B.R. asks from Carrollton, TX on July 28, 2008
Mom on Budget but I Have Teens!
I went to the Reponse/Request for this subject, but a lot of the answers are from moms with young children. I'm on a budget, but I have a 16 year old son and a 13 year daughter and between the two of them,,,, I'm not sure who eats the most. We go through a lot of food in 2-3 days. I need help with large meals and planning them. Also, although my children are my #1 priority and nothing is more important to me than them, we don't have a lot of sit down dinner times and I feel very guilty. I would like to change this.
PS We don't eat out very much.
1 mom found this helpful
Featured Answers
S.F. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
My favorite recipe place is saving dinner.com. She has a ton of stuff. She also has an ebook for frugal dinners... I do her regular menu mailer and LOVE it.
http://www.savingdinner.com/products/ebook_fmm1.html
2 moms found this helpful
More Answers
B.P. answers from Abilene on July 28, 2008
Angel Food Ministries is a great suggestion on quality food for little $$$!
Also, brown a bunch of ground beaf or turkey, I just season mine with garlic, salt, and pepper when I do this, and freeze it in to meal-sized portions for spaghetti, tacos, homemade pizza, HB Helper, deluxe nachoes, burritoes, etc. This saves a lot of time! Even if you forget to thaw it, it takes 2 minutes to thaw in the pan while you are cooking other things (noodles, etc).
You could also grill or bake some chicken and do the same for Chicken Alfredo (noodles of your choice and jar sauce), Chicken Spaghetti (I have a fantastic recipie that makes a ton and freezes really well), etc.
If you kids are not already helping, make them! They will be out on their own soon and they need to know how to make some simple recipies. Plus, this will be a bonding experience for the 3 of you as well and will make up for not being able to sit down every night to dinner together.
I understand not being able to sit down and eat as a family. My hubby doens't ususally get in from work until well after dinner time, so I make sure what I cook tastes as good warmed up as it did fresh, which most of the above do.
Keep bagged salad on hand for a quick and healthy side. You can also use your ground meat for taco salad.
I'm a night owl, but I do a lot of my cook ahead type stuff at night. People say do it on the weekends, but I've never found that was best for me. When I worked (SAHM now), I would also get my crockpot meals together and stick them in the fridge the night before as well.
I also make all of our breakfast type stuff (my hubby and son like hot breakfasts) over the weekend. Last night I cooked a bag of biscuits, eggs, ham, and put it together with cheese, individually wrapped them and put them in the freezer. 30 seconds in the microwave and they are ready to go.
Good Luck! I know how difficult the adjustments to the economy have been for my family to make (1 kid). I can't imagine how it must be for you.
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3 moms found this helpful
M.C. answers from Wichita Falls on July 29, 2008
I, too, am a teacher and was a single parent for 11 years, while they were going through their teen years with no family in town. I am unsure about the meal planning, however I do encourage you to listen to the "little voice" that is telling you to have more family dinners. It is especially hard in the teen years as they are so busy. But try to do it at least several times per week. I think kids are more likely to talk at the dinner table. Good luck and God bless you.
3 moms found this helpful
J.H. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
I would check out hillbillyhousewife.com
There are tons of from scratch recipes that are good.
You might also look into Angel food Ministries
Good luck.
3 moms found this helpful
D.S. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
I have a 13 yr old dgt and 17 yr old son with a ton of friends that are here ALL THE TIME- So I feel your pain. I think with the ecomony the way it is- we try to go back to the basics- Grilled cheese and tomato soup-Mac and Cheese-
breakfast for dinner- eggs and bacon- They all fit within the nutritional guidelines.
I find that if I make a pot of sauce and do spaghetti one night - lasagna another- stuff shells the following wk- that pot of sauce gets me very far. Include them in the planning and the less complaints you will hear. Tacos- great idea and the leftovers make a great salad the next day- I marinade chix breast in ceasar dressing and grill them and pop it over the salad and my family just loves it and its really affordable. Actually - any leftover meat cna go over a sald- just reheat in butter.
We definitely cut back on the eating out- esp lunch time. We do leftovers so that works out well- hey crack open that crock pot- I get creative with that thing and it saves money b/c it can make a dinner and one to freeze. Your kids are old enough to find a recipe on their own and go to town too- that will make it more fun- see who can come up with the best meal for less- they'll love the challenge and chance to be on the computer- ha ! Hope this helps!
D.
Party Angels Ltd.
www.partyangelsus.com
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3 moms found this helpful
T.S. answers from Amarillo on July 28, 2008
Use a slow cooker. Have your kids help out. They are old enough to learn to cook and keep the kitchen clean. Go to a recipe website and put in "slow cooker" or "crock pot." The recipes are easy, inexpensive, and usually healthy. You can throw it together the night before, or in the morning and it is done when they get home from school. I have a small one and a big one, sometimes I do a meat or soup or chili in one and a veggie or fruit dessert in the other. Also, don't buy packaged foods. I know they are easy, but they are expensive and unhealthy. Fresh fruit and fresh veggies are inexpensive and little or no preparation. Be sure to suggest it to them when you hear "I'm hungry." Be sure and keep them visible when the fridge is open. I keep ours in baskets, in the fridge, at eye level. Fresh, low fat dip is another good way to make them desirable. I have never seen a child or teenager turn down, apples and caramel dip, carrots or celery and ranch, or an apple or banana, peach, plum, or orange. Ask them what their favorite fruits are and buy them. Also,Orange wedges are delicious dipped in fat free cool whip. Set a time, like 7:00. Tell them, we will be eating together at 7:00, so get off the phone, video game, whatever. Your days with them are getting shorter, so savor these last few years you have with them. They may resist at first, but stick to your guns, they need that time to bond as a family and so do you. You will be glad you did.
2 moms found this helpful
M.K. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
I've found that I spend a lot less money on food when I make a menu for the week or even two weeks but also keeep a few quick meal ideas on hand for when you have to throw the whole plan out the window because something came up. One of my favorite sites is www.menus4moms.com for getting new ideas and planning the menu for the week (they do it all for you and even have a grocery list).
2 moms found this helpful
S.F. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
My favorite recipe place is saving dinner.com. She has a ton of stuff. She also has an ebook for frugal dinners... I do her regular menu mailer and LOVE it.
http://www.savingdinner.com/products/ebook_fmm1.html
2 moms found this helpful
S.R. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
Congratulations on teaching for as long as you have! Teachers never receive the recognition they deserve. As a teacher I'm sure you are frugal and creative. I definatley support everyting the other posts have suggested. Another way to cut your budget and help with snacks is www.grocerygame.com if you are not already doing this. Check it out it's worth it. We have a family of 5 and I have been doing it for over 6 months now and have cut our monthly grocery bill in half. Good luck!
2 moms found this helpful
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