How your eating is being affected by the recession?

[jill72]

Originally Posted by Lickrish

lol seems some Texans aren't struggling while others (like myself) are. Its getting really hard to balance bills,groceries endless holidays (kids and hubbys birthdays at the end of the year along with Christmas). Trying to feed a family of 4 as good as possible. I'm with the few that have mentioned they've added in carbs unfortunately I have as well and its not helping me at all in this WOE I'm just hoping we can make it through the end of the year $$$ wise and I'll get back on track 100%. It is a rough time.

Well, sure. Anecdotally, of course we can find families in Texas that have been affected by either the recession or other economic issues. The overall picture is probably a better guage, though and this recession, like others, will be felt regionally more than anything.

The UK is about the size of Oregon, I believe and would fit into Texas several times over They seem to be suffering from the economic downturn almost universally. The US is huge and not every region will be affected the same.

Our Permian Basin in W.Texas was suffering a shortage of workers as little as a year ago and kids (18 year olds) were pulling in more than $100K with $12K signing bonuses. There are still more than 100 wells to be drilled there.

Of the top 50 companies worldwide, Texas is home to six and they employ tens of thousands of people.

Our relatives in California pay way more in personal and most other taxes than we do. (They do live in paradise, though, LOL).

(Lord-a-be ... I really should go to work for the Texas Chamber of Commerce)

[chantyl03]

Originally Posted by Lickrish

lol seems some Texans aren't struggling while others (like myself) are. Its getting really hard to balance bills,groceries endless holidays (kids and hubbys birthdays at the end of the year along with Christmas). Trying to feed a family of 4 as good as possible. I'm with the few that have mentioned they've added in carbs unfortunately I have as well and its not helping me at all in this WOE I'm just hoping we can make it through the end of the year $$$ wise and I'll get back on track 100%. It is a rough time.

i'm struggling in texas too hun, and i only have to feed 1 person. I dunno what all this talk about texas being so great is... we have a really high poverty rate, but maybe things are better for those that find themselves in the middle class.

[Houston Heather]

The Houston economy is thriving.

Personally, our vending business is down, but we live on the cheap anyway.

When it comes to food, decent low-carb foods are a lot cheaper than prescriptions. We are both at risk of diabetes so we view our food as medicine.

Worst came to worst, a place is hiring near us. I'd apply there and work nights.

[gettingsmaller]

Originally Posted by mom2twoboys

I have not felt to much of a strain yet. Although the Christmas season has stretched the money tigher than usual. The only thing I have stopped right now is the Organic milk for the kids 6$ a gallon vs 2.59 for the regular hormone filled version. I have been working hard to plan meals and not waste.

I saw a news segment about how much of the cattle feed for organic cows is now coming from China. There are questions about how great organic meats are now that American farmers can't keep up with the organic feed demands.

You shouldn't feel guilty about the kids milk. It may no worse than organic labeled milk fed with who knows what from China.

gs

[dbunny]

Originally Posted by gettingsmaller

I saw a news segment about how much of the cattle feed for organic cows is now coming from China. There are questions about how great organic meats are now that American farmers can't keep up with the organic feed demands.

You shouldn't feel guilty about the kids milk. It may no worse than organic labeled milk fed with who knows what from China.

gs

Great- more poison from China... Does this world even make sense anymore? Maybe we will start shippping beef over there to process like we do with wild alaskan salmon.

[Erica L. Butler]

I live in Seattle, and things are sky-high, here. $7.00- $12.00 for a whole chicken! $2.99 for a dozen eggs! Pork Rinds, $2.99. Ground Beef (non-organic) 3.99 a pound. $5.99 a pound if it's organic. Heavy whipping cream is over $2.00 for a pint. Prices here have doubled since Spring of this year.

So, I don't go out to movies anymore, (though I will see "Milk",) I don't go to clubs, I walk (instead of taking the bus) unless there's no other way to do it. Cabs are out of the question, unless it's an emergency. I'm getting my bicycle fixed, so I can ride. I read a lot more. I blog. I read other people's blogs.

As for food-- I do a lot of eggs, turkey parts (turkey tails, wings, thighs, etc,..I've rediscovered ham hocks, ox tails, organ meats. I'm also getting into canned meats--if for no other reason than that they will keep FOREVER.

Trader Joe's is a life saver. I can usually get a 1.5 lbs beef for a little over $5.00. Luckily, eating this way makes me less hungry, so I can get 4 huge burgers out of that. I also get my seafood from them, in the frozen isle.

We buy cheese,chix, ground turkey and sausage at Costco. We get most of our veggies from a fruit stand. I also buy produce that is in season.

So, not hurting too badly-- but I remember going to Safeway last week-- and looking at the prices on meats. I just couldn't bring myself to buy *any* of them, until I found the turkey wings. Over $3.00 for three wings.

Sigh.

A couple of things that have helped me-- experimenting with recipes, and on occasion, making something truly luxurious or comforting; like homemade Egg Flower soup-- or a Ham and Grilled cheese sandwich on my "Piggy Puff Bread"--Crab Cakes-- my LC version of Chicken Katsu-- deviled eggs, scotch eggs--

I think it's really important to not allow yourself to feel derived! So, I try to make each meal something to savor.

[crakd]

hey erica-

i'm in seattle too. food is crazy insane. i wanted to buy some chicken the other day, and it was $6.99 a pound?! geez.

you'll have to read my cards one day and tell me if i'll be able to afford food in the future.

[wifezilla]

Holy crap!!

You guys need to start raising your own! LOL

[crakd]

where? on the sidewalk?? LOL

i'm feeding a family of 6, and some days it's interesting....

[7littleangels]

Originally Posted by Erica L. Butler

Trader Joe's is a life saver. I can usually get a 1.5 lbs beef for a little over $5.00. Luckily, eating this way makes me less hungry, so I can get 4 huge burgers out of that. I also get my seafood from them, in the frozen isle.

WOW!!!! You are getting socked. I just bought 18 pounds of skinless/boneless chicken breast, 15 pounds of hamburger,4 packs of hotdogs, 10 packs of lunch meat,15 pounds of apples, 14 pounds of oranges,4 pounds of pears and 10 dozen eggs for 60.00. I shop the grocery ads and stock up for the month. We are feeding 10 people,so I have to be very careful.

I sure hope the grocery prices start to come down now that gas prices are down.

Blessings
Jeanie

[Erica L. Butler]

Originally Posted by crakd

hey erica-

i'm in seattle too. food is crazy insane. i wanted to buy some chicken the other day, and it was $6.99 a pound?! geez.

you'll have to read my cards one day and tell me if i'll be able to afford food in the future.

Yeah-- I was at QFC tonight, and whole chickens (not organic) were over $ 10.00 each. Actually-- I've been looking into meat buying clubs here in Seattle. It's ridiculous out here.

[jfinchster]

I live in the Seattle area too and I can't believe how expensive groceries have gotten--over $6.00 a dozen for organic eggs at Safeway. I shop at Costco which helps, also Trader Joes, etc. But I still shop at the regular stores to oand am amazed at prices-- $4-5 for bread (not fancy stuff either.)
I am really tempted to get my own chickens for eggs, we eat alot of eggs....

[luckylychee]

I too think that when I'm on plan my grocery bill is a lot less. I don't buy lobsters and expensive cuts of meat. I like to make pork soup made of the cheapest and therefore usually the fattiest parts.

For veggies I always have frozen brocoli and other frozen veggies in stock. When I buy it'll be fresh cabbage and such.

DD gets plenty of fresh fruits though, regardless of how much. She's the only one who eats them so all in all it doesn't cost that much.

[jill72]

Originally Posted by jfinchster

I live in the Seattle area too and I can't believe how expensive groceries have gotten--over $6.00 a dozen for organic eggs at Safeway. I shop at Costco which helps, also Trader Joes, etc. But I still shop at the regular stores to oand am amazed at prices-- $4-5 for bread (not fancy stuff either.)
I am really tempted to get my own chickens for eggs, we eat alot of eggs....

Safeway just announced they're slashing prices nationwide beginning next month! The article wasn't too specific (milk, Safeway's own brand, and a few other items were mentioned), but it sounds like costs will come down across the board.

[crakd]

safeway is my go-to local grocery store. some price cuts would be VERY WELCOME!!

[Erica L. Butler]

Originally Posted by jill72

Safeway just announced they're slashing prices nationwide beginning next month! The article wasn't too specific (milk, Safeway's own brand, and a few other items were mentioned), but it sounds like costs will come down across the board.

YES!!!!!! It's about time! I saw cheap cuts of pork roast yesterday for $6.99 a pound! Guess I won't be doing too much shopping at QFC anymore!

[Heather150]

My eating is fine, but I am cutting way back. I haven't had a salad in over 2 weeks. I have only spent $50 a week on groceries and that is including paper products and cat food/litter. I've been living on eggs, frozen veggies, fresh meats on sale and living out of the pantry trying to empty it out. I bought a chuck roast tonight and it will feed me for 3days. It was only $5.

Fresh produce is not the best looking, the bagged salads are expensive and it's too cold to want a salad.

I'm trying to see how far I can go like this. We don't have to yet, but it's best we live like we need to, just in case.

[hollyoak]

I popped into the supermarket to buy some lettuce for dinner. I usually buy the tossed mixed green leaves loose for $9.99 KG. I was surprised to see that it was available only in 100grm sealed bags @ $3.99 each. = $39.99 KG

So, until my seedlings in the veg. garden are big enough to pick lettuce is off the menu in this house. I would rather eat grass than pay that.

[warriorscholar]

I was broke before the recession and I'm still broke now. So not much has changed for me.

Cheers,

[Danceruk]

I was broke..but I could afford vegetables/something to eat everyday!

Certainly is challenging, but..what comes down must go up (or so they say!)

[TattooedFreak]

we arent eating as pricy of meats now. I would rather skip a meal than eat a carb filled meal though.

[jacksmixedtape]

Originally Posted by Erica L. Butler

I live in Seattle, and things are sky-high, here. $7.00- $12.00 for a whole chicken! $2.99 for a dozen eggs! Pork Rinds, $2.99. Ground Beef (non-organic) 3.99 a pound. $5.99 a pound if it's organic. Heavy whipping cream is over $2.00 for a pint. Prices here have doubled since Spring of this year.

Wow, I feel like in Florida we must get ripped off really badly! I've been paying that much for eggs, beef, and HWC for years.

That seems like a high price for chicken, though! Yikes.

[BugLady]

Originally Posted by Dedee62

Since on my plan I only eat 500 cal. day, I can say no, it hasn't. However, I could see how it could. Veggies still seem a bit high to me.

Really?

[soon]

I cant say that it has effected me much. I used to buy organic eggs but they are up to $3 so I dont do that anymore. I too live in Texas and except for some prices going up why should it effect me? I usually buy a big package of boneless skinless thighs and eat that most of the week .

[soon]

Sorry for the double post but I forgot to mention and I had already posted this on the playground. It is the angel food network you can find it online and a location near you. They sell meat packages for about $30 and you get steaks , pork chops etc in them. I have to bail my sister out with groceries and that was killing me. But with the angel food ministry I get her about two weeks worth of meals for $60.00. You dont have to qualify nobody asks how much you earn or anything. I dont know if this ministry is international or not but it is in the states. It beats everything.
My sister eats better than I who sticks to fish and chicken lol.

[O2BME]

I started watching the various local grocery store ads. If it is a product we use from food to paper items, we are hitting those stores and purchasing. As others have said, we are choosing lower cuts/grade of meats. This past weekend pork shoulders and frozen turkeys on sale, you bet we have a couple of each in the freezer.

[Lickrish]

Originally Posted by wifezilla

Holy crap!!

You guys need to start raising your own! LOL

I did have the chickens and ducks but sold them because honestly their feed was killing us to buy. They weren't laying near enough for what they were eating and they would only lay if we fed them expensive laying pellets. It wasn't worth eating them either because of how much they cost per chicken it was better to sell them off. lol

I find getting eggs at the store a lot easier and cheaper sadly (in my case).

[Mindy]

Originally Posted by soon

Sorry for the double post but I forgot to mention and I had already posted this on the playground. It is the angel food network you can find it online and a location near you. They sell meat packages for about $30 and you get steaks , pork chops etc in them. I have to bail my sister out with groceries and that was killing me. But with the angel food ministry I get her about two weeks worth of meals for $60.00. You dont have to qualify nobody asks how much you earn or anything. I dont know if this ministry is international or not but it is in the states. It beats everything.
My sister eats better than I who sticks to fish and chicken lol.

It is nationwide - there are a lot of churches in our area (mine, included) that offer the Angel Food Ministries... for anyone with families where some don't low carb, I think it's an awesome thing - lots of things for everyone... for someone like me that - for all practical purposes - is alone, it wasn't worth it -- too many things that were not low carb... the meat was really good, tho.

[bwylde]

I have always had to be a frugal shopper as we are very poor and live in a high cost of living area. DH's job is affected by recession as he's in retail (and I don't work) so seeing this coming, I planned ahead. Many things have gone up but this fall we got a side of pork, I planned better in buying during the fall (ie, berries, veggies, ect... to can and freeze) and just really watch what I buy. I know where to go and when to get the good deals, I have friends who let me know when they see good sales (and return the favor ) and I'm learning to think outside the box. Right now I have two full freezers and a large food storage so even if something happens, we will be fine for a while