Observations on Spending and Eating Habits
Ever since RGD went back to his place (he is recovering quite nicely, by the way), I have been lazier and a bit more wasteful, where food is concerned. While he was here for nearly a month after his heart surgery, I got through many things, and was able to get a handle on things a bit more.
As you know from my Mystery Freezer Challenge articles, I am not one that likes leftovers, with few exceptions. I tend to over-buy, cook too much, and then find myself unable to eat all that I purchase, so fresh fruits and vegetables will often go to waste. If I have cooked food, I will freeze it (often unlabeled) so I have mystery containers. Thankfully, I have not started doing that again.
I have, however, started to eat out more often. I already see the added expense. On the other hand, each day this week I went home for lunch, being only five minutes from work this week. Next week I will have to make a sincere effort to bring lunch from home.
I also need to become more conscious to make sure that I eat regularly, as I made sure that RGD did.
Today is a day off and I have spent the best of my morning in bed reading the book, On a Dollar a Day , by Christopher Greenslate and Kerri Leonard. It was their experience about thinking more about what they ate and why, using a couple of month long experiments, the first on living on a dollar a day for each of their month's food allocation. I finished the book before noon. I found their adventures fascinating, and I do not think I could have done the same.
I really need to think about how much waste I produce in food. It is a bit ridiculous.
I also need to think more about my purchasing habits and dinners out. It would probably shock me if I were to assign a dollar amount to them.
© 2015 Coral Levang
#MysteryFreezerMeal | Savingmoney | frugal
Image Credit » http://pixabay.com/en/piggy-bank-savings-money-bank-coin-621068/ by pefertig
Comments
alexdg1 wrote on March 6, 2015, 5:21 PM
I'm the King of Mystery Containers. I need to abdicate from that throne.
MegL wrote on March 6, 2015, 5:36 PM
Yes, I have to say that my husband is very good about purchasing just enough and using up what is there. He is much better at that than I am!
Kasman wrote on March 6, 2015, 6:45 PM
My wife and I used to eat out a lot. At one time (not too long ago) we were spending £150 a month on eating out without even realising it! When the penny finally dropped we cut it well back. Now we eat out no more than twice a month.
inertia4 wrote on March 6, 2015, 6:56 PM
CoralLevang In this house here, my girlfriend does not believe in wasting anything. Sometimes I have to yell at her because she will eat things that are out of date. AndI find that horrible. But she does not believe in wasting anything. I am not big on leftovers either. It all depends on what it is. I don't eat out really, not much these days. I have no choice but to eat right with my diabetes. And I sure could never live on a dollar a day. I would most likely starve. But that sounds like an interesting book. I think I have that on a list of books to read.
valmnz wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:03 PM
I'm very much improved from what I was, but still tend to over purchase at times. What I am improving at now is clearing out the fridge once a week and discarding things that have been there long enough.
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:22 PM
Well, don't allow me to keep sitting up there!!
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:23 PM
As I live alone, but I came from a large family, I still struggle with purchasing and cooking small amounts.
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:28 PM
That's about $230 US. I think I was right about where you are, if not more, with just me. It's so easy to do.
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:31 PM
inertia4 I think that you and your girlfriend would find it interesting. The partners who wrote the book were also quite different in their view toward food.
That being said, out-of-date does not mean spoiled. I had that talk with an 83-yo friend the other day, and the book talked about that briefly, too, Did you know that major grocery stores auction off past due dated cans to discount stores?
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 7:32 PM
It is a constant struggle for me. I hope to figure it out sooner than later.
BodieMor wrote on March 6, 2015, 8:03 PM
I'm embarrassed by the amount of food that gets wasted in our house. Leftovers aren't appealing after one day but I hate throwing them out. When I freeze stuff it eventually gets freezer burn and tossed. I need to become the kind of organized you are.
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 8:22 PM
Oh, I am not organized at all. But thank you. It took my friend's heart surgery and my agreement to let him recuperate here to get through much of the mystery containers (which I wrote about), and to be creative in my execution of some of the meals. I'm still looking at enough food that will probably feed me until 2017. LOL
inertia4 wrote on March 6, 2015, 9:33 PM
CoralLevang Now that I didn't know about the grocery stores. Interesting. I didn't say it was spoiled. But believe me when I say the stuff I throw out is bad. I think I am going to go to my local library and take that book out to read. I think I would get into it.
Kungfu123 wrote on March 6, 2015, 10:09 PM
I only dine out occasionally. I think it more healthy to eat the fresh meal made by myself.
CoralLevang wrote on March 6, 2015, 10:17 PM
Of course, it is healthier, but I don't have the time or energy.
crowntower wrote on March 6, 2015, 11:44 PM
Eat and live healthy always... I think many people would love to go to your house if they found out you always had food in your fridge that is over flowing Lol! Enjoy the day and always smile for a very healthy and positive outlook in life. I want to eat too... I am not eating lunch and it is so late.
CoralLevang wrote on March 7, 2015, 12:05 AM
A great perspective..."love to go to(my) house...(if) food...is overflowing." Yes. Thank you for the new perspective.
BodieMor wrote on March 8, 2015, 1:24 AM
I thought that whole mystery container thing took a lot of organization and ingenuity on your part!
CoralLevang wrote on March 8, 2015, 3:57 AM
Thank you. You are very kind to say so!
PriscillaKing wrote on March 9, 2015, 2:18 PM
It's been quite a frugal challenge not having a refrigerator or freezer...many things are sold by the pound, or are only reasonably priced in the "family size," so if other humans don't help me eat them I pick things the cats like! In winter I get spoiled, being able to keep a "family size" meal in a bin on the north porch and eat it over the course of a day or two.
CoralLevang wrote on March 9, 2015, 2:28 PM
I wish I had cats with whom to share. Unfortunately, I am allergic.
You might consider writing about these frugal challenges. I think you would have a following. *raises hand*