Monday, February 8, 2010

Joining the masses

So, lately I have read many blogs on how women are saving money grocery shopping. They use coupons and store sales galore. I look on in awe as I see their calculations of how much they save. I see percentages of all numbers...all the way up to 95%! How is this possible? I want to join these women in spending a ridiculously small amount of money for a large amount of groceries. There's only one problem: When I look to see what these women are buying to make their meals, I wouldn't purchase about 85% of it.

I have adopted a lifestyle called clean eating. All this means is eating food in its purest form: minimally processed, whole foods. The smaller the ingredients list, the better. It also means lean proteins, whole grains, and not consuming anything refined (flour, sugar, etc). This results in many foods being made from scratch (at least in my household), so I know that it's made from whole-grain, healthy ingredients and there are no fillers added.

In addition to this, I am committed to buying all natural, preferably all organic, products. I have a 15 month old daughter who was colicky for four months of her life. She still has a VERY sensitive tummy. I am able to have her eat about 10 items safely without upsetting her very delicate stomach. If we deviate from these 10 things, usually it results in us being up much of the night with a very uncomfortable child. I have found that by switching to all natural or organic products we are able to avoid much of the tummy issues.

Unfortunately, I found that the more organic products I bought, the higher my grocery bill climbed. I went from spending about $70/week for two adults and one 15 month old to spending over $100/week on average. While it's well worth the extra money to have a happier daughter and for all of us to be healthier at the same time, I cringe every time I see my grocery receipt. I have heard it time and time again: It's more expensive to eat healthy. It's true, but I'm on a mission to find ways to make it more affordable.

This blog is to track my progress. I wasn't an English major and I'm sure I'll have grammatical errors here and there. I just wanted a place to write about my adventures in trying to juggle it all: be healthier, be a good mommy and wife, and save money while doing it all. I appreciate any feedback or comments and I want everyone who follows this blog to keep me accountable in my journey.

Happy blogging everyone and, as of today, I join the blogging community! :)

7 comments:

  1. I look forward to reading your blog!! I am one who likes to cook and try new recipes. I also like to save a buck or two while doing so!! I grocery shop on a budget...so if you have tips on how to eat healthy without spending all of our money on food alone...I'm all ears!!

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  2. Grammar shmammar! You have a voice that deserves to be heard and I so love your willingness to put yourself out there! It's a worthy cause to take up and I commend you. AND I couldn't agree more, especially this piece: "When I look to see what these women are buying to make their meals, I wouldn't purchase about 85% of it."
    One wonderful addition to increasing our organic food intake was to become a member of a CSA. Not everyone has this option but if possible, jump on the train! It gives back in so many ways. It's an incredible value to boot- not to mention, what a glorious array of fine fruits and vegetables for your table! We have made so many valuable connections and formed a lasting community around our farm pick ups as well. These connections have furthered our access to more local, money saving options. Good luck! I'd LOVE to learn more about your adventure!

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  3. I have been in awe of your cooking/shopping adventures - just the little snippets of what you've posted on Facebook. This is perfect and I can't wait to learn a few things from you!
    * Julia has those same little cupcake PJ's *

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  4. Hooray! Welcome to the blog world. I look forward to your post...and I think your writing skills are superb ;)

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  5. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking

    I found this recipe and it has changed the way our family eats and it's a HUGE crowd pleaser AND quite the money saver! Also- I feel like a seasoned bread baking dynamo pulling it out of the oven! I adapt it a bit & substitute whole wheat flour & many other flour additions, depending on what I have in the pantry. I add flax, corn meal & oat bran to the brew as well. While making the daily loaves I often add other seeds or nuts as well. The additions cause the loaf to rise slightly less & it also takes a bit more time to proof- but I think it's worth it. I proof and cook it in a dutch oven with a drizzle of EVOO and sprinkle of cornmeal. You take the top off toward the end of the baking cycle- classic french style & gives the crust that $7 a loaf crunch. It's amazing and so simple! Great for wintertime, soup & bread evenings. Beautiful! You can also bake it on a pizza stone or pan & it's still fabulous. The longer you let the dough hang out in the fridge, the more it ferments & gets that sour dough like quality- which is key in our house. I double it every time and put it into a huge glass container with a floating lid.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/dining/211brex.html?_r=1&ref=dining

    Here is a link to a video demonstration from the author's of the book!
    http://www.startribune.com/video/11967361.html

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  6. welcome to the blogosphere! I LOVE to cook and try to buy as many fresh, whole foods as possible for my hubby and 2 daughters. soda does not grace our table altho i must say my teenager will drink it when out with friends. we are into organic or locally grown as well and I'll be happy to read what you are learning..especially the money saving parts! :)

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  7. I am one of those coupon women. :) But I also like to shop for natural/organic items when I can. If you're interested, there is a company called Mambo Sprouts which produces a coupon booklet (I think four times a year?) that has all organic coupons in it.

    http://www.mambosprouts.com/

    (I don't work for them. I'm just a fan.) :)

    I am very interested in learning some more frugal ways to buy and cook organic. I look forward to reading more here.

    -Shelly

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