Guest guest Report post Posted March 1, 2004 I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? Thanks for you imput. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 2, 2004 The highest price items at grocery stores are the meat, cheese and prepared food aisles. The least expensive are rice, beans, pasta, produce (unless you buy out of season). There are times when I choose to buy some prepared item, but, for the most part, I keep my food bill down by buying alot of plain, simple rice, pasta, other grains. We also eat a lot of lentils and split peas, because they do not need to be soaked and cook in about 30 mins. I do try to always have canned beans, just because they are easy to open and use them immediately. Canned beans are usually not that expensive. As long as you buy in season produce, they are affordable. The staples of a veg*n diet s/b grains, legumes and produce. They are the most affordable things in the store! Good luck, Tracy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 2, 2004 What I find works the best for us is keeping away from processed foods, vegan or not. We buy our basic grains and noodles and nut butters in bulk and found a cheap store to buy lots of fruits and veggies at. Whole foods are quick and simple to cook as well. And then cloth diapering, using cloth instead of paper napkins and towels, and cleaning only with baking soda and vinegar helps as well. veggieks2000 <fiona25 wrote: I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? Thanks for you imput. For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 2, 2004 I too am a single parent raising a vegetarian child on a budget. I've always been a believer in being a tightwad vegetarian; it isn't necessary to make it cost more not to eat meat. Dried beans, grains, brown rice, and other ingredients can cost much less than the meats they substitute for, and less than meat substitutes like frozen garden burgers. It takes a little extra effort to make garden burgers from scratch, but you can make them the way you like and know for certain what's in them. Soy milk costs about the same now as cow milk at Walmart. If your reasons for being vegetarian or vegan include ethical considerations, you may want to spend more on animal free shampoo or soap. It isn't possible to live life 100% free of the death of any animal; somewhere you draw a line where you feel comfortable and where you can afford it. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 You will certainly find it less expensive in the long run to eat fruits and vegetables. Stay away from pre packaged foods. They are costly and full of chemicals. As you add more produce to your life and eliminate meat your vibiration will become higher and you will earn or money. Love Lynda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 another way to eat vegan for less is to join a food buying co-op. We did this last year and it has saved us tons. We use Silk and it is a $1 cheaper per half gallon through the co-op. I LOVE Nature's Path Pumpkin and flax seed granola cereal, at the grocery store, it is $3.99 a box, I got it for under $2 a box through our co-op, there are tons of other things that we get much cheaper as well. Sara - " Dick Ford " <dickford Tuesday, March 02, 2004 6:54 PM Re: low income > I too am a single parent raising a vegetarian child on a budget. I've > always been a believer in being a tightwad vegetarian; it isn't > necessary to make it cost more not to eat meat. Dried beans, grains, > brown rice, and other ingredients can cost much less than the meats they > substitute for, and less than meat substitutes like frozen garden > burgers. It takes a little extra effort to make garden burgers from > scratch, but you can make them the way you like and know for certain > what's in them. Soy milk costs about the same now as cow milk at > Walmart. If your reasons for being vegetarian or vegan include ethical > considerations, you may want to spend more on animal free shampoo or > soap. It isn't possible to live life 100% free of the death of any > animal; somewhere you draw a line where you feel comfortable and where > you can afford it. > > -- > Be kind. Be of good cheer. > Dick Ford > > > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 Check out the Cheap Vegan website and zine for tons of cheap/practical vegan food and lifestyle tips. Some of her (Stephanie Scarborough) info is on the vegetarian baby and child website as well. cheapvegan.cjb.net The recipes she gives are easy and tasty too! Katie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 Have a look at this article from the Vegetarian Journal: " The Frugal Vegetarian " . I thought it was helpful. Barbara ===== ____________ NOTICE: I now delete my " bulk mail " folder in its entirety. If you have sent me an email as part of a group mailing, please be advised it may have been deleted. Search - Find what you’re looking for faster http://search. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 I forgot to include the URL for " The Frugal Vegetarian " : http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj97jul/977frug.htm Barbara ===== ____________ NOTICE: I now delete my " bulk mail " folder in its entirety. If you have sent me an email as part of a group mailing, please be advised it may have been deleted. Search - Find what you’re looking for faster http://search. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 > " veggieks2000 " <fiona25 > low income > > I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to > live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most > vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than > mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a > balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate > from my life? Thanks for you imput. ::::sigh:::: sometimes it sucks, doesn't it? I was making 8.50 when I went back into the workforce, and even though my mom paid my rent, I couldn't make ends meet. I make a comfortable wage now, but I still need help with some aspects and my son and I certainly don't live very cushy lives. Are you on any sort of state aid? If not, you should be elligible for something, maybe just enough in food stamps to help you be as close to veg*n as you can manage. Foodstamps can be spent at health food stores. Remember, it is still valuable to be partly vegetarian, you'll still be healthier and more animals will still be living. As for which items are most important to give up, it's hard to say - all aspects of each animal-based industry are terrible. Life is hard enough - give up what's easy to give up, and don't beat yourself up about the rest. when you're more financially stable you'll be able to make up for it, and you're still doing more than 90% of the population. There's a company called mambo sprouts that puts out health-food-related coupon books www.mambosprouts.com . Also, for your preferred companies, check their websites for coupons, or do what I did for awhile, send out a letter saying that you wish you could try their products but you're on a limited income - don't ask for coupons, just let them know that you wish you could support them. They're very generous with coupons when you say you want to buy their stuff! Try to eat as much produce, beans, and rice as possible, because they're very cheap. If you have a health food store nearby, they probably sell things in bulk - that's usually cheaper. Also, roadside produce stands are sometimes cheaper than grocery stores - but not always! Where do you live, may I ask? Then maybe I can give a couple other ideas. Good luck, ~Doh ----------- " Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. " ~Anonymous Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? I would suggest finding a food coop in your area and by volunteering you can get a discount. Look at buying as much produce as you can. Dried beans and grains and sea vegetables are very reasonable. It's tough to pick which animal products are most important to eliminate. I am a vegan for ethical reasons as well as for health and environment. So, it depends on how you are looking to adjust things. If dried beans are too much trouble, canned beans are easier and certainly very reasonable. The produce would be the most costly. Do you best to avoid packaged foods that are not pure. Peace, Laura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 3, 2004 Do you have any room/time to grow any of your own veggies? Even a container garden on a balcony can provide you with a decent amount of vegetables and will save you money and doesnt really take that much time to maintain. Plus, what a great educational experience for your son as he gets a little older. > veggieks2000 <fiona25@z...> wrote: > I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to > live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most > vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than > mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a > balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate > from my life? Thanks for you imput. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 4, 2004 as others have said fruits and veggies in season are not too expensive. grains and beans in bulk are really cheap. i buy a lot of produce when it is on sale and freeze it for when it is not in season. as well i have cut in many other areas of my life so i can afford the best produce. we use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, reusable menstral products, baking soda or plain water for most cleaning, consignment store clothes for my little one (23 months), i make my own bread, soy yogurt, soy ice cream ect... i also stay away from processed foods (which tend to be more expensive) with the exception of a frozen soy cheese pizza in the freezer for emergencies and prepackaged things. it takes more work to organize our meals but it is worth it in the end. our grocery bill is less now with 3 adults and a child then when i was living with one other adult as a mainstream carnevour good luck tara - veggieks2000 Monday, March 01, 2004 2:06 PM low income I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? Thanks for you imput. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 4, 2004 Tara, I have found that eating fruits and veggies are more expensive than eating a meat diet. It seems the recipe books I have call for some pretty exotic things, either that or a lot of things. Of course, I am still in the books, now because I don't have the experience, in both cooking, and cooking w/o meat, to make my own recipes. Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day cook. I don't need cookbooks for a novice, but it would be nice to not have to make gourmet meals every day. I am spending about $200/week on groceries, where I used to spend about $90/week, eating meat. Also, when you freeze the fruits and veggies, about how long do they last? Do you put any kind of perservatives in them to help them last longer? I have thought about this, but just didn't ever know if it would work with fresh produce. (Obviously, not experienced in the kitchen). We aren't on a tight budget, but it seems that since we changed our diets, our budget has become tighter. So I would appreciate any advice on this. Thanks, Melanie tara <tara wrote: as others have said fruits and veggies in season are not too expensive. grains and beans in bulk are really cheap. i buy a lot of produce when it is on sale and freeze it for when it is not in season. as well i have cut in many other areas of my life so i can afford the best produce. we use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, reusable menstral products, baking soda or plain water for most cleaning, consignment store clothes for my little one (23 months), i make my own bread, soy yogurt, soy ice cream ect... i also stay away from processed foods (which tend to be more expensive) with the exception of a frozen soy cheese pizza in the freezer for emergencies and prepackaged things. it takes more work to organize our meals but it is worth it in the end. our grocery bill is less now with 3 adults and a child then when i was living with one other adult as a mainstream carnevour good luck tara - veggieks2000 Monday, March 01, 2004 2:06 PM low income I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? Thanks for you imput. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 4, 2004 A simple way to decide what animal products not to eat would be not to eat any animals that have flesh. Avoid all dead flesh Be Blessed , Lynda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 5, 2004 The Peaceful Palate is a great book. You can find this book at amazon.com if you cannot find it locally. --Tracy > Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day > cook. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 5, 2004 I really like Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes, it has some basic recipes that don't call for anything too exotic, it is my favorite cookbook. Sara - " melanie casto " <melaniekcasto Thursday, March 04, 2004 11:29 AM Re: low income Tara, I have found that eating fruits and veggies are more expensive than eating a meat diet. It seems the recipe books I have call for some pretty exotic things, either that or a lot of things. Of course, I am still in the books, now because I don't have the experience, in both cooking, and cooking w/o meat, to make my own recipes. Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day cook. I don't need cookbooks for a novice, but it would be nice to not have to make gourmet meals every day. I am spending about $200/week on groceries, where I used to spend about $90/week, eating meat. Also, when you freeze the fruits and veggies, about how long do they last? Do you put any kind of perservatives in them to help them last longer? I have thought about this, but just didn't ever know if it would work with fresh produce. (Obviously, not experienced in the kitchen). We aren't on a tight budget, but it seems that since we changed our diets, our budget has become tighter. So I would appreciate any advice on this. Thanks, Melanie tara <tara wrote: as others have said fruits and veggies in season are not too expensive. grains and beans in bulk are really cheap. i buy a lot of produce when it is on sale and freeze it for when it is not in season. as well i have cut in many other areas of my life so i can afford the best produce. we use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, reusable menstral products, baking soda or plain water for most cleaning, consignment store clothes for my little one (23 months), i make my own bread, soy yogurt, soy ice cream ect... i also stay away from processed foods (which tend to be more expensive) with the exception of a frozen soy cheese pizza in the freezer for emergencies and prepackaged things. it takes more work to organize our meals but it is worth it in the end. our grocery bill is less now with 3 adults and a child then when i was living with one other adult as a mainstream carnevour good luck tara - veggieks2000 Monday, March 01, 2004 2:06 PM low income I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate from my life? Thanks for you imput. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 5, 2004 Re: freezing fruit & veggies: I'd say they last at least up to a year and maybe longer if they don't getf freezer burn. (When freezing the food make sure you get all the air out of the bag. My husband uses a little straw to suck the air out of a little edge and then quickly seals it tight. It drives him crazy when I don't do this Apparantly freezer burn is from the moisture in the air condensing & forming ice on the veggies/fruit when it freezes. Certainly our veggies dont' get freezer burn when he uses this technique. Also, frozen veggies retain most of their vitamins & minerals. The longer you leave the veggies or the more you process them the less nutrients they will retain. So freezing them is a great way to preserve garden fresh nutrition for the winter months. Another hint for lowering your costs is to buy dried beans (soak them overnight & cook them the next day in a crock pot if you have to go to work or make a whole bunch on the weekend - they need to cook for about 3 hours). You can then freeze them in bags to last a long time or use them within the next week through refrigeration. These cost much less than store bought canned beans and taste better too. I buy large quantities of rice, flour, oats, quinoa etc. and get the cost savings by buying bulk. Sometimes I go in on case lot sales with a friend and split the bag or case to cut costs. RE: Cookbooks - A really basic, non-gourmet cookbook is: Simply Vegan " Quick Vegetarian Meals " by Debra Wasserman ISBN0-931411-05-X another one that is pretty good is " Cooking Vegetarian " by Vesanto Melina & Josesph Forest and of course the Bible is The Moosewood Cookbook (has a variety - some basic, some more complex...I often use the basic idea and change it depending on what greens or veggies I have.) melanie casto wrote: > >Tara, > >I have found that eating fruits and veggies are more expensive than eating a meat diet. It seems the recipe books I have call for some pretty exotic things, either that or a lot of things. Of course, I am still in the books, now because I don't have the experience, in both cooking, and cooking w/o meat, to make my own recipes. Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day cook. I don't need cookbooks for a novice, but it would be nice to not have to make gourmet meals every day. I am spending about $200/week on groceries, where I used to spend about $90/week, eating meat. > >Also, when you freeze the fruits and veggies, about how long do they last? Do you put any kind of perservatives in them to help them last longer? I have thought about this, but just didn't ever know if it would work with fresh produce. (Obviously, not experienced in the kitchen). > >We aren't on a tight budget, but it seems that since we changed our diets, our budget has become tighter. So I would appreciate any advice on this. > >Thanks, > >Melanie > > > >tara <tara wrote: as others have said fruits and veggies in season are not too expensive. grains and beans in bulk are really cheap. i buy a lot of produce when it is on sale and freeze it for when it is not in season. as well i have cut in many other areas of my life so i can afford the best produce. we use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, reusable menstral products, baking soda or plain water for most cleaning, consignment store clothes for my little one (23 months), i make my own bread, soy yogurt, soy ice cream ect... i also stay away from processed foods (which tend to be more expensive) with the exception of a frozen soy cheese pizza in the freezer for emergencies and prepackaged things. it takes more work to organize our meals but it is worth it in the end. our grocery bill is less now with 3 adults and a child then when i was living with one other adult as a mainstream carnevour > >good luck > >tara > - > veggieks2000 > > Monday, March 01, 2004 2:06 PM > low income > > > I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to > live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most > vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than > mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a > balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate > from my life? Thanks for you imput. > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 5, 2004 Hi Melanie, We feed a family of 6 for about $500/month. I'm betting if you're spending 200 a week you're probably buying more convenience type foods. No judgement, just a guess based on my own experiences when I first went veg. Everything seemed so bloody expensive. Looking back I bought a lot of " mixes " and frozen things (vegie burgers, waffles, soy pizzas) that I now make from scratch. Making from scratch always sounds like so much work but with a little planning and the whole family pitching in its a breeze and nutritionally far superior. As far as cookbooks Peta's are great (the celebrity one is ok but the other two are fabulous) check out the Cheap Vegan zine (she's an awesome resource). If you give me some idea what you like and what you've been buying maybe I can give some suggestions. Its a learning experience and if you must know some of my early veg attempts were putrid! Peace, Katie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 7, 2004 that seems really high for a grocery bill. ours averages around $100 a week, but most weeks it is under $50. (once a month we get our rice dream in bulk, as well as a costco trip so that week is pricey). i would reccomend joining a recipe group, there are several good vegetarian and vegan ones (i can recommend the ones i like if you want), several of them don't require postings which really helps as one is learning. i tend to either avoid the recipes that have exotic things or substitute for something i have, it doesn't always turn out but most of the times it does. i meal plan on the weekend and get all my groceries for the week at one time. if you tell me the sorts of things you like eating i would be more then happy to email you recipes off list that we have tried and like. we do lots of big batch things like soups, chilis, pasta sauces, stews ect... and once or twice a week i like to do more exotic cooking for the fun of it. for freezing veggies i blanch them (put them in boiling water for about 2 minutes and then quickly into cold water to stop the cooking process), for veggies (usually berries) i freeze them on a cookie sheet, single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. i have no idea how long they last, i usually get through them all by the summer. tara - " melanie casto " <melaniekcasto Thursday, March 04, 2004 11:29 AM Re: low income Tara, I have found that eating fruits and veggies are more expensive than eating a meat diet. It seems the recipe books I have call for some pretty exotic things, either that or a lot of things. Of course, I am still in the books, now because I don't have the experience, in both cooking, and cooking w/o meat, to make my own recipes. Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day cook. I don't need cookbooks for a novice, but it would be nice to not have to make gourmet meals every day. I am spending about $200/week on groceries, where I used to spend about $90/week, eating meat. Also, when you freeze the fruits and veggies, about how long do they last? Do you put any kind of perservatives in them to help them last longer? I have thought about this, but just didn't ever know if it would work with fresh produce. (Obviously, not experienced in the kitchen). We aren't on a tight budget, but it seems that since we changed our diets, our budget has become tighter. So I would appreciate any advice on this. Thanks, Melanie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 8, 2004 Under $50 / week? WOW!!! How many people in your family? I feel very lucky if I can feed our famly of 5 for under $125/week. Dh does NEED his boca burgers and Cliff Bars, though... I would be interested in checking out some of your recipes! Angela tara <tara wrote: that seems really high for a grocery bill. ours averages around $100 a week, but most weeks it is under $50. (once a month we get our rice dream in bulk, as well as a costco trip so that week is pricey). i would reccomend joining a recipe group, there are several good vegetarian and vegan ones (i can recommend the ones i like if you want), several of them don't require postings which really helps as one is learning. i tend to either avoid the recipes that have exotic things or substitute for something i have, it doesn't always turn out but most of the times it does. i meal plan on the weekend and get all my groceries for the week at one time. if you tell me the sorts of things you like eating i would be more then happy to email you recipes off list that we have tried and like. we do lots of big batch things like soups, chilis, pasta sauces, stews ect... and once or twice a week i like to do more exotic cooking for the fun of it. for freezing veggies i blanch them (put them in boiling water for about 2 minutes and then quickly into cold water to stop the cooking process), for veggies (usually berries) i freeze them on a cookie sheet, single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. i have no idea how long they last, i usually get through them all by the summer. tara Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 8, 2004 Thanks Tara. All of that sounds great! I am always looking for new recipes, so a group would be a good thing. We like everything around here, soups, stews, casseroles, stirfies. We are not too picky. I think what costs so much, after looking at what I normally buy, is the cooks books I have, aren't really vegan, but have vegan execerpts in them. They call for a lot of the frozen, processed foods. On occassion, that is fine, but all the time, I can't see how that does anyone any good. Melanie tara <tara wrote: that seems really high for a grocery bill. ours averages around $100 a week, but most weeks it is under $50. (once a month we get our rice dream in bulk, as well as a costco trip so that week is pricey). i would reccomend joining a recipe group, there are several good vegetarian and vegan ones (i can recommend the ones i like if you want), several of them don't require postings which really helps as one is learning. i tend to either avoid the recipes that have exotic things or substitute for something i have, it doesn't always turn out but most of the times it does. i meal plan on the weekend and get all my groceries for the week at one time. if you tell me the sorts of things you like eating i would be more then happy to email you recipes off list that we have tried and like. we do lots of big batch things like soups, chilis, pasta sauces, stews ect... and once or twice a week i like to do more exotic cooking for the fun of it. for freezing veggies i blanch them (put them in boiling water for about 2 minutes and then quickly into cold water to stop the cooking process), for veggies (usually berries) i freeze them on a cookie sheet, single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. i have no idea how long they last, i usually get through them all by the summer. tara Search - Find what you’re looking for faster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 8, 2004 Katie, Yes, we do buy a lot of the convience foods, and mixes. Like I said, I am somewhat of a novice cook, but making from scratch doesn't scare me, I just have to have a recipe. I am sure there are some that can understand that. But produce is quite expensive too. Maybe it is the time of year, though. We just moved to a new area, so I was quite surprised at the prices of produce. I have found a co-op, where I can buy things in bulk, but so far, I haven't gone to that store enough to not get overwhelmed. It is quite a large co-op, and lots of stuff packed in it. We are only a family of three, but my daughter is still only 20 months. There are a lot of things she doesn't like, so I usually get her something she will like. I have found that the hardest thing with this type cooking, is finding things she will eat. I haven't found a good cookbook for kids her age. She does like fruit and veggies raw though, like carrots, and other things. As for my husband and I we like just about everything. Burgers, stirfries, soups, stews, salads, etc. Thanks, Melanie Katie Mangan <kmangan wrote: Hi Melanie, We feed a family of 6 for about $500/month. I'm betting if you're spending 200 a week you're probably buying more convenience type foods. No judgement, just a guess based on my own experiences when I first went veg. Everything seemed so bloody expensive. Looking back I bought a lot of " mixes " and frozen things (vegie burgers, waffles, soy pizzas) that I now make from scratch. Making from scratch always sounds like so much work but with a little planning and the whole family pitching in its a breeze and nutritionally far superior. As far as cookbooks Peta's are great (the celebrity one is ok but the other two are fabulous) check out the Cheap Vegan zine (she's an awesome resource). If you give me some idea what you like and what you've been buying maybe I can give some suggestions. Its a learning experience and if you must know some of my early veg attempts were putrid! Peace, Katie For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 8, 2004 Thanks Melanie! I had been thinking about freezing veggies and fruits, but didn't know how to go about it, for sure. Melanie Melanie Mobbs <mmobbs wrote: Re: freezing fruit & veggies: I'd say they last at least up to a year and maybe longer if they don't getf freezer burn. (When freezing the food make sure you get all the air out of the bag. My husband uses a little straw to suck the air out of a little edge and then quickly seals it tight. It drives him crazy when I don't do this Apparantly freezer burn is from the moisture in the air condensing & forming ice on the veggies/fruit when it freezes. Certainly our veggies dont' get freezer burn when he uses this technique. Also, frozen veggies retain most of their vitamins & minerals. The longer you leave the veggies or the more you process them the less nutrients they will retain. So freezing them is a great way to preserve garden fresh nutrition for the winter months. Another hint for lowering your costs is to buy dried beans (soak them overnight & cook them the next day in a crock pot if you have to go to work or make a whole bunch on the weekend - they need to cook for about 3 hours). You can then freeze them in bags to last a long time or use them within the next week through refrigeration. These cost much less than store bought canned beans and taste better too. I buy large quantities of rice, flour, oats, quinoa etc. and get the cost savings by buying bulk. Sometimes I go in on case lot sales with a friend and split the bag or case to cut costs. RE: Cookbooks - A really basic, non-gourmet cookbook is: Simply Vegan " Quick Vegetarian Meals " by Debra Wasserman ISBN0-931411-05-X another one that is pretty good is " Cooking Vegetarian " by Vesanto Melina & Josesph Forest and of course the Bible is The Moosewood Cookbook (has a variety - some basic, some more complex...I often use the basic idea and change it depending on what greens or veggies I have.) melanie casto wrote: > >Tara, > >I have found that eating fruits and veggies are more expensive than eating a meat diet. It seems the recipe books I have call for some pretty exotic things, either that or a lot of things. Of course, I am still in the books, now because I don't have the experience, in both cooking, and cooking w/o meat, to make my own recipes. Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day cook. I don't need cookbooks for a novice, but it would be nice to not have to make gourmet meals every day. I am spending about $200/week on groceries, where I used to spend about $90/week, eating meat. > >Also, when you freeze the fruits and veggies, about how long do they last? Do you put any kind of perservatives in them to help them last longer? I have thought about this, but just didn't ever know if it would work with fresh produce. (Obviously, not experienced in the kitchen). > >We aren't on a tight budget, but it seems that since we changed our diets, our budget has become tighter. So I would appreciate any advice on this. > >Thanks, > >Melanie > > > >tara wrote: as others have said fruits and veggies in season are not too expensive. grains and beans in bulk are really cheap. i buy a lot of produce when it is on sale and freeze it for when it is not in season. as well i have cut in many other areas of my life so i can afford the best produce. we use cloth diapers, cloth napkins, reusable menstral products, baking soda or plain water for most cleaning, consignment store clothes for my little one (23 months), i make my own bread, soy yogurt, soy ice cream ect... i also stay away from processed foods (which tend to be more expensive) with the exception of a frozen soy cheese pizza in the freezer for emergencies and prepackaged things. it takes more work to organize our meals but it is worth it in the end. our grocery bill is less now with 3 adults and a child then when i was living with one other adult as a mainstream carnevour > >good luck > >tara > - > veggieks2000 > > Monday, March 01, 2004 2:06 PM > low income > > > I am a single mother raising a 1 year old son. My ideal goal is to > live a vegan lifestyle. I am having a hard time doing this as most > vegan products (food & household) are far more expensive than > mainstream products, and I only make $8/hr. How do I find a > balance? What animal products are the most important to eliminate > from my life? Thanks for you imput. > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted March 8, 2004 Thank you Tracy. I will look for it. Melanie tracyinfo wrote: The Peaceful Palate is a great book. You can find this book at amazon.com if you cannot find it locally. --Tracy > Perhaps you, and others, can recommend cookbooks that are for the every day > cook. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
