Does your family eat real food with every meal or are boxed mixes and meals a regular part of your meal table? If you’re spending money on boxed convenience items, you’re not only wasting money, but you’re also probably not feeling the best. Real food, such as fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs and fresh meat on the other hand not only tastes much better, but saves you money over time. Can eating real food save money? yes!
Can Real Food Save Money?
To start, let’s look at the actual savings. A bag of flour, frozen veggies, chicken, soup and some cheese can create around 4 meals alone. You’ll spend around $2.50 for flour, $5 for the chicken, $2 for the vegetables, $1.00 for the soup and $2.50 for the cheese. For just over $10.00 you’ll cook 4 meals meaning that you’ll be paying around $3.25 for one meal.
Catch that word? MEAL. Not per serving.
For a boxed mix, you’ll spend $2.00 on the mix, $3.00 on the hamburger and get one meal. That’s $5.00 for one meal. $1.75 extra per meal might not seem like a huge amount of money, but over time…it is. That equals out to $12.25 per week, $49.00 per month and $588.00 per year. What would you use it on if you had an extra $588 per year?
If that doesn’t convince you to cook real food, maybe this will:
Boxed meals are packed with chemicals and sodium. Most of them are VERY high in sodium…so high in fact that they can do damage to your body. When you’re not feeling well, you have high bills for medicine and doctors’ visits. Eating real food not only makes you feel better, but it actually keeps you healthier. Lower medical bills will save you money time and time again.
If you’re looking to cut your food bill, consider making the change and eliminating any processed foods in your home. By doing so, you not only save money, but you will feel better, your family will feel better and your wallet and home will be a calmer, happier place.
You can’t always eat real food, it’s hard, I know. I strive to cook at home as much as possible, but there is always room for exceptions.
To help you out, here are a few of my favorite real food recipes:
One Skillet Pork Chops and Orange Vegetables
Meatballs and Gravy over Riced Veggies
Queso con Carne without Velveeta!
and for a great substitute in many casseroles:
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup