to go check it out.

Ok, here is another one. I love bread, but I'm scared of it at the moment.

What is the best weat bread that doesn't cause big spikes? And where can I get it? I heard about rye bread, but I don't think its' going to cut it. Mom has it at home, I want to stick with wheat if I can.


... this thread is fun, it's like going to market, before going to the market.:D

[rak1978]

Well, I can only answer for myself, but Ezekiel bread seems to be the easiest on my blood sugars. It actually doesn't have flour in it. I keep it in the freezer and toast it when I want. It's much better toasted! It's probably between 4-5$ for a loaf. So, it's not super cheap, but has great value!

I've also buy Miltons "Healthy" whole wheat bread for the fam. It has 16 carbs per slice. Once slice doesn't hurt me too bad. Make sure you look for the right one though...the regular milton's bread is yummy, but not so blood sugar friendly.

Ok, one more choice...
Western alternative bagel. They have 26 carbs. Others have had some success with them. I personally can't eat them, but YMMV.

wordy enough?

[mzteacher]

costco is a great source...their huge bags of salad are cheap as in the big bags of broccoli...the nuts are good prices there...it is fun to look and find things that are low carb....the frozen won ton soup is good and low carb...i second the above suggestions!
cream and half and half are also very inexpensive there....
nice thread!
susan

[mzteacher]

i also really like the thomas' english muffins...multi grain 100 calorie called better start...24 carbs...8 fiber...IMO best toasted
susan

[rak1978]

costco is a great source...their huge bags of salad are cheap as in the big bags of broccoli...the nuts are good prices there...it is fun to look and find things that are low carb....the frozen won ton soup is good and low carb...i second the above suggestions!
cream and half and half are also very inexpensive there....
nice thread!
susan

Susan,
Have you tried the shredded smoked pork and/or carnitas in the deli section? Both are excellent as far as "semi-homemade" meals go. Both come with neutral seasonings, so you're only limited by your imagination with the flavor! You could go Asian, Mexican, BBQ style...etc...
I love Costco, and no, I don't own stock in it. :)

Rachel

[inkvisitor]

In-season vegetables - and I have noticed lately that organic celery, zucchini, onions, and other random vegetables have been priced close to the regular ones the last few trips to the store.

And here's an interesting guide to pesticides and produce:
EWG's FoodNews :: Shopper's Guide to Pesticides (http://foodnews.org/walletguide.php)

I have heard similar things about the Ezekiel 4:9 bread but I have avoided it because it still has quite a few carbs per slice if I remember correctly (oh, and also because their products are "Inspired by the Holy Scripture," which is ehhhhhh).

[rak1978]

I have heard similar things about the Ezekiel 4:9 bread but I have avoided it because it still has quite a few carbs per slice if I remember correctly (oh, and also because their products are "Inspired by the Holy Scripture," which is ehhhhhh).

It does have I think about 16 carbs per slice (could be wrong)...
but it surprisingly has little impact on my numbers (with insulin of course).

[ADSOFT]

Good thread, eziekel, have to find out about it, thanks.

Ok here is another one, Orange Juice.

What kind of orange juice should I be drinking? .. I think I know where to get it in my area: Cosco or Trader Joes. ... j/k trying to lighten things up.

Anyhow, I used to love orange juice and I don't want to give that up.

What is the story with orange juice.

[painthorse]

Last I checked - OJ has about the same carbs as a Coke! YMMV but a no-no for me.

[Granny Shanny]

My only experience with Ezekiel is an english muffin which was delicious and hardly moved my bg at all! Yeah! Dunno if I can get it around here though.

As for orange juice, isn't that one of the things used to bring us out of a dangerous low? That's how fast it elevates blood glucose.

[rak1978]

What kind of orange juice should I be drinking? .. I think I know where to get it in my area: Cosco or Trader Joes. ... j/k trying to lighten things up.


I think you can find it really inexpensive at Costco or Trader Joe's...hah!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sadly, Oj is a no-no for me too....unless I go below 50 or so.
Then it's a great "pick me up".

[Alia]

Orange juice makes me unable to think clearly. Too much concentrated sunshiny goodness, I think. And a butt-ton of carbs. I tend to like my foods dark and moody, like me. :D

Pepperidge Farm Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat bread. A shade under $3 and 6.5 carbs/slice. One loaf seems to last through all eternity, seeing as I only eat one slice at a time. Toasts up just fine and doesn't spike me.

Fage yogurt. *faints* It is...SO good! 7 big oz. for $1.79 at Meijer. Full fat, and only 6 carbs per container. It is so rich, and thick AND you can use it on/in anything you would use sour cream on/in, so it is flexible too. I like it when my food multitasks.

[ADSOFT]

I think you can find it really inexpensive at Costco or Trader Joe's...hah!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sadly, Oj is a no-no for me too....unless I go below 50 or so.
Then it's a great "pick me up".

Yep, I Knew orange juice was out. So how do you get some natrual vitamin C? Limes?

I was expermenting one day and I was eating a lime, squeezed a lime in my mouth and BG's went down? Maybe something else was the cause of the drop. Limes ok for Vitamin C.

[rak1978]

I have another one.....

How about tofu? I think it's about 1$ and extremely versatile.
Can be found anywhere :)

I like it marinated in soy sauce, chili flakes, and a dash of sesame oil. Slice and sautee until golden brown on each side.
Serve w/ a little asian chili/garlic sauce and a touch more soy sauce. Yum.
Maybe a side of sliced cucumbers w/ soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes.
Hmmm...that sounds like lunch tomorrow.

[mzteacher]

Susan,
Have you tried the shredded smoked pork and/or carnitas in the deli section? Both are excellent as far as "semi-homemade" meals go. Both come with neutral seasonings, so you're only limited by your imagination with the flavor! You could go Asian, Mexican, BBQ style...etc...
I love Costco, and no, I don't own stock in it. :)

Rachel
lolol rachel,
i too love costco...and i wish i did own stock in it : )
i will look for the cranitas and give it a try...thanks...i have also found some low carb semi homemade things at the regular grocery store....chicken breast and others that are great to whip up quick meals...i even get those for my mom so she doesn't have to cook for herself...will give this a try!
susan

[mzteacher]

Good thread, eziekel, have to find out about it, thanks.

Ok here is another one, Orange Juice.

What kind of orange juice should I be drinking? .. I think I know where to get it in my area: Cosco or Trader Joes. ... j/k trying to lighten things up.

Anyhow, I used to love orange juice and I don't want to give that up.

What is the story with orange juice.
i understand minute maid makes a low carb orange juice drink...10 carbs per 8 oz...the company answered me saying it sold at target in my area...i guess not the one i went to...looking forward to trying it....i like sugar free tang and order it on line...also check out the ocean spray cran grape and cran only 2 carbs and 5 calories! that is now my morning juice!
susan

[Jae]

I don't want to be a party pooper but doesn't shrimp have a lot of cholestorol.

Yes but it is the GOOD cholesterol.

[ShottleBop]

The quality of Two-Buck Chuck is somewhat variable, but we buy it all the time. Trader Joe's carries Ezekiel bread, too. Before I stopped eating grain, that was what I bought (that, and whole-grain Ak-Mak crackers, also from Trader Joe's). They have good, cheap sunflower seed butter, too. You stir it before refrigerating it the first time, and it stays spreadable, without separating.

Trader Joe's also has reasonbly-priced almond meal and ground flaxseed.

[rak1978]

As long as we're on the topic of ezekiel bread...
a quick, simple, and cheap (not sure on price...I guess it's all relative) breakfast...

1 slice buttered (optional) ezekiel toast
1 egg white (cooked, of course)
couple of avocado slices
couple of tomato slices
1 slice cheddar cheese
place under broiler, add a little salt and pepper.

very satisfying. :)

[ADSOFT]

i understand minute maid makes a low carb orange juice drink...10 carbs per 8 oz...the company answered me saying it sold at target in my area...i guess not the one i went to...looking forward to trying it....i like sugar free tang and order it on line...also check out the ocean spray cran grape and cran only 2 carbs and 5 calories! that is now my morning juice!
susan


I was a little leery asking about o.j. But, my mom has O.J in her frig. and my sister told me it was a special one for Diabetics.

I'm glad you responded. I will have to go find out what brand it was.

... I suspected there was something out there like that, lower sugar but with Vitamin C. My mom was concerned getting Vitamin C for the flu session.

[Ms.PacMan]

One way to cut your food expense for healthy food is to grow some of your own.


I compost a blend of crushed leaves and fresh grass clippings. It takes a huge amount because when it composts, it shrinks alot. But on the other hand, this stuff if free.


After about six months or so, a huge pile of crushed leaves and grass clippings gives me alot of free compost -- ie, fertilizer.


Till the ground and use the compost as fertilizer. Or better yet, use the compost to build a raised bed above the ground. (Takes lots to do this, but again, this stuff is FREE).


Then plant some tomatoes, or lettuce or cabbage or whatever.


Don't dump chemical on it, spend some time scouring the net to learn how to grow it without chemicals.


I spent some time learning how to grow veggies before I ever tried it.


But that time was well spent, cuz now I grow about 40% of all veggies I eat for an entire year. (I freeze and can harvest so it lasts all year long).


And organic veggies are much better tasting AND healthier than the store bought stuff!

[Chef Barrae]

I can't grow my vegetables where I live but I can take advantage of the seasons best. I have a large deep freezer and it is always set on -10' for optimum freezing. I purchase tons of seasonal produce when it goes on sale at peak season. I prep what needs to be done, like blanching the broccoli, green beans, zucchini, etc., dry them and freeze them on a sheet tray. After about an hour I take them out and make meal size portions in freezer zipper top bags, mark the date and contents and toss them back in the freezer. This technique of freezing on a sheet pan works very, very well for summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, etc. Raspberries tend to fall apart and don't freeze all that well. They are just very delicate and my freezer is too full! This also works great for things like bell peppers, onions, etc. I do not cook them but I cut them into large dice and strips so that I can use them at a moments notice for any recipe.
I also take advantage of several local stores when they put proteins on sale and purchase loads.
You should know when your local grocer puts things on sale. Sales generally run in cycles and the cycle is usually about 12 weeks or so. So, maybe this week salad dressing is on sale. I know how much my family goes through in 3 months, the kind they like and I will purchase that much. It saves lots of money in the long run. You wind up shopping the cycles for your basic pantry items and various staples and just need to fill in each week rather than doing a big grocery shop every week. It helps alot when you are looking to save. I am a frugal chef! And don't forget the coupons!

[lark 27]

One way to cut your food expense for healthy food is to grow some of your own.


I compost a blend of crushed leaves and fresh grass clippings. It takes a huge amount because when it composts, it shrinks alot. But on the other hand, this stuff if free.


After about six months or so, a huge pile of crushed leaves and grass clippings gives me alot of free compost -- ie, fertilizer.


Till the ground and use the compost as fertilizer. Or better yet, use the compost to build a raised bed above the ground. (Takes lots to do this, but again, this stuff is FREE).


Then plant some tomatoes, or lettuce or cabbage or whatever.


Don't dump chemical on it, spend some time scouring the net to learn how to grow it without chemicals.


I spent some time learning how to grow veggies before I ever tried it.


But that time was well spent, cuz now I grow about 40% of all veggies I eat for an entire year. (I freeze and can harvest so it lasts all year long).


And organic veggies are much better tasting AND healthier than the store bought stuff!

Right on! Keep it up. We made the mistake of thinking we were selling our house at the start of the summer, so we did a very minimal garden this year (just tomatoes and some herbs), and I'm regretting that now because no house sale yet and now no produce! Next year the vegetables will be abundant!

[inkvisitor]

Oh yes! I forgot about growing your own! I'm closing on a house at the moment and hope to start a vegetable and herb garden soon - I just need to get acquainted with natural pest and critter control! Anyone have any tips?

[Dis-N-Dat]

Bag of pre-cut veggies, $3.99. Having them instantly at hand and avoiding my husbands temptations in the fridge...priceless.:D

[foxl]

Bag of pre-cut veggies, $3.99. Having them instantly at hand and avoiding my husbands temptations in the fridge...priceless.:D

YEAH!!!!!! Good tip. I like those too.

also fresh zucchini -- fairly cheap and quite handy -- you can microwave to steam it -- a great source of fiber! I actually just take a whole zucch to work for lunch, slice, a little salt and pepper, nuke, and voila! Very filling.

[fgummett]

Seems contradictory but I often find that spending a bit more on "real" food pays off as you end up needing less of it to feel satisfied... for example: a small sliver of an 8 year old mature cheddar goes a lot further than a chunk of "lite" cheese, or a small piece of a nice creamy Camembert. Dark chocolate is another example.

[ShottleBop]

Oh yes! I forgot about growing your own! I'm closing on a house at the moment and hope to start a vegetable and herb garden soon - I just need to get acquainted with natural pest and critter control! Anyone have any tips?

Gopher purge, if gophers are an issue.

[fgummett]

Gopher purge, if gophers are an issue.Are you suggesting this as a cheap source of protein..? ;)

[foxl]

Well I could not find the Gopher scene, so here is the TOAD scene, from O Brother ...

YouTube - Oh, Brother Where Art Thou? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYs2UxyQSbA)

[fgummett]

One of my favourite scenes... the gophers and especially the singin' :D

YouTube - O Brother Where Art Thou: Down in the River to Pray (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82_bhD0_Trw)

Sorry Rachel..! :musicus:

[Granny Shanny]

Definitely in the camp of growing your own, and canning/freezing/pickling what isn't consumed immediately. No store product compares to your own canned tomatoes, green beans, your own frozen corn & peas. Your own pickles - dills, sweets & of course, pickled BEETS! Potatoes never have to be peeled or scrubbed - just rinse 'em off & pop 'em in the pan. Spuds, onions & winter squashes will keep long into the spring with careful storage.

If you're situated where you intend to remain for many years, plant an asparagus patch. It takes serious preparation, and you prob'ly won't reap a harvest until the second year, but it will then thrive for decades, and there is just nothing that compares!

And then there are those d-amn gophers . . . :mad: :mad: :mad: There are also raccoons who know EXACTLY when that plot of sweet corn is perfectly ready, the bunnies who will eliminate your lettuce crop in one single day, and the TURTLES who will chew a hole into every single cantaloupe in the patch! (ah the joys of country living . . . :D :D :D)

[foxl]

Love that one! And me a vegetaryun ... shameful.

[rak1978]

I don't exactly have a green thumb, but I LOVE the idea of growing your own produce. Organic is important to me. I've noticed in this economy that the organic produce is often on sale in the larger grocery stores (ralphs, vons, albertsons, etc...), but lately has not been very fresh looking. I guess it's sitting there for a while because people aren't spending the money for it.
One thing that us city folk can do is at least grow our own herbs.(or so I've heard...I really don't have a green thumb...I kill these too). They add so much flavor and freshness to any meal at such a minimal cost. Even if you don't grow your own, they are not expensive at the store (again, I guess expensive is a relative term).

Frank, no apologies necessary! I LOVE it!

[rak1978]

Gopher purge, if gophers are an issue.

Off topic...
My husband and I bought a new home years ago and had to put in all of the landscaping ourselves. We invested in some nice palm trees and various other plants only to find on several occasions our investments lying flat on the ground with the roots very evenly chewed off.
Darn gophers.

[rak1978]

I also take advantage of several local stores when they put proteins on sale and purchase loads.
You should know when your local grocer puts things on sale. Sales generally run in cycles and the cycle is usually about 12 weeks or so. So, maybe this week salad dressing is on sale. I know how much my family goes through in 3 months, the kind they like and I will purchase that much. It saves lots of money in the long run. You wind up shopping the cycles for your basic pantry items and various staples and just need to fill in each week rather than doing a big grocery shop every week. It helps alot when you are looking to save. I am a frugal chef! And don't forget the coupons!

Not sure if this kind of promoting is allowed here, but have you heard of thegrocerygame.com? It's awesome if you have the time to work it properly. It lines up weekly sales w/ weekly coupons and gives you a suggested weekly shopping list of VERY inexpensive sale items to stock up on.
I used to use it, but found that it was too time consuming and took a lot of thought at the grocery store (with three little ones, this became impossible). Also, a lot of the cheaper pantry items are not exactly healthy. BUT, it's a great tool nonetheless. Really, there was one time that my bill would have been close to 200$ and ended up being 70$ after coupons and discounts.

[DeusXM]

Veg is usually inexpensive at the best of times and now that they've demonstrated organic food doesn't offer any benefits, you might as well buy the regular stuff. Most veg is also generally good for supplying vitamin C.

When using cheese, mature cheddar goes far further than mild.

If you're really keen on OJ, try diluting it 60/30 with water and then adding an artificial sweetener.

And if you're after peanut butter, a big bag of roast peanuts and a little groundnut oil in a blender is a very cheap way of creating great tasting peanut butter. You won't even need to add sugar or salt to it.

Also, if you've got the freezer space and the cash up front, and you like meat, buy a whole pig and get a butcher to dress it all up from you. When I was little my parents did this and when alternating between different meats every day it lasted us for 8 months, gave us some of the best crackling I've ever tasted, sausages, roasts, gammon, ham etc. and it cost about $100. You do need a big freezer though, and it also doesn't work as well if you're Muslim or Jewish :D

[rak1978]

It seems that we have provided much evidence that it doesn't cost a ton of money to eat healthy. It just requires some creativity, preparation, and planning. I'm inspired to spend less in groceries now. Admittedly, this is an area of the budget that I really don't skimp on. Honestly, you could pretty much hold an iron chef competition (for those of you who watch food network) at our house at all times. But maybe I will pay more attention now and start cutting back...my husband would be so happy! :)


keep the suggestions coming! they are so helpful!

[Chef Barrae]

It seems that we have provided much evidence that it doesn't cost a ton of money to eat healthy. It just requires some creativity, preparation, and planning. I'm inspired to spend less in groceries now. Admittedly, this is an area of the budget that I really don't skimp on. Honestly, you could pretty much hold an iron chef competition (for those of you who watch food network) at our house at all times. But maybe I will pay more attention now and start cutting back...my husband would be so happy! :)


keep the suggestions coming! they are so helpful!

That's really funny because it sounds so much like me! I have things like truffles, truffle butter, dried porcini and chantarelle mushrooms, dried assorted wild mushrooms, at least a dozen different vinegars and on and on and on. Not to mention the usual pantry staples! Not all pantry staples are high in carbs or the wrong foods. Like the vinegars, dried mushrooms, assorted mustards (dijon, whole mustrard, yellow mustard, hot mustard, etc.) and a good assortment of different cuts of beef, chicken, pork and veal. These are just a few examples! I also keep an assortment of canned Chinese style vegetables like baby corn, straw mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, etc., which are great for a quick stir fry anytime! Just rinse them before you use them to reduce the sodium. It does help. I also keep an assortment of Asian sauces, like oyster sause, hoisin sauce, mushroom soy, light soy, dark soy, etc. These are all so flavorful and only have a few carbs per tablespoonful. They are great in marinades because a little goes a long way. I've been cooking Cantonese food since I was a teenager, a very long time ago. Can you tell?
So, I challange you to and iron chef cook off! lol! Just kidding!

[Kimbber]

We hit the farmers markets then try to make friendship with the farmers (which we have) then if they know you will be return customers they will sell you bulk at a good price. We then put it up like our grandmothers did.

I plan to put up a few bushels of tomatoes this week to last the winter.

Herb are very costly at the store so I grow them on my patio in pots and then I have enough spices to last all winter. It really amazing how easy it is to get them to grow in pots.

It does save money in the winter to have a freezer full of vegs and meat.

Kimberly

[inkvisitor]

I'll stick to organics when I can especially since the cost isn't all that prohibitive.

Critics pointed out that the study ignored possible side-effects from pesticides and that organic farming may be better for the welfare of livestock.
Organic food has 'no nutritional or health benefits', reveals food watchdog | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-1203015/Organic-food-nutritional-health-benefits-reveals-food-watchdog.html)

[rak1978]

That's really funny because it sounds so much like me! I have things like truffles, truffle butter, dried porcini and chantarelle mushrooms, dried assorted wild mushrooms, at least a dozen different vinegars and on and on and on. Not to mention the usual pantry staples! Not all pantry staples are high in carbs or the wrong foods. Like the vinegars, dried mushrooms, assorted mustards (dijon, whole mustrard, yellow mustard, hot mustard, etc.) and a good assortment of different cuts of beef, chicken, pork and veal. These are just a few examples! I also keep an assortment of canned Chinese style vegetables like baby corn, straw mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, etc., which are great for a quick stir fry anytime! Just rinse them before you use them to reduce the sodium. It does help. I also keep an assortment of Asian sauces, like oyster sause, hoisin sauce, mushroom soy, light soy, dark soy, etc. These are all so flavorful and only have a few carbs per tablespoonful. They are great in marinades because a little goes a long way. I've been cooking Cantonese food since I was a teenager, a very long time ago. Can you tell?
So, I challange you to and iron chef cook off! lol! Just kidding!

Yum! Those are some great suggestions.
You would definitely be crowned iron chef if there were a competition! :)
I'm just a home cook.

[Kimbber]

Right on! Keep it up. We made the mistake of thinking we were selling our house at the start of the summer, so we did a very minimal garden this year (just tomatoes and some herbs), and I'm regretting that now because no house sale yet and now no produce! Next year the vegetables will be abundant!

I got brave and tried to grow herbal sugar for tea but I missed getting it before it bloomed which is when it goes bad so maybe next year.

[genie86333]

ADSOFT, I don't know if you have Winco in S. California, but up here in NorCal, our Winco has a peanut grinder which makes peanut butter for under $2/lb - I *think* it was $1.48 but I'm not positive. Nothing better than freshly ground peanuts.

Also, the have tons of bulk items, including flax seeds & flax seed meal, every kind of nut you can imagine, and sugar-free candies, etc & their prices are good enough that I go there when I have major shopping to do despite the fact that it costs about $15 in gas!

[notme]

Wow... Trader Joes is my shopping place of choice. I buy a lot of organic and fruits and veggies there. I love Whole Foods, but there are NO deals there. I hate to admit this. I hate it... But, KGM and Spuddy went to Walmart and got some Hood Calorie Countdown milk. I have not been drinking milk because of what it does to my blood sugar. Hood is awsome. sigh.......... I went to Walmart and bought some because that is the only place I can get it. It really is good and it is very low carbs and low calorie.

[genie86333]

Also, if anyone has a Grocery Outlet near them, they're worth checking out.

Some recent steals:

2 lb frozen hamburger $2.99 (usually $4 - $5 elsewhere)
3 lb frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts $4.99 (usually $8-10 at Safeway)
1 qt Cream - $1.99 ($5.49 at Safeway)
Pepperoni slices 2 lb bag $5.99, compared to 4 oz bags for $3.49 or more at other stores.

The only downside is they don't always have these things in stock, but when they do, I make a killing!

[ADSOFT]

If you're really keen on OJ, try diluting it 60/30 with water and then adding an artificial sweetener.

And if you're after peanut butter, a big bag of roast peanuts and a little groundnut oil in a blender is a very cheap way of creating great tasting peanut butter. You won't even need to add sugar or salt to it.



Thanks Dues, lots of great suggestions.

My sister mentioned that a doctor who also had D, would make an almond shake in a blender? Sort of like a protien shake.

Do you know anything about that?

.. if anyone knows, I welcome all suggestions.

[DeusXM]

My sister mentioned that a doctor who also had D, would make an almond shake in a blender? Sort of like a protien shake.

Eugh, sounds horrible.

Then again, my drinks of choice are water and absinthe so I'm probably not the best reference point. Personally though, I'd rather eat some real food than a shake - I wouldn't recommend drinking a shake just because you're thirsty and want some sort of flavour because it's just empty calories.

[foxl]

Eugh, sounds horrible.

Then again, my drinks of choice are water and absinthe so I'm probably not the best reference point. Personally though, I'd rather eat some real food than a shake - I wouldn't recommend drinking a shake just because you're thirsty and want some sort of flavour because it's just empty calories.

You can buy commercial almond milk -- I have made shakes with it, but we tend to prefer 8th continent soy milk -- more calcium and protein and lower carb ...

[ShottleBop]

Eugh, sounds horrible.

Then again, my drinks of choice are water and absinthe so I'm probably not the best reference point. Personally though, I'd rather eat some real food than a shake - I wouldn't recommend drinking a shake just because you're thirsty and want some sort of flavour because it's just empty calories.

All depends on what you put into it. Speaking as someone who also enjoys absinthe (with water, a little SF almond syrup, and a sprinkle of raw cacao nibs), I think the quality of the shake really depends on what you put into it. I use Trader Joe's Designer Whey, and have those occasionally for breakfast, or between meals. They provide protein, very few carbs, and a host of vitamins.

[Dis-N-Dat]

I wanted to mention pesticides. Around the valley here the farmers (and most gardeners) use the art of "companion gardening". Flowers or herbs that the offending pests detest are planted 'round as a "companion" to the food crop.

An additional source of income to the farmer and a wonderful alternative to a pesticide, it's incredibly beautiful. Especially right about now. the fields are glorius to behold.

[Moonpie]

I love chorizo, it is cheap to buy ($1.99) 12oz chub at Smart & Final; brand is Jimmy Dean. We had chorizo & egg for brunch on Sunday which was good to BG, & tonight I am going to have the rest of the chub with DH, Unsure if just to grill it in a pattie, or sautee the whole thing & make it kinda like a shephaerds pie, by adding some tomatoes & zucchini & any other low carb veg I can find to it. I'm sure corn would be good added to it, but I am avoiding corn right now.

[lark 27]

Veg is usually inexpensive at the best of times and now that they've demonstrated organic food doesn't offer any benefits, you might as well buy the regular stuff. Most veg is also generally good for supplying vitamin C.



I have to chime in on the comment that "they've demonstrated organic food doesn't offer any benefits." Not trying to turn this thread into an "organic thread" at the expense of the original intent which was about health and expense, but felt the need to comment. For a full article visit: [/url]

[url]http://www.grist.org/article/2009-08-11-obvious-advantage-organic-food-conventional (http://www.grist.org/article/2009-08-11-obvious-advantage-organic-food-conventional)

Here are a couple comments from the article:
"...the FAS study neglected to consider total antioxidant content—which seems a pretty gaping oversight, giving that antioxidants are emerging as a key micronutrient for fighting cancer and other maladies. (The Center’s own study found significantly more total antioxidants in organic food than conventional.) The Center also makes a convincing case that the FAS researchers botched the measurement of another key micronutrient, polyphenols."

And of particular note in relation to Diabetes:
"Both studies found that conventionally grown produce has substantially higher levels of nitrates than organic—most likely from widespread use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer on conventional farms.

This consensus around a nitrogen gap suggests a non-trivial advantage for organic food: A growing body of literature indicts heightened levels of nitrates in the U.S. diet as a significant health menace. For a while, we’ve known that nitrates are a powerful carcinogen.

The latest: a rather stunning recent report from the Journal of Alzheimer Disease (press release here) linking nitrates in food to “increased deaths from diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson’s.”


I know organic can be more expensive, but not always debilitatingly so. Google for buying organic food on a budget and you'll find some good tips. I used to carry a card in my wallet with a list of the items that tested highest in pesticides so I could make sure to spend money on those items even if I couldn't buy everything organic. (apples, lettuce, spinach, peppers, carrots, celery, were some of the items on that for produce, but dairy items was also high on the list.)

Good health and wealth to all,

[anniebug]

First post here....
Before I was diagnosed, I signed up for e-mealz to help with the budget. I listen to Dave Ramsey, and am trying to follow his budget advice. E-mealz has a menu and shopping list for just about every chain grocery store - they take the store specials and devise a menu around it. They have low-fat, low-carb, point system menus to. We're on the low carb menu; it's definitely helped with grocery buying, meal planning and the budget. The meals are easy enough my SO is enjoying cooking! the cost is only $15/quarter. I'm so busy with work, and now diabetes, that I'm glad I have something that takes some of the stress off me.

annie

[princesslinda]

Welcome Anniebug! I'm a Dave fan myself and have heard him talk about e-mealz.

I find that buying when things are on sale and re-packaging into dinner portions work very well.

[PrettynPurple]

i find it to be more expensive to shop when you're cooking for one :( and for the most part I don't eat leftovers. Or maybe its just hard how to cook for one person

[Chef Barrae]

i find it to be more expensive to shop when you're cooking for one :( and for the most part I don't eat leftovers. Or maybe its just hard how to cook for one person

There are products geared for individual portions like Perdue Chicken Filets that are individually wrapped 4 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts. They can be purchased plain or seasoned. But, your freezer can be your best friend also. When you purchase your protein or vegetables make your portion sized packages and then freeze them. When freezing vege's just blanch them first. Clean and cut them into pieces and place in boiling water for about 2 or 3 minutes, depending on the veg and remove to some ice water. Dry them off and place in zip bags and freeze to use later.
Another approach would take a little planning but it may also be a good idea for you. If you follow the sales in your supermarket try this. Let's just say steaks are on sale this week, flank steaks. That is a very nice and lean cut. So, the smallest steak you can find is 1 lb. You can season the steak to your liking and have your first meal using the steak straight up with vegetables. Then, you can make a nice big salad the next day and add sliced steak to make it a good meal. On the next day you can saute up some vege's like broccoli, add some garlic, onion and beef stock and throw in the steak at the last minute just to heat through again. You can thicken the sauce with 1/2 tsp. of cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp. of water. That will only add about 3 g carb. So, you have now used a one pound piece of steak to make three different meals and to me, they don't feel like leftovers because they are all different. It just takes a little planning and some imagination.

[PrettynPurple]

There are products geared for individual portions like Perdue Chicken Filets that are individually wrapped 4 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts. They can be purchased plain or seasoned. But, your freezer can be your best friend also. When you purchase your protein or vegetables make your portion sized packages and then freeze them. When freezing vege's just blanch them first. Clean and cut them into pieces and place in boiling water for about 2 or 3 minutes, depending on the veg and remove to some ice water. Dry them off and place in zip bags and freeze to use later.
Another approach would take a little planning but it may also be a good idea for you. If you follow the sales in your supermarket try this. Let's just say steaks are on sale this week, flank steaks. That is a very nice and lean cut. So, the smallest steak you can find is 1 lb. You can season the steak to your liking and have your first meal using the steak straight up with vegetables. Then, you can make a nice big salad the next day and add sliced steak to make it a good meal. On the next day you can saute up some vege's like broccoli, add some garlic, onion and beef stock and throw in the steak at the last minute just to heat through again. You can thicken the sauce with 1/2 tsp. of cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp. of water. That will only add about 3 g carb. So, you have now used a one pound piece of steak to make three different meals and to me, they don't feel like leftovers because they are all different. It just takes a little planning and some imagination.

thanks those are great ideas. and i do some leftovers, i'll do leftoer steak, shred it up and make a bbq sandwhich out it. i actually get the individual wrapped chicken at costco. now thats a lifesaver for frozen chicken. i;m not a veggie person though, i need to have my brain rewired or something when it comes to that.

for the most part not doing leftovers is a texture then taste issue. i have a deep freezer that i kept after my dad died. its not even half full. but since the freezer on the fridge is itty bitty its useful to have. i buy grilling steaks at costco too. i've switched to 80% ground hamburger, so i've been debating getting hamburger from costco too. wish i could afford a vacuum food sealer thingie, don't know if that would help me or not, but figured it might.

imagination and planning, when it comes to cooking (at least cooking healthy) i'm not much of either of those. although i am trying like tuesday are taco tuesdays, wed are sammich day becuase of church activities. and depending on what i eat for dinner on sunday, i may have leftovers that i will eat on monday. chicken is handy, leftovers become soup or bbq chicken sandwhiches, i'll eat leftover pot roast. cold turkey makes yummy lunches.

[Evermont]

...it's incredibly beautiful. Especially right about now. the fields are glorius to behold.

I believe you. Post some pictures!

[Chef Barrae]

thanks those are great ideas. and i do some leftovers, i'll do leftoer steak, shred it up and make a bbq sandwhich out it. i actually get the individual wrapped chicken at costco. now thats a lifesaver for frozen chicken. i;m not a veggie person though, i need to have my brain rewired or something when it comes to that.

for the most part not doing leftovers is a texture then taste issue. i have a deep freezer that i kept after my dad died. its not even half full. but since the freezer on the fridge is itty bitty its useful to have. i buy grilling steaks at costco too. i've switched to 80% ground hamburger, so i've been debating getting hamburger from costco too. wish i could afford a vacuum food sealer thingie, don't know if that would help me or not, but figured it might.

imagination and planning, when it comes to cooking (at least cooking healthy) i'm not much of either of those. although i am trying like tuesday are taco tuesdays, wed are sammich day becuase of church activities. and depending on what i eat for dinner on sunday, i may have leftovers that i will eat on monday. chicken is handy, leftovers become soup or bbq chicken sandwhiches, i'll eat leftover pot roast. cold turkey makes yummy lunches.

I'm glad that some of my ideas were helpful! I have to say, I have a deep freezer also and I have also always wanted one of those handy-dandy food vacuum sealers. I never did get around to buying one though. I just use a good quality zipper top storage bag that is made for the freezer. I squeeze out whatever air I can and then I insert a straw and suck out the rest. You'd be amazed how air tight a seal you can get! Just be careful as to what you are inhaling! I have also noticed that one of the zipper bag companies makes a small hand-held vacuum sealer that you use with their special bags. I haven't tried it yet because I think the bags are a little too expensive even though you can reuse them. I also love to shop at Costco! Their salmon is great and I always use their ground beef. It is low in fat and very delicious! If you like mushrooms look for their large container of dried exotic mushrooms. They are in the fresh produce section. I think it cost about $15 for the container but it is very, very large and lasts forever. Since dried mushrooms don't spoil I love to keep them on hand for special sauces and I even just used them in a great new soup recipe that I will be posting to my blog in the very near future. It is a Beef with Wild Mushrooms and Barley that is very tasty. We are huge mushroom lovers in my home!