Food for Thought
A
s a child our family ate three simple meals a day.
Breakfast was porridge or oats and a slice of toast
washed down with a glass of milk. Lunch was a sandwich
and a fresh fruit. Dinner was three vegetables and meat.
Sundays were special. There was roast meat, crisp roast
potatoes and three other vegetables. But the highlight
was having dessert on Sunday. We never went hungry,
seldom did we get ill and none of us were overweight.
Today a trip to any food emporium makes us realize
how spoilt we are for choice. Sadly the cheapest
foods are filled with fat, sugar and salt. Many of
them are tasty but offer very little nutrition. Look
around as you do your shopping. Often you will note
that there are very few fresh fruits and vegetables
in trolleys that are filled with processed, readymade
items.
What factors influence what we feed our family? A limited
budget, lack of time or pure laziness may be possible
reasons. Making a simple meal does not mean hours slaving
over a hot stove or breaking the budget. Try shopping with
a different mindset. Aim for cheaper cuts of meat and look
out for special offers. Buy a bag of potatoes and onions to
last for the week. Choose vegetables and fruits in season
which are offered at a reasonable price.
Ground beef is a fantastic staple in any household. Three
pounds can feed a family of four for two days! At $1.50
per portion (or less if you were lucky enough to get a good
deal) it is worth considering this versatile choice. If you
prepare the family meal you have control of the budget and
more importantly what goes into the meal.
Stretch your meals by providing at least three seasonal
vegetables. Add beans and lentils to stews and savory
ground beef to add more bulk and more protein. Offer a
salad as often as possible with your meals. A tin of beets
or a few slices of tomato or cucumber
will also do the trick. Use avocado pears
when they are being offered at a great price.
They supply many of our nutritional needs.
Raisins, nuts, and other dried fruits are great
snacks which will provide far more fuel for
the body than that giant muffin or sticky
bun.
Following a lifestyle of simple meals will
provide your family wit