May Grocery Challenge

Mrs_Thrift

Well I suppose it's time I updated on the April and May Grocery Challenges!

Our usual budget is £220 for a four week month, and we had regularly been going over that! However, hubby had to go onto sick pay in the middle of April and as our grocery budget comes out of his wages we had to cut back as we went along. So our April budget ended up being £145 and we spent £186.40, which I'm actually quite proud of considering we were regularly going over the £220 mark before. And to be honest, we weren't trying that hard to keep the spending down at first as we were cheering ourselves up with food and drink treats - naughty I know!

For May, hubby will probably be on sick pay for the whole month so I've budgeted only £77 and I predict we will spend around £110 based on how well we did this first week (May started Mon 3rd for us) now that we're actually TRYING to keep costs down. I know it's over, but it's a heck of a lot lower than a couple of months ago and if we can keep it up when hubby's pay goes back to normal, we'll soon make up for it! ....hopefully!

calleyw

I spent £24.77 last night the only thing I could not get was some bread and frozen veg that I wanted.

That should last a fortnight and I should only need to get fresh fruit and veg. And some bread. So about another £6 this week. That is for two of us.

But I do have a lot of bits and pieces in the freezer like chicken breasts etc to make whole meals from it.

And I took my mum with me last night so did add a couple of extra bits in the trolley that where not on my list. Because we had the time to look around and take our time.

Also got a big piece of cheese for £2 well actually nothing as my mum would not let me pay as she bought from the market.

When I said I had no money on me she said that is ok you are always giving me things. Will have to try and slip her £2 some how

Yours

Calley

swizzlebabe

Was in my local Lidl this week and they have put in the chip and pin machines- but didn`t know no, let me sign.
Anyhow they are going to start taking credit cards once all the stores have chip and pin up and running.

Trying just to use cash from now on, but nice to know I can do a cheap shop on the credit card,if the cupboards are bare 2 days before payday.
Even if it`s a loaf of bread,milk and beans!!!!!!!!!!

Magentasue

My son has a Saturday job and he told me that shops are liable for any losses resulting from fraudulent signatures from 1st May. I think we'll be seeing them just about everywhere - our local Lidls got them this week and it was chaos. Nobody (apart from me ) knew their pin number and the cashiers were pressing the wrong keys.

HappySad

Hi Calleyw.

You said to eat little or no meat. Can anyone help what can you eat instead of meat to get your protein. I now that Tofu and Lentils are cheap and can give you the protein you need... but what else can you have.

crana999

Eggs, dairy products, soya products, Quorn (not that cheap), nuts, other pulses, beans etc. like chickpeas and kidney beans, coconut milk..

There is also some protein in fruit, veg, bread, rice etc. although they aren't that concentrated sources.

Magentasue

When son1 was a baby/toddler he refused meat and I did a lot of research about protein and iron needs. None of us have eaten meat for yearsnow and although I got very anaemic every time I got pregnant (even the first time when I was eating meat) none of us is anaemic as far as I know. I give blood and it's always fine, two of the kids had to have blood tests and their Hb levels were good too.

As for protein, my understanding was that we (in the west) are likely to have too much rather than too little. My kids only ever drink milk or water except mealtimes and holidays, they help themselves to cheese and eat yogurt. Only two eat eggs but they all eat cakes, yorkshire pudding and custard.

Our main meals are constructed around protein, stodge and vitamins. Cauliflower cheese has the lot! If we have stew (ratatouille type) I put a tin of canneloni (sp?) beans (drained and rinsed) in for protein and serve with rice or cheesy baked potatoes. A lot of our meals have cheese (quiche, pizza, gougere, homity pie).

Vegetable proteins are best mixed because they are incomplete so pulses aren't as good as meat but mixed with grains they are - beans on toast!

If there's anything wrong with our diet, I think it's too high in fat rather than lacking protein. But none of us are overweight and OH's cholesterol level was fine when it was checked. As someone here said, a perfect diet isn't possible. Even a near perfect one would be a struggle without a lot of hard work and self denial - life's too short!

I think it's more important to buy the best food you can afford and enjoy it.

spendaholic

Well, I'm surprised.

After years of spending between £65 and £100 per week on shopping, I went out today and spent (drum roll please): £42.44.

I've been using a list for a few months and adding to it as stuff runs out. But last night I sat and worked out a meal plan for the next 7 days, decided to use stuff in the freezer one night (don't want to empty it - false economy a half empty freezer) and stuff out of store cupboard another. Also realised I have 2 Birds trifles, 2 jellies, and 3 tins of fruit that will do for several puddings. (There are only 2 of us so one of these generally lasts for 2 days/servings.)

Then, instead of buying readymade fresh food and pre-packaged ready-to-steam veggies, I've bought stuff to make from scratch - gosh, that'll be a shock to they system as it's been so long! I also bought some Tesco red and blue label basic stuff and a bag of bread flour + yeast.

My husband still reckons we'll be chucking stuff out come Wednesday/Thursday, but at least it hasn't cost so much. I didn't think I could get it down to £25/£30 straight away, but it's a start.

squeaky

Yay!

It can be a bit of a culture shock this wise and thrifty shopping lark... but also a lot of fun too. It's just so nice these days to be able to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, a good find...

calleyw

HappySad wrote:

Hi Calleyw.

You said to eat little or no meat. Can anyone help what can you eat instead of meat to get your protein. I now that Tofu and Lentils are cheap and can give you the protein you need... but what else can you have.

Happy sad thank you for your concern.

I do eat quorn sausages about once week. Have quorn or chicken fillets for sunday lunch. Sometimes buy a pork joint.

I do eat tuna a couple of times a week. And try and have deli meat once a week in salad or a sandwich. Also use soya chunks instead of meat in spag bog.

I do have a feeling that I am anaemic but have been for years. Even when living at my parents and eating red meat.

So I think that I am doing ok.

Thanks again for your concern.


Yours

Calley