Sometimes there are Hard Times...

[PaulaMM]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

I'm sorry to hear you are going through financial difficulties but am thrilled to hear you attitude towards it.

For hamburgers, I just pat them into tight disks and pop them under the broiler. They don't get a chance to fall apart and have a little crisp on the outside.

Keep your chin up, sweety!

[daniejim]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

sounds yummmy paula thanx

[PaulaMM]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

I know you specifically mentioned meat as being your concern, but how do you feel about cabbage? It's dirt cheap and Discolemonade has a way of cooking it that is really tasty. I just made some and it took only a tiny bit of bacon to flavor the whole pan!

[daniejim]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

I've never tried cooked cabbage! I'll give it a shot thanx

[Momtofour]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Cabbage fried with bacon. Yummy! One piece of bacon can flavor 1/4 of a cabbage perfectly.

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes after reading your post. I have been in the same situation financially lately. I gave up Atkins for 2 months and gained back over 10 pounds. I tried staying away from sugar but once I was readdicted it was too hard to control. I ended up spending more on junk even when I didn't have the money to do so. I decided that in the long run I'm saving money on Atkins. I just need to be very creative.

I have been praying a lot lately for help to get through this. I will pray for you too.

[GaynorA]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Hey Danie - you are so positive girl. Love it. My partner and I went shopping last night and guess what we bought: TUNA!!! I thought of you. They had it on sale (12 cans for £5). Yup ... money isn't exactly leaping in fountains around here either. So .. I'm gonna have to try your tuna cakes. But you made them sound so yummy I'm quite looking forward to it.

[GaynorA]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Hey Danie - just a thought. I wonder if anyone has thought of doing an Atkins on a budget section in the recipes. I'm going to have to take a look.

[daniejim]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

just to let u know guys that thank God I'm out of the bad season.. Today I had pork loin marinated for several hours in mustard, garlic, salt and olive oil... mhhh delicious.. but now I can't give up the convenience, affordability and variety tuna (my faithful friend) gave me... seriously!! For dinner (we mexicans have breakfast, then COMIDA -which is the biggest meal- and then CENA, which is kinda lunch.. funny isn't it) so.. for comida I had my pork loin and for cena 1 can of tuna with veggies and mayo .. yummy. Can't help it. I like it ... thanx for your prayers guys..

[garwil]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Try to find recipes for cheaper cuts of meat, and cook those. I'm thinking ground beef, chuck/braising steak, belly of pork, lamb shanks etc. Also, try to find a local butcher or meat wholesaler.

The same goes for veggies. I know in England if you go to the farmers markets late in the day, you can get big quantities of veg very cheap because they'd rather give it away than throw it away.

The food from local sellers will more likely be:

* Fresher
* Cheaper
* Free from chemicals (better for you)
* Locally sourced (better for the community)
* Possibly organic (better for the environment)

Not only that, you'll be supporting your local community, rather than some big corporation like Walmart. Which as a small business owner, I'm sure you can appreciate!!

All the best!

[guekjian]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Hey Danie, Do you have a slow cooker? Even the cheapest cuts of meat will be fork tender when slowly cooked all day in your slow cooker...that or meat in a dutch oven at like 300 degrees for hours and hours..just put it in...go to work...and when you come home, voila! a delicious cheap meal! just add vegies,seasonings and water and you're set to go!

[julirama723]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

Danie, I'm so happy to hear that you are facing better times now. YAY for you for not giving up! You have the strength and determination to succeed, I know you will do it.

[Rubysugar]

Re: Sometimes there are Hard Times...

I have followed this thread alot. It's been inspiring to keep it going. We live on a tight budget too. Only DH works and I stay home with The Spawn. And yes, tuna has bailed me out plenty of times.

One of my favorite ways to get a tuna fix is to drizzle a can with 1 tbsp 0 carb soy sauce (Kikkoman) and a smear of wasabi, a chopped sping onion, stir and serve on lettuce leaves. <3