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By planning and preparing organic foods, families eat better and save money.organic breakfast image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com
Planning and preparing organic meals is one of the ways families committed to living a holistic lifestyle demonstrate their values.
Gina Law, a mother of three in Rhode Island, says, "We want to stay as healthy as possible while protecting the world for our children." The Laws don’t consider their lifestyle a sacrifice. They choose to live simply and avoid expensive extras, such as a cable bill.
The family also considers that their lifestyle helps other community members, including small family farmers. Some families like the Laws contribute their time at local farms in exchange for produce and dairy goods, providing more savings on their local food bill.
Shopping around the perimeter of a store is important. By purchasing bulk grains, nuts and produce when possible, and buying sale items at their local food cooperative, the family reduces costs. They make their own yogurt, pointing out that whole milk, a saucepan and starter culture are the only necessary ingredients to make fresh yogurt. The family sprouts seeds and beans and keeps a small hoop house. - 2
Eating organic doesn't require scrimping on flavor.Finger food - finger food pieces at Mediterranean wedding image by FotoWorx from Fotolia.com
Lisa Dahl, mother of one and a vegan organic chef, says, “We reorganized our priorities. Organic life has helped us live more simply." Dahl and her family plan each week's meals and prepare an efficient shopping list. She reports that organizing means saving time and money. Dahl usually cooks only three times per week—taking leftovers, making soups and main dishes in bulk, and freezing meals for later use.
She recommends buying bulk items and always refills jars to save on grains, spices, dried fruits and seeds. - 3
Fresh, wholesome and natural foods nourish hungry families.fresh organic garlic image by FJ Medrano from Fotolia.com
Starting an organic kitchen requires learning to cook for some families. Both the Dahl and Law families recommend "Feeding the Whole Family," by Cynthia Lair, as a great read to get started and organized. Considered a simple cookbook with basic information about eating and preparing whole foods, good palatable recipes ease the transition to an organic lifestyle. - 4
Use meal-planning software to organize weekly menus.computer image by fotografiche.eu from Fotolia.com
Using meal-planner software helps families to learn efficient shopping skills. Free software from CNET helps shoppers detail and buy only what they need. - 5
Eat well, save money and enjoy the company of family at dinner.late dinner image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
According to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2008, a family of four spent $709 on monthly food purchases.
In comparison, the Law family reports spending only $800 to feed a family of five in 2010.
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