I've tried starting a garden this year but so far I can't get free of the poke berry weeds. However, I have been and will continue to cut out and use any and all coupons I can. I use the double coupons whenever possible and wait until things I need or want is on sale and then use the coupons or double coupons. I've also went on a diet starting last week so I am trying to be better at portion control. It's hard, but with fruits and veggies for snacks in between meals, I've been able to do it so far. Hopefully, the garden will work this year so I won't have to spend such a fortune on fresh fruits and veggies. Any other tips you have will be greatly appreciated! :)

ellen haas

5/14/08 12:21pm

It sounds like you are trying really hard and that should pay off. Here is another tip that is good for both health and saving $$. Instead of snacking on chips and such  have a bowl or glass of carrot sticks and celery sticks in the refrigerator. You save on bags of chips and watch your calorie count too. Good luck, Ellen

Terrie L Marsh

5/14/08 12:27pm

Thanks Ellen,

 

I stopped eating chips about 2 weeks ago.. and they're on sale almost every week whereas celery and carrots almost never are :(  

I am trying to get a garden going but it's been raining for 3 days now. Go figure lol.

Thanks for your help! I need all the encouragement I can get. I lost my job last June so I really am hard pressed at buying groceries, but I cut corners wherever I can.

 

Thanks again!

 

Terrie

Carla

3/24/10 1:44pm

I've been buying fruits in bulk and then dehydrating them.  I package them in the zip lock snack bags. It is a quick and easy healthy snack to bring to work or in the car or hiking.  Sometimes I will mix nuts in with the dehydrated fruit too.  There is no added sugar and no added salt to it's lowered our blood pressure and cholesterol and it tastes great!

We have been eating a lot less meat in our household but I have come across a great way to make meat go further. A couple of good quality flavoured sausages (not the cheap fake ones) added to a risotto, quiche, fried rice etc make the dish just that little bit more appetizing without having to fork out major dollars on a whole lot of meat!

I buy a whole chicken when it's on sale for around $.98lb.  I cook the whole thing in the crockpot and pick the meat off.  Then I use the stock for chicken and noodles or other recipes.  I use the chicken for chicken and noodles, BBQ chicken sandwiches, casseroles, chicken salad, etc.  (tip for the broth/stock:  Put it in the fridge overnight and then scoop the white fatty stuff off in the morning).