It seems like food just isn't the same anymore.
In the grocery stores, the meat portions are just getting bigger and BIGGER. Is it just me or does anyone else think some of these chicken legs are starting to look like Turkey legs?
Trail is convinced that all grocery stores are pushing CLONE meat now. LOL!
How else is the meat getting bigger but the prices are the same, if not lower?
While I think the Clone Theory is a little far-fetched (though he might be on to something), I DO worry about all the steroids they are pumping into our meats and the pesticides used on our produce in these massive production line plants. Not to mention sugars, preservatives and other products used in our non-perishable groceries so they can keep them in the stores longer!
It's scary b/c we are putting this stuff INTO our bodies! And then we wonder why so many people have all these illnesses: diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure- the list goes on and on!
Now I just feel guilty when I give the kids food that I feel like has no nutritional value. I don't want to feed garbage to them their whole childhood and then they have poor health choices as an adult b/c it's what I taught them!
And we Southerner's have it the WORST with our deep fried, gravied, casseroled meals followed by sweet syrupy sugary desserts. Hell, even our DRINKS are filled with sugar! Sweet Tea=Liquid Diabetes! lol
SO health-wise- I'm SOLD on organic groceries and more conscious meal choices. The question is, can I AFFORD it?
As soon as I mentioned going organic, lots of ppl responded that it would be expensive. But there are lots of average joes living healthy lifestyles- I just need to find out their secrets....
Fortunately for me I have a Whole Foods Market AND a Trader Joes within a few miles of my job, so I can grocery shop there on my lunch hour. I'm not quite sure what my solution will be for items that must be refrigerated but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
The only way I can make this a LIFESTYLE change and not a spur of the moment fad is to take things slowly but surely.
In my research I found some really good advice on Whole Foods blog from other consumers who have been "converted" to organic food. I copied and pasted a few below for anyone else that is considering this lifestyle but doesn't know if it will fit in their budget.
You can check out the entire blog at:
http://www2.wholefoodsmarket.com/blogs/wholedeal/
I have included the tips that stood out most to me. :)
Also if anyone has any great tips or suggestions I would LOVE feedback!!
Thanks,
Angel
MY TIPS:
-If possible, avoid purchasing organic products in large chain grocery stores. They tend to jack up the prices of these items b/c they want you to buy their brands. Instead find a Health Conscious Grocery Store (Like Whole Foods Market or Trader Joes. Organic food prices at these stores are much more reasonable.
-Whole Foods has a monthly coupon publication called The Whole Deal. The PDF can be printed from their website.
-Trader Joes does not have coupons or sale flyers b/c they already offer their items at the lowest price. The prices are comparable (if not better for some items), but they do not have a large product selection. Start your grocery shopping at Trader Joes FIRST, and then if something isn't available there, go to Whole Foods or another Organic store for the rest.
-Though I can't yet afford organic meat, I purchase my meat products from farmer markets rather than large chain grocery stores. Most farmer's markets use local businesses to supply their stock. Though it is not a perfect solution, Local Farmers are less likely as many steriods and other harmful additives used by large factories because they are not producing the same volume numbers.
If you do not have a local farmer's market, also try Asian Grocery stores (Like Super H Mart)- you can easily notice the difference in the meat portion size and the fresher taste!
-Try to plan more than one meal out of an item on your grocery list so you save money by purchasing less ingredients.
-I'm debating buying a kit to start an herb garden for fresh herbs
-I learned if you bring your own grocery bags to Whole Foods, they will take a dollar off your purchase! That's almost the average savings of a Kroger Plus card! =P
Plus I've been shopping around and found some UBER-CUTE Reusable Grocery Bags!!
Imagine being stylish, healthy and environmentally friendly at the SAME TIME!!!
(I'm on to something here!!)
These cute bags by Green Concepts are on Amazon- A set of 4 for $18.99!!
CONSUMER TIPS:
-Buy sale items and plan your meals around the items you purchase on sale.
-Stop or reduce your use of disposables – styrofoam or plastic cups, paper plates, paper napkins, sponges, etc.
-Stop buying bottled water. Use a Brita (filtered) water jug to fill reuseable (and recyclable) SIGG water bottles.
-Learn the Organic product name brands and go to their websites for coupons.
-Replace junk food with fresh fruit and veggies
The junk foods are so full of useless ingredients that you end up eating way more than you need. Weight loss at no extra charge)
-My money-saving tip is to buy only what you need for the week’s menu. I plan my menu for the week based on fresh produce available and money-saving deals at Whole Foods.
-NEVER go shopping hungry. This helps to stay within budget.
-Every time you open a new bottle of salad dressing, jar of pasta sauce, or carton of milk, write the date on the lid with a permanent marker. It will help keep track of what’s on hand and you save money and reduce waste by not having to throw out spoiled, uneaten food. It works especially well for dairy products like big tubs of yogurt and cartons of milk.
-Buy mostly ingredients. It does take a little more effort to cook from scratch, but this truly saves the most money.
-Plan your shopping trip “before” I go into the store. Leave a little money for a deal or two, but in general know what your total cost will be.
-Whole Foods offers a “Shopping On A Budget” class. You may learn quite a few money-saving tips!
-Find an item on sale and then use a coupon at the checkout which you can find in the Whole Deal coupon booklet . For instance: Lifeway Organic Kefir on sale for $3.39Add a $1.00 off coupon which only comes up to $2.39.
