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Frugal is as frugal does--- At least, that's what my
Mama used to say. Actually, I think that was stupid,
not frugal and I think that was Forrest Gump's mama,
not mine. But I digress... We're talking about frugality
here, not stupidity. Although a case for stupidity could
be made for the way we buy groceries these days--throwing
just about anything in our carts, left, right and center.
The first mistake is thinking we have no time and are
therefore, slaves to convenience foods. What's so helpful
about Hamburger Helper, anyway? It's full of scary ingredients,
costs too much money and isn't doing a thing for you
health-wise.
The second mistake we make is thinking we are the exception
to the 24 hours a day rule-we ALL have the same amount
of time each day. So why not make real food for yourself
and your family a priority? Cooking from scratch doesn't
require leg irons attached to you and the stove and
dramatic farewells to family and friends. You will see
other rooms in your house and yes, you can have a life.
It is really easy to pull this off--I've done it for
years.
First, you need a plan. Write down everything your
family likes. Is spaghetti a winner? Does the family
like the way you make Great Aunt Suzy's Chicken Supreme
(all done with healthy ingredients, of course) or is
Great Aunt Suzy's Chicken Supreme too time consuming
to make? Ditch it and start over.
Bottomline: your dinners have to be simple and if you're
really smart, freezeable. Every time you cook dinner,
try doubling what you make. Every time you cook. Then
you'll always have something ready to go in the freezer.
Sounds basic, right? It is. But it is amazing how many
people live off adrenaline, driving home from work each
day sweating it out because they don't have one earthly
idea what's for dinner. If you have a plan, the world
is your oyster. Or Nacho Stuffed Shell, as this case
may be. Check out this recipe!
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