Frugal Mania

I was behind a bus the other day that had a McDonald’s ad on it for a value-meal for $2.99 - it’s a double cheeseburger, medium fries, and a medium drink. I may not be the biggest fan of McDonald’s but that’s a great deal and a great ad.

Apparently during an economic slump people’s eating habits change to the following:

1. Eating more frequently at home versus a restaurant
2. Visiting fast food restaurants more frequently
3. Replacing restaurants like Chili’s or Applebee’s with a substitute that is cheaper and requires no tip like fast food or a chain without waiter’s like Moe’s, Doc Green’s, etc

Want some tips on how to accomplish eating cheaply and healthy?

A great article just came out in Vancouver Sun by Amy O’Brian - to read the whole article click here.

I love these quotes and tips from the article.

“Doing a big grocery shop seems like a lot, but it goes a lot further than eating at McDonald’s or eating out.”

“Planning ahead is the key to eating healthy,” Kurrein said. “Make a menu for the week ahead and include the entire family, considering everyone’s tastes.”

MELANIE KURREIN’S TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHY ON A BUDGET:

- Plan ahead. Write up a balanced menu for the entire week and shop for all the necessary groceries in one trip.

- Make breakfast at work. Keep a jar of oatmeal on your desk, a large tub of yogurt in the fridge, or a jar of granola in your desk and get a healthy — and inexpensive — start to the day.

- Embrace beans. As a meat alternative, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas are great sources of protein and fibre — and they’re cheap. Tofu, too, is a great meat alternative.

- Grow your own. This spring, try planting a few vegetables, herbs and berries in balcony pots, your backyard, or a community gardening plot.

- Comparative-shop. Check flyers for deals and buy produce at local greengrocers, which are often cheaper than big grocery stores.

Check out Earthly Eating for some great recipes especially this entry on some yummy soups for this cold season of the year.