This week I’m challenging you all to cut out the junk, and save money in the process. You can do this and save money without using coupons. It would be better if you shopped the sale prices and possibly used coupons, but it’s up to you how much work you want to do preparing for this. Either way you will save money just by sticking to a few things.
Assuming most of us have staples like oil, salt, pepper, ect… here is a list I have come up with.
Here is a shopping list for us (you can make it organic if you wish):
Dried Oats (Oatmeal) in the canisters.
Frozen or Canned Veggies
Eggs
Beans
Rice (Brown)
Peanut Butter
Apples
Bananas
Nuts
Popcorn
Meat (check your fliers for the best sales, and look for markdowns)
Other Seasonal Fruits and Veggies (see a list of what is in season for May HERE)
Evaporated or Powdered Milk (or Organic if that is what you prefer)
Pasta (preferably whole grain)
Flour
Optional:
Chunk Light Tuna
Cheese – get blocks of cheese rather than sliced sandwich cheese .
Of course if you already have some of these items stocked in your pantry, there’s no need to buy them this week. With just these items, and a few baking skills, you will be able to prepare meals for your family that are healthier than junk or fast food, and you will save some money. Buy things in bulk when you find a really good deal! And here is a video that will give us all a little motivation for this week.
I’ll be posting some recipes throughout the week to go along with our list, and I look forward to hearing some recipes and tips you all come up with! Also, be sure to keep track of how much you spend and save! Prove to yourself that you can do this!
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband and I have actually lost weight eating this way (since January). Hello pre-pregnancy jeans!
I have a post about otameal if you’re interested:
http://cookingluck.blogspot.com/2009/03/oatmeal-its-not-just-for-breakfast-any.html
Lucky’s last blog post..Meal Plan Monday
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An easy, cheap, and healthy alternative snack for the kids are homemade fruit/veggie popsicles. Steam some carrots and place in a blender with bananas, strawberries, and 100% apple juice. Freeze in popsicle trays. You can use any fruit or vegetables you have on hand. I’ll use leftover veggies (broccoli) from dinner or fruit that’s about to go bad. You’ll sneak some healthy produce in your kids diet and they’ll love it, all while on a budget.
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I was looking at angel food minstries last night and their list ahs grown so much.
For $30 you can get a good bit then the other list they have posted. Also we have started a garden this summer, I am hoping to learn to can and freeze more items that will save money through the summer and through out the year.
Last week I got about $100 worth of meats if not more for $39.00. The butcher was marking them down as I went to check out.
Thanks for you tips.
Does anyone have any meals for summer planned to cut down on the powerbill for say?
I hate to cook in the summer b/c my kitchen gets so hot. I try to grill out but you know you can’t do that everyday.
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Nancy – do you normally get food from Angel Food Ministries? If so, how do you like it? I’ve heard so many people complain about the meat being bad, that I steer clear of them.
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what a great challenge. I mostly buy staple when I go grocery shopping and then take it from there. I am mamking bread now for toast and french toast for breakfast.
Mercedes’s last blog post..New Target Coupons: Cheap Chicken Plus Swiffer Deal
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I have not in awhile. I got some from them one time and when I did it was OK. I thought it was a lot like what you get from the stores( well depending on the store too) but about the same.
I was thinking about trying again since they MAY SPECIAL #3
Super Value Fajita Kit (5+ lbs.) $21.00
2 lb. Steak Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.)
2 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strip Packs (2 x 1 lb.)
1 lb. Onions & Bell Peppers
20 ct. 8” Flour Tortillas
here is a list for may –
http://www.angelfoodministries.com/menu_0905en.asp
I did have a good stockpile or so , so before my fall classes last year then I built if back up at Christmas just a little but now it is really low and I thought it would be worth it to try again.
I am try to build back up again so when my classes start up n the fall , I want have to stress so much. What are summers for-LOL
I am excited about having a garden this year and I hope that I can save a lot of money learning for freeze and can.
Sorry, I have not helped you much. I do follow your blog a lot even when I wasn’t stockpiling like I should.
I can’t wait to see some recipes . I know Jane4girls was blogging about meatloaf in a muffin pan and freezing it. I want to find a simple receipe for it.
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oh I forgot you do have to buy the first bx first. $30 then a special deal.
I priced the Fajita Strip pk at walmart and it was around $12 or more with nothing else with it. So I though I may try it.
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I don’t know if you would like this or not but there are some bulk itmes on this blog that are good and really simple.
I made a few of them but with a 16 1/2 year and 7 year old it did not make for a mo.
http://www.engineeradebtfreelife.com/2008/06/bulk-cooking-super-spaghetti.html
at the top it says bulk foods.
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Hey Nancy, thanks for the link to our blog (Engineer a Debt Free Life)! Those are my husband’s bulk cooking recipes. We love bulk cooking, and it helps us eat healthier by avoiding eating out!
You can see all our bulk cooking recipes here: http://www.engineeradebtfreelife.com/search/label/bulk%20cooking
(the first recipe is mine, and it’s not as healthy as the others, sorry – lol – my husband is the better cook in our house!)
$ Money Savin’ Momma $’s last blog post..Get a Polaroid digital camera for $59, plus get cash back!
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I have it saved to my blog and check back on it often for making certain things. My teen love the burritos, b/c he can pop 2-3 in the microwave and out the door he goes. So they don’t last long.
I can’t wait until you have some post for the summer meals.
I am going to attempt the sauce here in a week or so.
When you have 4 in a household and one is a teen things don’t last long.
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This is basically the way I have been shopping for the last year. It is amazing how much money you can save when you cut our prepackaged food and junk. My husband lost 60 pounds. Of course he added some exercise, but it is amazing what a healthy diet can do. I have a lot of friends ask me how I manage to feed my family healthy food and not spend a ton of money. I tell them that they have to cut out the junk. Great post.
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