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Healthy living has been interesting and important to me for a long time. In fact, I remember my parents wrapping a Christmas gift in a box which had previously contained brown rice. It was then put into my Christmas stocking. Upon seeing the box, I shrieked with glee, "Brown rice, Yay!" I think they were a little dumfounded - I can’t remember what was inside the box, but I’m sure they wished they had just bought me some brown rice (It would have been cheaper!)
One of my favorite new blogs is, High Desert Home. I find myself checking it daily! Susan always writes about topics that are of great interest to me: Food, Family, Domesticity, Children, Books... (Don’t you love reading blogs like that?)
Today she shared a little about eating well on a budget. My comment was getting way too long so I am sharing some other thoughts here. Be sure to visit Susan and read what she had to say on the subject (click here to read the post).
One of my greatest frustrations is wanting to feed my family well and not being able to do so. Thankfully, they are well fed for the most part. I’d just really like to improve the quality of some ingredients.
A few weeks ago I watched a program on our local channel, it showcased the vendors at the Farmers Market. I really enjoyed getting to know the families and their growing practices through the show. The next morning, filled with zeal and a great desire to buy locally and support the farmers, I headed out to the market. Upon arriving my heart sank quickly. I guess I just was not prepared. I had no idea that a dozen eggs would cost $4.50! It was too early in the season for much produce, so I left with my eggs and nothing else. The sad part was that the eggs were gone in a day or two (I did some baking and make scrambled eggs for breakfast.)
That sounds a little more depressing than I had hoped...but time is short right now so I can’t think of a better way to say it 
I do think it is important to support local farmers and local businesses and plan to do so. I'm working on it.
Anyway, here is the deal: I want to feed my family the best food possible. Sometimes what is possible is not what I would hope for. But I need to do my best with what I have and be grateful for it. In comparison to much of the world we are rich! We have much to be happy about! We are not starving and we have more than just a roof over our heads.
Often times my reading gets me into trouble. I read and read about what is the best food to eat (which can be very confusing because there are so many conflicting ideas out there). Then go out to buy those things and am shocked by the price. Perhaps I wouldn’t be if I were not comparing it to Wal-mart prices.
Right now I am trying to find a way to increase our grocery budget. I know this sounds a little strange since it is usually the one place we can scrimp a little. The thing is, if I scrimp too much, I feel awful about what I am feeding my family! And end up feeling awful myself - from not eating well.
Some ways I am trying to make the most of our money is to make food from scratch. I can only imagine how much we would spend on bread if I bought it each week. I mean, if I bought GOOD bread each week. You can buy bread with little nutritional value for about a $1, but you can’t beat the fresh homemade stuff. ( I just learned how to make Ezekial Bread - It is delicious!)
I am also striving to waste very little. This can be difficult for me - sometimes I am forgetful! But, if we are going to spend our money on good food, then I want to use as much of it as possible. I guess this is where planning and creativity come in, things I need to practice.
I am so grateful for those who share their frugal, yet healthy, ideas online. They are easily accessible and very informative. Three I often enjoy are:
The Nourishing Gourmet
Keeper of the Home
Passionate Homemaking
Susan is going to write a post that discusses ways to eat on a budget without compromising quality and I am really looking forward to that.
I probably sound like a maniac...and maybe I am. When it comes to feeding my family my conscience seems to be very strong!
Please don’t misunderstand me, I know that all things need to be looked at with an eternal perspective. It is not good to be bogged down in worry, it is not good to go into debt buying healthy food. We all need to trust God and do our best (asking Him to help us).
I have a lot to learn about this - If I do learn anything, I’ll share it with you here!
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Posted by Anonymous 
