Fresh Eating on a Budget - Cragin

My husband works for the American Heart Association which strongly supports revamping school lunch programs to provide children with a more balanced and health diet.  In addition, we are a family of five that regularly struggles to put quick, healthy, inexpensive meals on our table.

So when James (my husband) mentioned that the Florida Agriculture Commissioner had challenged Florida Chef Justin Timineri to create an affordable healthy menu, I was intrigued and suggested we give it a try. 

Before we start let me tell you a little bit about our family.  My husband and I both work full time demanding jobs – which leaves us little time in the kitchen!  We are parents to three beautiful children, Harris (7), Mahlon (6) and Raines (2).

Breakfast for our family is typically oatmeal breakfast bars or cereal.  My 7 year old likes to make herself a tortilla wrapped with lunch meat and cheese. 

For lunch, the children take a ham or turkey and cheese sandwich with three sides – one for snack and two for lunch.  The sides are always a fruit and/or vegetable – apples, grapes, tomatoes, melon, carrots are the main staples.  The kids don’t have chips or cookies in their lunch.  To drink the kids take a Capri-sun water.  

My husband and I for lunch tend to eat whatever is around – either a Lean Cuisine or out at a restaurant.

For dinner, I try to cook every night and we eat as a family most nights.  A typical dinner is usually a one pot meal but if not I try to always have a veggie with the protein. 

As a rule I feel we eat ‘fairly’ healthy, while we don’t always count calories, I try to keep us away from processed foods, sticking to whole grains and fresh foods.

For the next seven days we have committed to following Chef Justin’s menu for a healthy and inexpensive week.  I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous.

My two main concerns are time and taste. I’m worried that the time to fix any of the meals will be more than our weekly calendar will allow.  And I admit, I like what I like.  I’m nervous that the meals may not be something my children or I would prefer. 

My family and I will blog daily on our food experience and hope that our experience will encourage others to know that you can have a wonderful fresh and healthy diet on a budget!

Important Links: Chef Justin's Challenge
                          How to Eat Healthy on Tight Budget, the Recipes