Hey all! I have a bit on an unusual situation where my mental health effects my eating, and am trying to optimize caring for it with caring for my wallet.I find myself struggling with cooking due to anxiety from an ED; I rely on a lot of packaged food to feel safe eating, due to knowing the calorie content within. I also don't feel comfortable eating around the people I live with as they make comments.I have a tendency though to avoid buying quick meals (think instant rice + precooked chicken, or a can of Amy's soup or Mac n' cheese) because of an old habit that I have to buy the cheapest groceries possible. However I feel like this results in me getting food while out and about way more often these days than I used to; sometimes I just get so hungry I get stomach cramps and sick, sometimes my blood sugar starts to crash. Despite the cost of prepared products like the above and protein supplements being more expensive, I would think it would still be less expensive than takeouts. I know this isn't the traditional idea of frugal, but would this still realistically be a way to cut costs while I work on my anxieties?
Is there a way to utilize prepackaged foods to keep costs down?
byu/Own_Average_5940 inFrugal
Posted by Own_Average_5940
7 Comments
Tuna fish. If you go to the tuna fish section in a well stocked supermarket, there are serving sized cans with veggies, rice or other things. It’s kinda like unrefrigerated lunchables. Add some crackers/bread it’s a meal.
I’m on a low fun medical diet, so I’ll pack these when traveling so that I don’t end up eating things not on the diet.
Maybe some fresh fruit as well.
What about things like tinned chick peas? I drain, rinse them and mix in a little salad dressing. They are a good protein source.
What about canned protein drinks (Nurri) or protein powder that you can mix with milk.
Can you eat protein bars? They are easy to carry around with you to knock back hunger while you are out and about.
Buy some canned protein soup by Progresso. Choose a couple different kinds that sound good to you. Yes, more expensive, but the protein is worth the extra dollar, so DO NOT STRESS! Buy one bag of lentils, one can of black beans or kidney beans, and one bag frozen corn. Maybe a can of garbanzo beans.
Choose your can of soup, and add a can of rinsed beans that seems like it would “match”.
Heat it up and enjoy. Macros super easy!
I also add spicy V8, about 1/4 cup. You can freeze in smaller amounts in a regular ziploc so you have it around. A can of diced tomatoes (spicy, fire roasted, or not spicy) acts the same way. just adds a little extra.
Fit the corn in where it seems appropriate.
Cook the lentils according to package directions and ziploc in smaller batches, then freeze those, too.
Microwave the frozen stuff to add to the soup.
If you have it ready to go in the freezer, then it‘s meal prepped. If you have depression, you run the risk of meal prepping, but not feeling “like it” for a week and all that work and food and money is in the trash. The freezer is better for you. All of this does not take up much space in the freezer.
Adding frozen vegetable bags you throw in the microwave might be a good idea for you. Balanced meals you can cook in the microwave and store in a container in the fridge, like bags of microwave rice, frozen vegetables, canned beans, lentils, kielbasa and other prepared meats.
I have too much experience trying to feed myself as little as possible, and my goal is to have my meals as nutritious as possible within the limited range of foods I’m willing to cook and eat.
You really need to do your body and mind a favor and learn to eat healthily.. wow it makes me so sad to see a human eat like this. Dystopian
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: frugality is thoughtful management of your resources, including but not limited to money. You can also be frugal with your time and energy. Generally, you are correct that even pre-packaged food is cheaper than takeout or restaurants.
Think of this as well: you and your health are worth time and money to take care of. Even if you live in a civilized country with socialized health care (unlike my USA), it’s cheaper to take care of yourself, including feeding yourself. FED IS BEST!
I too have to supplement with some prepared foods and I find it’s cheaper than takeout so it’s a win. There is nothing wrong here, do better when you can and take the rest when you need. It’s about balance.
I keep prepared meal pouches like Tasty Bites and the Earthly Grown varieties from Aldi. Pair with a side of rice or frozen veggies and you’re well fed for little effort and a few dollars.
Have you tried using Souper Cubes or similar? You can freeze manageable portions of leftovers. I recently thawed out a cube each of pumpkin curry and quinoa that I prepared last month.