There's something about going shopping and having a trolley that is full of fresh veg and healthy food that makes me become a bit of a trolley snob when I go to the supermarket.
I hate seeing trolleys full of fizzy drinks, giant packets of crisps and ready meals. There is never an excuse to buy that kind of food. Food full of additives and preservatives, meat from areas of an animal that you wouldn't even wish to see. The problem with these foods is that they're not good for you, and eating them frequently can make you miserable. Not only because of the amount of fat and sugar in them, but nothing makes a person feel poor than eating 'poor' food.
By doing a weekly food planner, I can flick through recipe books, magazines and websites to find good, cheap food. If you remember my last shopping trip, I had a lot of meat-based meals. This week, I've gone more vegetarian. Meat's so expensive so by substituting it for a vegetarian dish, you can afford to spend the extra on more flavoursome ingredients.
This week's meal plan:
Salmon and Potato Salad
Chicken, Chorizo and Broad Bean Rice
Courgette, Roasted Pepper and Gremolata Tart with Sweet Potato Wedges
Green Thai Curry with Greens
Spaghetti and Chilli Prawns
Gnocchi, Tomato and Mozerella Bake
Steak and Kidney Pie
I couldn't buy a single lime so the rest will get cut into wedges and frozen for summer drinks. The steak and kidney I have will also make more than 2 portions, so that, too, will get frozen and I'll make some dumplings for a stew on a day that's not as warm. I also bought 2 bags of mega cheap gnocchi to whack in the freezer and be eaten in a moments notice. I do have a recipe for gnocchi which I imagine I will be posting some time next week as I have a glut of potatoes that need eating.
Over in the top right corner you'll see some popping corn. After reading Elizabeth Carmen's blog over at Life Blessons about popping corn on the stove, I have decided to give it a go. Matthew loves popcorn and this is a really cheap way of snacking in the evening, curled up watching a film. In the bottom left corner there's a bag of walnuts - a staple in my cupboard as then I can make the world's easiest brownies at any given moment.
Don't buy rubbish food. If you can't cook - try and learn. Cooking isn't hard, and it's a sure fire way of making you feel better both physically, and emotionally regarding your finances. Stay tuned for more weekly shopping lists!
I agree about not buying pre-packaged food. Its so bad for you and it all has like a days worth of salt.
ReplyDeleteAnd I always pop my own popcorn. Its way cheaper and there's no chemicals.
I know exactly what you mean about 'poor food' and what makes me sadder is when I see mothers with their children in supermarkets, and the trolley is just loaded up with rubbish, you know the children aren't getting decent food. Your meal plan for this week sounds really yummy!
ReplyDeleteComments now clearly work for me :) But the only way I get a link to post one (I do indeed get a popup) is to go to the page with all the posts and click. On the individual post's page there isn't a comment link. Weird!
OMG this is totally me. I am the same way. I get this snobby ego thing when I'm walking around with healthy food in my cart while everyone else has junk in theirs. I don't mean to walk around like I'm cool or anything, but I can't help but to feel pretty sweet. Haha.
ReplyDeletethis is a very inspiring cart! i also can get a little judgemental on other people's carts... ESPECIALLY if they have kids and are buying crap crap crap.
ReplyDeleteAgreed as well... but the comment on limes, what do you do? Just cut them up into wedges and freeze in a tupperware container?? How do they freeze? Do they taste okay afterwards? I've never heard of anyone doing that before, and they are so expensive when they are not in season!
ReplyDelete:) Hazel