tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182812782317591895.post5459696646980733309..comments2013-03-15T16:24:40.711-04:00Comments on Mama Mama Quite Contrary: FOOOOOD!Mama Mama Quite Contraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09033437220422551511noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182812782317591895.post-18215503523569138342010-04-18T14:21:35.781-04:002010-04-18T14:21:35.781-04:00I'm always envious of those who can get in the...I'm always envious of those who can get in the routine of meal planning. For some reason I just can't get in a regular habit and, yes, we spend way too much money on food as a result. I think I have this subconscious resistance not only to cooking but spending time on the weekend planning and grocery shopping! Well, I have the next 15 years to perfect! Thanks for the great ideasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182812782317591895.post-85247335093188179002010-04-13T19:24:23.671-04:002010-04-13T19:24:23.671-04:00Hey there Jenn,
I do take cod liver oil (when ...Hey there Jenn,<br /> I do take cod liver oil (when I remember) in capsule form although Mark and Vivi take the oil straight. (Mark chokes it down; Vivi LOOOOVES it. Strange child.) I also take chelated iron and vitamin C (to help the iron absorb) but that's because I'm still nursing.<br /><br />I try to stay under $500 a month for our groceries. It is a challenge too. I've found that making my own bread and yogurt, cutting juice, buying dried beans, and paying attention to unit prices has helped. You're right though-- the regular grocery store is insanely expensive for organic food. Here's a link for produce and pesticide levels: http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php If you can't do all organic, this is a great list to help you figure out what's okay to buy conventionally. (I should say that my grocery money includes things like dish soap and toilet paper so it's not all going to food.)<br /><br />I'm not sure what is a reasonable amount to spend because I think it depends a lot on where you live and what you have access to. We have a farm that is 5 miles away that we can buy directly from them. We also don't eat meat which cuts a lot of cost too. You might want to check around you and see if there is a food co-op or a community supported agriculture program that would allow you to buy directly from a farm. I think in the end it works out to be much cheaper than the grocery store.<br /><br />Hope this helps!Mama Mama Quite Contraryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09033437220422551511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182812782317591895.post-41646634741140974962010-04-13T13:55:40.709-04:002010-04-13T13:55:40.709-04:00Thanks for the tips! We've recently decided to...Thanks for the tips! We've recently decided to take a healthier approach to eating and are slowly working through all of the kinks. It definitely takes a lot more forethought and organization...two things I am completely lacking!<br />I do have a couple of questions for you:<br />Do you take any supplements? Seems like a lot of people recommend taking a fish oil supplement and I haven't decided whether or not it's really necessary. <br />Also, I feel like I'm spending a ton of money on trying to eat healthy. There are no Whole Foods or Trader Joes around here (ugh!) so I've been stuck going to our local grocery store's Organic section for much of our stuff. Fortunately, our local farmers' market will be opening soon so that will help out a lot. So, I guess my question is, do you try to stick to a monthly budget? If you don't mind sharing, in your opinion what's a reasonable amount for a family of 4 (well, 3 and a baby)? My old budget was about $350/month and it doesn't seem to be cutting it but, like I said, I'm still trying to work out the kinks : )Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07814593361972666561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9182812782317591895.post-28190919031357007922010-04-13T09:29:35.282-04:002010-04-13T09:29:35.282-04:00Glad to see that you and I are on the same page wi...Glad to see that you and I are on the same page with organic and unprocessed food! People look at us like we are crazy to not provide the usual snacks that other kids are given. =P We do weekly menus too, with each day having a certain theme, i.e. pizza night, soup night, same as you. I look forward to viewing your menu because we need some fresh ideas around here! ;)Kerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03033383516920538778noreply@blogger.com