What I Bought Last Week

Here's what I bought last week for $106.00:

bananas northern beans pinto beans rice tomatoes cucumbers tomato juice tortillas garlic bread frozen corn ketchup bread (3 loaves) carrots green peas apples potatoes eggs hamburger romaine lettuce chicken breasts pretzels canned tuna green beans sour cream colby jack cheese canned beans mangos tortilla chips hamburger buns 2 liter bottles soda 2 boxes of cereal pizza rolls pepsi lowfat milk broccoli tomatoes bacon watermelon mac and cheese frozen turkey breast cup cakes ice cream

There were some extra things because it was Mother's Day.

One thing I always do is look at everything I bought on the belt as I check out. Compare it to the person in front and in back of you. Does it look healthy? Can you see lots of fruits and vegetables or lots of cardboard and plastic?

I don't use recipes but here's a healthy simple soup:


Minestrone (Italian vegetable soup)

Chicken broth (homemade or canned) or just water $2.50
bag of frozen italian vegetables $1.75
can of northern beans $.75
half can of garbanzo beans $.75
can of italian diced tomatoes $.75
one medium potato peeled diced $.10
1/4 cup elbow macaroni (or other dried pasta) $.10
1/4 cup minced onion $.05
one carrot diced $.10
stalk celery chopped(with leaves) $.10
salt and pepper to taste
pinch or two of dried italian seasoning (basil, oregano) $/05


Bring the broth to a simmer and then add everthing else.

Simmer until the pasta is soft.

Serve with drizzle of olive oil and grated parmesean cheese (if you want) $.20

Total cost is about $7.00 for about 4 quarts of soup (less if you use water or homemade stock). This would easily be dinner and lunch for a family of four (or five).