Yes, I am still trying to cut the fake food habit, back on Instant Breakfast!
Many times now I have had to stop the cashier at the grocery store and say, um, that is too expensive. I don’t want it anymore.
I used to feel really embarrassed doing this but now I feel like I am making a public statement. I do try to avoid it as much as possible by figuring out how much food is ahead of time and making my call BEFORE I get to the cash but sometimes you can not help it.
My scallops in this cart for example weighed only a 1/4 lb. The prices in the store are for kilograms. It has been a long time since I have a clear-enough head (thanks fibro) to figure out that math so I just asked for 1/4 lb and that little handful of scallops cost me over $6! I don’t even like scallops that much but I was so shocked I just took them from my fishmonger and said thanks.
Well when I got to the cashier and found out that the tiny little bag of snowpeas were $4 I said, no way. That is insane. This one little meal was costing me way more than going to a restaurant!
Later on in the week I found out that asparagus was on sale, just $1.99 a pound. When it went through the cash it showed up in kilograms so I could not figure out if I was being charged the sale price or regular price. One little bunch of asparagus was almost $6 and I did not care if that was the sale price or not. I was not spending that much money.
I just calmly told the cashier that it was too expensive so I did not want it at that price.
The other day my favourite cashier quietly said to me, “Three bags of food for $90.” I sighed. I know, sick.
To prevent that from happening again, I’m just saying no. No more. I will figure something else out, thanks.
Have you had to say no to something? What food items have you had to put back? Are you saying no?
As strange as this sounds, I will say no, to TV and cable bills, No to the outrageous cost of movies in the theatre , No to 75$ for a pair of shoes, but food? if it’s “REAL” food, things that when I read the ingredient list it’s less than 5 things and I actually know what I am reading, I will pay more for it. Your asparagus and scallions? I would have bought, But a loaf of bread? that has high fructose corn syrup and a host of preservatives I can’t pronounce? NO thanks! There is a Movie called “food inc.” and a book called in defense of food, it might give you another perspective on your food bill.
Thanks Suzie!
I have had to put back things to keep on a budget with using cash only. Sometimes it’s embarassing but usually I don’t care. I won’t pay too much for produce either especially if I know I can get it half price at the farm on the way home. I just don’t want to pay Chile money or the company rather!
I agree, Suzie. It is hard to do the math right there in the store … and I do not have fibro! (It’s hard at farmers’ markets too, but at least the money is going to support the growers iof the food.) To top it off, I just deeply dislike grocery shopping! If I have time, I make use of the scale in the produce department. Otherwise I make a list of my staples, try to keep a pantry stocked with basic ingredients, buy in bulk, minimize processed food — you know, all of those housewifely things. I appreciate your food activism: “This costs too much. I don’t want it.”
“The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved” by Sandor Katz is another good food activism book.
Trying to do $ or weight conversions would be hard on me, too!
Years ago, we shopped at a great food co-op, & stocked shelves weekly to get the 10% discount. I could keep a running ‘guestimate’ in my head, & come in within a doller of what I ‘intended’ to spend (say $29.25 when I was thinking ‘About $30.) . . .
I’m not quite so acurate these days, but as Sorrow said, I tend to buy ‘real food’ & in season/local & some staples (brown rice, quinoa, rolled oats, coconut & olive oil, vinegar) that come from afar.
For the farmer’s Mkt, I pack cash, & when it’s gone, . . . I usually intend a certain amount – may write a check if I decide to buy something I haven’t planned (local honey, the last of in season fruit)
My dau & I also love the little ‘grocery outlet’ that gets odd shipments from various places, charge < 1/2 ‘normal retail’ for many things.
They sell lots of Organics, & I got 6 or 8 pint jars of coconut oil one time – you just have to see what’s there! I sometimes get exotic cheeses, try to remember to look for my favorite kalamata olives (~ 1/3 what I’d pay at another store) etc.
I also say ‘no’ to commercial TV, new clothes (love ‘thrifting’ 🙂 etc.
I do that sometimes and don’t feel embarrassed by it. It’s mostly towards junk food anyway so it’s probably better that I resist buying it!
I wouldn’t feel ambarrassed. Groceries are crazy expensive!
I’ve put plenty of things back.
Have you checked Amazon for the book?
Kim, do you mean the book the Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved? If so, I don’t think I can handle learning more about the food industry. The more I have learned the more frightened I get of eating other people’s food! I’m sure it’s good though. Sadly my library doesn’t have it. 🙁
my M.E brain is the same! so when we go shopping i have swampy se his mobile as a calculator and we add up as we go along!
Say “No” to any food out of season, to save heaps,no matter what the recipe says!Say “No” to supermarkets and go very local, use Farmers’ Markets or start one,develop your relationships with real food producers,grow your own even if it’s in polyboxes, make sure you only eat real food produced by real people with real ingredients preferable ones you can talk to about their products.Some items may sound more expensive but in the long run will be cheaper because they’ll be more satisfying and you’ll need less.
Say “No” to excessive power use,water wastage and fuel use.Downsize and simplify, it may take a tiny bit more time but you’ll be healthier,happier and sleep at night.
PS don’t forget to join or start your local LETS group, a barter system where you can trade fruit,vegetables, other food for $B amongst other items,skills and goods.Just put LETS into your search and heaps of info will come up for you.