I do most of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's or the farmer's market. About once a month, I visit my local health food store to stock up on essentials I can't get elsewhere. I keep a list for several weeks until it gets big enough to warrant a trip there. I usually budget to spend over $100 on these trips. Yesterday was no exception. Here's most of what I got:
Not pictured was some wheatgrass for the cats, more soymilk, some white wine vinegar and more cans of beans. It doesn't seem like much for $100, but I did buy a supplement that cost $25 so I guess that's why. I'm pretty good about not buying things on impulse, I pretty much stick to my list.
I don't keep a real close count on my food budget, except for eating out at restaurants which I really try not to do because it's so expensive (among other reasons). From what I can tell from studying public health nutrition so far though, food costs are a big, big concern for many Americans.
I was just doing some research this morning for a project on how to get Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables. The number one reason in one study I found was the prohibitive cost of produce. I didn't start eating fruits and vegetables until I understood how beneficial for my health they are. While the cost and availability isn't a barrier for me, I still struggle with taking the time to prepare vegetables and making them taste good.
If you aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables or haven't in the past, what are or were some of your reasons?
Friday, February 5, 2010
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2 comments:
Hi Carrie, I agree with you that for a lot of people, health food = expensive food. I think if you are careful and creative with how you cook and shop, and don't rely too much on expensive pre-made items, you can actually save money with a healthier diet in the long run. I wish I had kept tabs on what I spent before we went vegan, so I could compare to now.
Hi Amy,
I completely agree with you and sometimes I wonder if some people don't use the cost of food as an excuse. For example, many stores sell "healthy" foods in bulk like beans and grains and they really aren't that expensive that way and so much healthier than a burger!
Carrie
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