I've always enjoyed a can of ice cold pop.
Or a bag of Cheetos.
Or a few Oreos.
But ever since I started buying groceries with my own (or my husband's) hard earned money, I've definitely changed my purchase habits.
As well as my consumption habits.
We stay away from pop.
As well as any juices or bottled drinks of any variety.
This not only saves money, but it keeps our water and milk intake at the highest.
If you've ever hung around me, you probably know that my water bottle is one of my appendages.
I don't go ANYWHERE without it.
And if I do, well, it might as well be the end of the world.
I drink water like it's going out of style.
You should too.
No more than once a month, if we have a craving and see a sale for $0.99 or less for a 2 liter of Diet Coke or something of the sort, we splurge.
And it's so much more exciting that way.
And I am a big diet fan.
For one, I just don't like drinking my calories. I'd rather eat them.
Secondly, I honestly can't handle the high sugar content of regular pops.
bleh.
With tortilla chips being the one exception, we steer clear of the potato chip aisle.
I love me some fried potatoes (or Doritos) but it's just a healthy way to spend our money.
As far as the tortilla chips go, we're even trying to bake our own at home.
Just cut a corn tortilla (or 20) into desired wedges.
Place on a baking sheet.
Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Sprinkle with salt.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, turning ever 5 minutes.
Voila!
Delicious, un-fried, cheaper!
Along those lines, we stay away from processed cookies or other snack foods.
Hostess.
Keebler.
Ritz.
Little Debbies.
Nabisco.
Sorry, wonderful companies that see some surprisingly delicious fake foods.
But when I bake cookies week in and week out, nothing can compare.
And I prefer the ingredients to be things like
"Flour, sugar, eggs, butter."
"Flour, sugar, eggs, butter."
You know, items I actually have in my pantry.
And I'd rather spend dollars on home cooked goodness rather than manufactured cookies that last an ungodly amount of time.
granted, I still purchase generic Ritz crackers.
And the occassional generic Wheat Thin or Cheese-Its.
But for the most part our cupboards are empty of such products.
It's better for the wallet.
And even better for our bodies.
Definitely some good points, Mel. We too try to avoid sodas and other caffeinated, high-sugar beverages and cut juices for the most part. With two pre-schoolers in the house we usually have some juice, but the kids still haven't figured out that we water it down 50/50, in fact if you don't put the extra water in they tell you it doesn't taste right...lol!
ReplyDeleteI did want to point out, however, for your occasional chip/cracker/cookie craving, you might actually want to look at Frito Lay, Nabisco, Keebler, and branded Ritz/Wheat Thins/Oreo...there are some killer deals, especially around holiday and back-to-school times. I've MADE money on name brand chips, crackers and cookies by combo-ing coupons (esp. on double-days), sale prices, and rebates.
We still try to have/eat them in moderation, but the budget considerations are not a factor when you're not actually paying for them. :) And, it's a good way to get extra fun-stuff to donate to food drives/pantries.
And for those of us really up for an adventure... Try making your own cheese crackers at home! http://homecookinginmontana.blogspot.com/2010/02/cheddar-crackersreminiscent-of-goldfish.html
ReplyDeleteWhat great money saving tips. I also love the bread that appears in the post below. I enjoyed my visit to your blog. I'll be back often. I hope you are having a wonderful day, Melanie. Blessings...Mary
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