One thing good about this economy....

[Natalie]

It's a great time to go on a diet!

1. Can't afford to buy the food at these market prices.
2. Don't have the food, so therefore:
3. You can't eat it!

[Frugal Nurse]

So TRUE!

I can not 'weight' to see the effects of the diminished food intake as a result of having to buy less because you can't afford it.

You know what I worry about though...

...we see it all the time with many food stamp recipients. They (and I don't mean all) buy a lot of the junk or processed food because it's cheaper than the fresh whole foods.

I worry that manufactures will produce even CHEAPER, less nutritious food and people will eat that because it is the cheapest. The health effects will be horrible.

But as a nation, we could stand to loose a few (billion) pounds.

[larabelle]

I agree!!
I had dropped off the vegetarian band wagon and now although I am not completely meat less I am eating alot more bean/rice combos. I am also eating alot healthier..more cabbage and veggies. I refuse to buy junk food not only because of the cost but also the low nutritional value. I also find myself eating my left overs before they go to waste as I remember how much they cost.

[larabelle]

Oh yeah...no more soda for me.

[fernykins]

Now days you can't aford to do anything..........My son is stationed 3 hours aways and he won't becoming home often. Can't afford the gas. Its terrible...........
Fern

[suki]

I just got off the phone with my daughter who's off at college and she said they aren't ordering delivery as much or going to restaurants where they need to leave a tip. They also are only going where they can walk, ride a bike or take public transportation. She doesn't have a car there and earlier in the year she was one of the few girls who did this... now they go out in packs together and she's taught several other girls the local bus system. The girls with cars there just leave them parked now and use them to get home.

Bonus, she says she's lost 10 lbs!

As for me and hubby, we stay home most of the time and consolidate trips to town. We rent movies via Netflix for cheap entertainment and spend hours in the garden together. But, this really isn't much of a change for us! What is a change... I'm gleaning as much as I can from the garden and letting very little go to waste.

When my girls are home later this summer... I'm thinking there will be a lot less "running around" and more time spent at home. We'll see.

[cheriede]

There has been a couple of good things for me. I have started walking more place and it definitely helps in the exercise department. I also use that walking time as time well spent with my children.

[Lady_V]

cute post

I know I use to think that Whole Foods was too expensive and the 'fresh' fruits at my local market were anything but fresh...

The other day, the Old Man, DD and I went in to Whole Foods and bought a bunch of fresh fruit... yes, my cherries are on SALE $5.99/lb... but they are a heck of a lot better tasting and better for me than 2 bigg-o bags of chips for the same price. Do I still want the chips? Sometimes... but I stop missing them as soon as I bite in to the freshest juiciest fruit I have ever tasted...

Maybe I am the only one who thinks this way... maybe I am one of many... but I don't think I would have had the epiphany I did if it wasn't for the ever increasing prices.

[anna021]

Another thing I've noticed is the last few get together we've been invited to all asked to bring a covered dish, now I know many people do this all the time, but 4 out of 4 I found unusual, but I think enjoyable so it was fine with me. I like to see what others bring, and I love the variety. And of course takes the strain off the Hostess, they only have to worry about the main course and beverages.

[MomK]

I have noticed more people sitting on the porch or talking with their neighbors. Gas prices are helping me to relax and stay home more.

That's exactly what DH and I were talking about the other night. When we were kids, we didn't run around as much as families do now. We went to town for groceries and church, and that's about it.

Time to get that mentality back!

[McD]

This crappy economy is kinda good for us! (Doesn't that sound morbid?) We are becoming increasingly more frugal, spending less, staying home more, doing fun things around the house...I kinda like it.

[larabelle]

You know for the first time in #5 years I pulled out all of my frugal newsletters and began looking thru them to glean old ideas to implement. It was kind of nice. Prior to this poor economy I would be out running around.

[inneedofhope]

Thanks for the positive spin! i was just feeling sorry for myself wondering how I'm gonna make it, but really, seriously, the financial limits are giving me the KITB I need to drop some bad habits and be more responsible. My ds will benefit greatly from the example, and I'll definitely be better off for it myself.

[earthymom]

What a great attitude! You're right, too.

[Marie78]

It's a good way to look at it and I agree completely. We didn't really buy junk food to begin with. We have started having large salads for dinner 3 nights a week now. We add some chicken and hard boiled egg to the salad for protein. We sprinkle grated cheese and salad dressing sparingly to make everything last longer.

We eat fresh fruit for dessert each night and have yogurt and fresh berries in the fridge for snacks. I find myself limiting my portions at dinner to ensure I have a meal for lunch the next day. We have started measuring (rationing) how much peanut butter, butter, honey and jelly we use on our toast. When we have toast, I have been having oatmeal for breakfast lately because it's cheaper and more filling.

I can't say our grocery bill has improved any, but I feel our eating habits have and I'm noticing a small weight loss. I can stand to lose 30-35lbs, so I say bring on the forced portion control. I think my fiance and I will certainly benefit from it .