Comments on: Menu Plan & Grocery Round Up: 12/13-12/19 http://livingwellonless.com/2008/12/14/menu-plan-grocery-round-up-1213-1219/ Simply Frugal. Simply Healthy. Simply Happy. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:52:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Karen http://livingwellonless.com/2008/12/14/menu-plan-grocery-round-up-1213-1219/comment-page-1/#comment-651 Karen Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:10:39 +0000 http://livingwellonless.com/?p=436#comment-651 I've experimented with more vegetarian meal planning in the past, and it's healthier and definitely less expensive. We typically don't eat this much meat, but we're trying to clear out our freezer stash before we go out of town. However, I don't believe processed foods are the answer if you're looking to save money by eating vegetarian. Vegetarian alternative processed foods like Boca burgers may be healthier than red meat, but they're very pricey. Also, processed foods just aren't as healthy as fresh produce and lean meats. If I were going to save money by eating vegetarian, I would eat more fresh produce and beans and skip the processed foods. I’ve experimented with more vegetarian meal planning in the past, and it’s healthier and definitely less expensive. We typically don’t eat this much meat, but we’re trying to clear out our freezer stash before we go out of town.

However, I don’t believe processed foods are the answer if you’re looking to save money by eating vegetarian. Vegetarian alternative processed foods like Boca burgers may be healthier than red meat, but they’re very pricey. Also, processed foods just aren’t as healthy as fresh produce and lean meats. If I were going to save money by eating vegetarian, I would eat more fresh produce and beans and skip the processed foods.

]]> By: Margot http://livingwellonless.com/2008/12/14/menu-plan-grocery-round-up-1213-1219/comment-page-1/#comment-650 Margot Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:33:43 +0000 http://livingwellonless.com/?p=436#comment-650 If you wanted, you could try a financial and eating experiment for just 1 or 2 weeks and go vegetarian. Even if you're not cut out to be a vegetarian, it might be an interesting experience. Plus, it would save money. And it would also give you good karma regarding animal issues, which you seem to care about based on your postings about your dog and animal shelters. Brands vary a lot, but there are very, very realistic vegetarian meat substitutes available that are also healthier than meat. For example, I like Smart Dogs hot dogs, Morning Farms (that name might be slightly off) frozen sausage patties and sausage links, Boca burgers, and there are even fake chicken strips, ground beef, etc. Not sure if there's one close to you, but Trader Joes has great prices on this stuff. If you wanted, you could try a financial and eating experiment for just 1 or 2 weeks and go vegetarian. Even if you’re not cut out to be a vegetarian, it might be an interesting experience. Plus, it would save money. And it would also give you good karma regarding animal issues, which you seem to care about based on your postings about your dog and animal shelters. Brands vary a lot, but there are very, very realistic vegetarian meat substitutes available that are also healthier than meat. For example, I like Smart Dogs hot dogs, Morning Farms (that name might be slightly off) frozen sausage patties and sausage links, Boca burgers, and there are even fake chicken strips, ground beef, etc. Not sure if there’s one close to you, but Trader Joes has great prices on this stuff.

]]>