I seem to fall off pretty quickly each round). We also do not have any dietary restrictions that require us to pay more for our groceries. No allergies. No sensitivities. No chronic illness. It makes life easy. And yet we haven't met that goal in months. In fact, it's probably been even more than a year or two since we've managed it.
I was blaming the increased prices on many grocery items (like beef and dairy) or even our own overspending. But tonight I had an eye-opening experience. According to this article, I could reduce this amount by 5% to have a more accurate estimate. That is a HUGE difference from what I perceived as being achievable.
Of course, I do consider that we may actually eat for less than this amount even when we're exceeding by a long shot our very limited budget. So, I did a little number crunching (I must be a nerd because this was actually an enjoyable way to spend my Sunday evening). I did take in to account the differences in how much each person in our family eats. Each meal was itemized by ingredient and amount of that ingredient. For simplicity I added and averaged.
So, while Claude will definitely eat more than Jeremiah, the numbers resemble the amount of food (based on the prices we usually pay) our family actually eats. The menu I used used reflects what we normally eat. Because Claude packs his lunch and I do not always eat the same thing as the kids, there is quite a long list on some meals. The cost was calculated based on the number of people and the amount per serving of each food item.
Also, the dinner I chose to calculate runs a little higher than most meals that we prepare. However, it seems to average out throughout the month depending on what we choose to eat for lunch and dinner (the two most variable meals) and what we eat on the weekends. Weekend meals range a bit more from the week because we are all at home and Claude is not packing his lunch. 1. I'm not going crazy!
Groceries really do cost more. We're not overspending and being unwise with the resources we have. What we're spending every month is in line with national averages for a family our size. In fact, our monthly spending is 13% less than the unadjusted average according to the FDA. 2. I'm obviously crazy! I am expecting, week after week, month after month, that we can pay a certain amount for groceries.
No matter how many times this number is proven unattainable, I still go back to the store (well-planned and even calculated to the penny) list in hand with the same unrealistic goal in mind. What's the definition of insanity, So, there you have it, folks. A reality check that is both freeing and frightening. How do you come out - over or under budget,
Make no mistake about it, you can either take 2 months to put all of the pieces of a healthy raw lifestyle together, or you can take 2 years or 20 years! Do yourself a favor and choose the shortest route to success. About The Author “Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the book "The Raw Secrets".
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