With what our country is currently going through and this inflation, I wanted to take some time to discuss some cost saving tips. Specifically, in our food system. How often do you and your family dine out? I understand the ease of running through the drive through on those busy nights or just for convenience. I do it to, but I have been really trying not to for a couple of reasons; 1. Those foods are filled with unnatural preservatives, and they are not healthy for you or your family, 2. It can get expensive quickly, and 3. There are better options!

I know many of those restaurants advertise, “all natural” or give a healthy menu. In reality they are still products shipped long distances and most likely frozen. I will not get into this who impossible meats or plant-based meats right now, maybe another day.

Someday soon I will jump into labels and how marketing has made them hard to understand and misleading. For now, I am keeping it simple. On average, an American household spends $3,000 a year dining out. If you eat out to lunch Monday-Friday spending about $10 a meal that’s $50 a week. Most Americans eat out on weekends, on a Saturday night you could spend around $50-100 just for your family, add it donuts on Sunday morning or coffee 6 days a week and the money just keeps increasing. Imagine having a larger family and see how the number just keeps growing. I know what you’re probably thinking, “oh, she knows it all and her family never eats fast food or doesn’t go out” I am no hypocrite, I fully admit my kids will get chicken nuggets on some days and of course I enjoy a night out as well. No one is perfect!

What if I told you, you could spend $5.99 on a whole rotisserie chicken and end up with a couple of meals plus broth? It sounds unreal but you can pick one of at your local grocery and of course gives you a meal right away but save all the leftovers, make chicken salad with what is left of the meat. If you’re looking for a healthier option for chicken salad, I have one posted on my TikTok and in the recipes section! I am picking up a rotisserie chicken today for dinner tonight! Then take all the bones and fat that you have left and throw it in a baggie in the freezer. You’re probably wondering what on earth am I going to do with that? Chicken broth is pretty simple to make, but if you make a large amount and need to preserve it, you’ll need to either pressure can it or freeze it for future use. I actually just got a new pressure canner so maybe if things go well, I can do a step-by-step video of how to make chicken broth in the future, hang in there with me for that!

Remember that coffee I mentioned? Making coffee at home, yes even those fancy drinks you think can only come from a fancy coffee maker can be made at home. If you’re a chai Tea Latte kind of person, like me. Go check out my TikTok, or my recipe page to see how I make mine at home with homemade coffee creamer too!

Remember the best option is to support a local farmer and purchase chicken directly from them and you can easily roast a whole chicken yourself in a crockpot or a roaster pan! I actually have my order in for some chickens and hope to have them by the end of the month! I am so excited to finally have somewhere I can get local, pasture raised chickens in my area and can support our chicken needs for the year without purchasing from a chain grocery store.

Just some food for thought for your week!