Well, ladies and gentleman. It does not look like our elected goverment will be able to keep it's promise to us, especially with regard to health care. I have a pretty rough morning today, as I have high hopes for our country and for all of us.
When I woke up today and read about all of the discord in congresws about health care, some of my hopes sank into the pit of my stomach. I want health care for all, but more important I want us all to be aware of our own health, that is good health and how we can prevent so much of the illness that seems to be getting a good foothold on the American publis.
I have a disables sister and for the most part, my parents take care of her, and since they are on a fixed income they have to shop very wiselly. My mother talks, rather boosts about all the fresh vegetables and frutis she buys recently at her local 99 cent store, and my father LOVES the yukon gold and baby white potatoes she buys there for 99 cents!!!!
So I had this idea. With all of the very tight budgets, with all of the cheap fast food crap that most of us grab beacuse it is easy and because it is, well cheap........I wondered what I could do for a family of 4, for 3 meals at the 99 cent store.
Here are photos of what I made to day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert........with what I spent after each photo. I am convinced that this "experiment is not only a good idea for those who are trying to make their dollar streatch, but also a very good way to stay healthy, and to be sure we are all eating better to prevent illness and those nasty medical bills.
Oh, and....there are plenty of left overs !!!!
breakfast: fritatta / yeild 8 - 10 servings
ingregiants: 1 bag of spinach, 1 bunch of asparagus, 1 package of ham, 1/2 package of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 package of swiss cheese, 6 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk
total cost: $6.93
Lunch: Flounder Stew
1 package of flounder, 1 package of fresh spinach, 1/2 bu of celery, 1 package of flour tortillas, 1 "box" of chicken stock / yield 6 - 8 servings
total cost: $4.95
dinner is ready, come abd get it
filet of sole with asparagus and seared tomatoes.
1 package of filet of sole ( 4 filets!!!), 1 package of tomatoes ( 6 in total, enough for lunch tomorrow), 1 bag of lemons, ( make some lemoade with the rest) and 1 bu of BEAUTIFUL asparagus
total cost: $3.96
ready for dessert?
baked apples with ricotta "pudding"
1 bag of apples, (6 per bag), 1 bag or plums 9 8 per bag), 1 container of ricotta, the sugar, spice and the edible flower was already at the
Bott residence.
total cost: $2.97
the toal cost for these dishes, for a family of 4 was $18.81. Plenty left over, and nutritious and delicious. I may not have saved UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, but I think we have a good start to save money, and build a healthier lifestyle.