I think Bob and I are very fortunate
@GardenGerty (159754)
United States
July 11, 2024 7:44pm CST
We are not well to do. We do not eat a lot of expensive or exotic foods, but we are so fortunate to be able to have a huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
I eat a banana first thing every morning. When we shop I buy either what is on sale or what is "distressed" and I feel like that is what helps us stay healthy.
Today after shopping I came home with bananas, fresh strawberries, apples, peaches, spinach/spring mix salad greens, broccoli, and cauliflower. I used part of the cauliflower in the salad, but it was a "distressed" green and I steamed the rest in the microwave, to freeze for other meals.
We had an all salad meal. The salads are not strictly vegan. I had diced ham and shredded cheese in them. We have more to eat this week for fast meals.
Not everyone can eat fresh produce so easily. I know we are lucky.
20 people like this
17 responses
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
it is almost a game to see how well we can eat for how little. It costs from eighteen to thirty dollars for fast food or quick serve meals, and that can buy an awful lot of groceries.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
And they would be happy to have leftovers of the most awful fast food around, just to fill their empty stomachs.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
Variety is awesome. In this heat the less cooking the happier we are.
2 people like this
@much2say (54804)
• Los Angeles, California
15 Jul
@GardenGerty We are spoiled 
. Eating the way nature gave us her foods is healthier too!
. Eating the way nature gave us her foods is healthier too!
@kaylachan (65344)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul
I think more people could, they just don't understand how to navigate their local market. George wants to get back to salads, but I don't know if he can safely eat greens. I don't want to get in a situation I can't control so we've been avoiding them for now.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
I understand how you feel. My first husband had to be tube fed for the last four or five months of his life but he certainly missed the real foods.The last things he tried were bell pepper strips and chocolate covered cherries, and they choked him. I am glad George is getting better but it is best to take your time and not cause problems.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
13 Jul
@kaylachan Bob (current husband) had a stroke June 3, 2017. He has not eaten as well since and has had a variety of other health issues. They still even blame the stroke on radiation damage in early 2017 cancer treatment.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (65344)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul
@GardenGerty Yeah, it's slow going and he's had a lots of ups and downs. I keep offering but still stick to the orginal orders given by the VA. Appatiete isn't the problem. I mean, really. He never had a large one to start with, why should I expect that to change now that he's had a stroke?
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
You have to look for the bargains. One time I was in my favorite grocery and the cashier was new I guess. She just went on and on about how the "pre measured" produce in those mesh bags were the best buys in the store. I explained to her that they were things that needed to be sold and used quickly. She was impressed with my savy.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
We do more frozen vegetables and lots of fresh fruit in season.
2 people like this
@shaggin (71909)
• United States
13 Jul
@GardenGerty I just get mine at aldis and Walmart. They only have farmers markets on weekends here and I don’t get groceries on weekends.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
I guess this caught my attention because at this stage of my daughter's life, it is easier and more affordable to do canned and frozen. With just two of us here, we can get fresh if we are making a trip to town.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (77609)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul
You are absolutely right, I am on a tight budget and often fruit and vegetables are off my list,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
Besides your budget I know transportation and shopping can be an issue for you.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
13 Jul
Salad bars were often what we ate when we went shopping. They went out before and during covid. Our grocer explained that it was not cost effective and it took up space that could make bigger profits selling something with higher mark ups that was less labor intensive.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16140)
• Raurkela, India
12 Jul
I too don't spend on exotic food. I get fresh fruits and vegetables as they are cultivated locally.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (16140)
• Raurkela, India
14 Jul
@GardenGerty When fruits and vegetables are grown locally the prices automatically fall.
@LindaOHio (170715)
• United States
12 Jul
The only fruits and veggies I get are from Meals on Wheels and frozen dinners. I would love a fresh veggie salad. Maybe when my husband comes home. Have a good weekend.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
Maybe you guys can celebrate that way.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (170715)
• United States
13 Jul
@GardenGerty Heather, when my husband finally comes home, you will be able to hear me shouting.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
I crave sugar. Best to get it with fresh fruit.
2 people like this
@2ndchances24 (7489)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
12 Jul
Fresh fruits & veggies is a good meal, but some people just don't seem how to
mix things up with each meal, to make it taste better to eat instead of fast foods
& carbs & processed foods, & then they gain weight & can't lose it & get depressed.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
I have heard there is even a science to make processed foods more addictive. It is hard and once the damage is done it is hard to un do. Yes, the right combo certainly makes healthy more tasty.
2 people like this
@2ndchances24 (7489)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
13 Jul
@GardenGerty I try to eat as much fruits & veggies as I can
in a meal but sometimes I just don't think about it & skip them.
Plus I really don't get hungry as much as I use to either so I
just mainly snack on fruits, or have a small salad here & there.
@GardenGerty (159754)
• United States
12 Jul
Yes, and we try to look out for one another.
1 person likes this
