SOLE Food Frugally

Since deciding to incorporate more SOLE food (Sustainable, Organic, Local, Ethical) in our cooking, I have struggled with the knowledge that it can be more expensive. Eating healthy can be cheaper than conventionally, especially when it means you're cutting out processed/ packaged *food.* However, making the change to good meats, fresh raw dairy products, and the like, can quickly break the bank unless you're careful. Here are some of my tips on how we are transitioning, with links to some great sites who know so much more than me!

1. Consider a local CSA for your produce, or even meats, dairy products, etc. If your area doesn't have CSAs, you might still be able to buy these foods straight from local farms, or at farmer's markets. Buying from the farms is not only local (obviously!) and more sustainable, but often much more frugal than trying to find these foods at a regular grocery store. Buying meat in bulk can really save money, and some farms offer plans where you pay a bit every month during the spring and summer for meat butchered in the fall.
2. Smart shopping- decide what is most important for your family, and splurge on these items (often meat and dairy.) Try to save money on other items, paying as little as possible and stocking up when you find a good price on an item (such as buying whole grain flours and baking supplies around Christmas and other baking seasons.) Also, try to buy local produce in season- it's not only cheaper, but it tastes better too.
3. DIY- make as many foods as you can at home. Baked goods are easy, and not too time-consuming once you are accustomed to them. Again, this will not just save money, but will also result in healthier foods for your family. If you don't already, definitely start gardening- there is nothing more fulfilling than cooking with vegetables that you grew yourself. This is a great way to bring kids on board.

How do you save money and still provide healthy food for your family?

I am happy to post this at Pennywise Platter Thursday- check it out for more great posts on frugal and fantastic healthy food!

This post is also at Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday- chock full of great posts on real food!

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Monday deal alert

Monday is my set day to go through circulars, pick out weekly deals and match 'em up with coupons. I also go online to some of my favorite deal sites to see what's coming up in the next week. Today, the deal alert is- Kmart doubles! Next week, starting the 16th, Kmart will be having super doubles at selected stores. You can contact Customer Service, or call your local store to find out if your store is participating. (CS is a better bet- most of the time the store managers don't really know what's coming.) Super doubles are double manufacturer's coupons up to $2- making your savings up to $4!! Restrictions apply, CS email will advise you of them. Will you be having a doubles at your store? If so, anything special you'll be getting? Leave us a line.

beverage alternatives

Two of my favorite blogs have recently written about saving money by substituting water for soda. I gave up soda (again) after become addicted (again) while I was pregnant. It's an on-again off-again relationship for me.
However, I can't seem to drink more than 1-2 glasses of plain water. I know, I know, I should train myself to love the flavor. On the other hand, it is summer still, so I've been making my own easy twist on the classic summer sipper lemonade. Limeade- yummy!


Shelley's Limeade (makes 4 servings- 32 oz.)

1/4 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from approx 4-6 limes)
4 cups water
ice

To make simple syrup, boil 1 part water, add in 1 part sugar and stir until sugar dissolves, and cool. Make a large batch, it keeps well refrigerated.

Combine the syrup, lime juice, and water in a large glass over ice.

This recipe may be changed up to suit your own tastes with other citrus juices, or by adding some mint leaves, etc. Add more or less syrup to your own preference, as necessary.

This is so much cheaper than soda and juices, and has less added sugar too. Leave a comment and tell me how you fit in alternatives to sodas, or send me some recipes of your own.