Well unfortunately, I was in a car accident this past week. I am a-OK, minor sores from the seat belt and jolt, but I am alive and well. The car on the other hand, is not doing too great. The car went into the ditch and is well totaled, but what can you do. I saw the accident happening before I could do anything so I relaxed, grabbed the wheel, and closed my eyes. I was the most worried about what my mom would think as it was her car. Sadly, she passed away about a year and half ago and I know she would be happy I’m in one piece, but I did feel bad for a minute. These things happen and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. I’m thankful to be alive, unharmed, and have the means to purchase a new car so I can continue to work and make up for what has been lost.
So now that I’ve purchased a new car and I’m back to a major budget, what do I do with my healthy eating habits? I’m currently on Pinterest looking for some healthy, vegetarian friendly meals. I purchased a new programmable Crock Pot a few weekends ago and I’d love to use it more for weekly evening meals since it turns over to warm after a set time. And with slower cooker meals, there’s always left overs for lunch. Lunch meals are always my main point of concern because I’m the most hungry then. My dinners tend to be lighter and packed with smaller portions of healthy options, such as cottage cheese, frozen veggies on the side, pretzels, and small leftover. Often, I run after work and I’m not home until about 6:30 p.m., eating around 7:00 p.m. I know that doesn’t sound very late, but I’m usually settled around 9:00 p.m. and in bed by 10:25 p.m., right after the weather reports. Now I want to budget all my meals and say goodbye to any social life for a few weeks.
I have shopped at Aldi’s many times in the past two years, and I honestly enjoy it quite a bit. I’ve read reviews online that talk pretty poorly of the store, but if you go in with a level head and keep your eye on the good stuff, you can come out with a lower grocery bill. I will admit, that if you purchase the more processed, sugar, or carb foods your bill will be lower than what I generally pay, but don’t get pulled in by it. You can get healthy food options at a fair price at Aldi’s. For me it’s worth it to go and get the basics: eggs, almond milk (unsweetened even!), cottage cheese, quick oats, salad, brown rice, frozen veggies, and fresh fruits and veggies when they’re in season. You’ll have to “splurge” a bit on frozen salmon, shrimp, or chicken breast (for Jake), but it’s a few dollars cheaper than the big box grocery stores; still worth it! I can’t speak for the fresh meats as I don’t buy them, but do check it out and see if the price is worth buying. It can be difficult to purchase the more specifics foods, like certain vegetables, quinoa, healthy dips, vegetable broth at time, and canned soups. A lot of stock at Aldi is dependent on their weekly shipments and often, popular food sell fast. The best time to go is right away when the store opens, even if it’s a weekend. Because the store is smaller than most, you’ll be through within a half an hour for week of groceries.
Learning the skill of basic cooking will go far when you’re on a budget. I couldn’t do more than scrambled eggs when I moved out, but my ability to look at a recipe and feel confident in making the recipe and have it turn out tasty has gone through the roof. Even Jake has taken a notice to my cooking skills, and he worked in a restaurant kitchen year ago. I’d like give my cooking skills a go with hosting a small gathering in the coming year, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
For now, I’m budgeting, meal planning, and keeping my neck and hip relaxed with a heating pad. Please don’t be fooled by all of this talk of healthy eating and gym time, I do indulge in chocolate or sweets if I crave them, but I do try very hard to eat as healthy as possible. I’ll be sure to update in a few weeks on my budget and meals. Remember cutting season is nearly upon us! And with it, spring which brings safer driving conditions. Everyone be safe!
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