Preppers and Pantry Stocking Videos

 I love to watch food storage videos, but lately, I just can't take it anymore. Their food hauls are full of processed foods. Sure it can save time and if you buy cheap ingredients I guess you can be frugal. Maybe time saving, but planning your time AWAY FROM THE MULTIMEDIA can make extra time and make yummy whole food meals. 

When I was working I planned my week on the weekends. Chopping up ingredients, making a meal that could be divided in half and frozen. There are lots of things you can do in a short amount of time if you plan well.

As a retired frugal senior I don't meal plan anymore. I do, however, make almost everything from scratch. I follow Pro Home Cook which has the right idea. He makes sauces, fermentation veggies, salad dressings, rice, and cuts up veggies partly cooked, soaked, and cooked beans, and puts them in containers in the frig to add to daily meals. I haven't been doing this, but will start. I do need to purchase more BPA free food grade containers. My next grocery haul will reflect his methods. This could give me more craft time. Oh no, do I hear Hobby Lobby calling?

There are multiple health issues with processed foods and foods laced with MSG, sugar, and sodium. My cancer doctor said DO NOT EAT SUGAR OR HIGH STARCY veggies. She was right. Fortunately, I am gluten-free/sugar free and very seldom eat starchy veggies. I love my mega salads. Now I need to make homemade dressings.

 We eat pretty simple. Nothing big and time-consuming. The only real time consuming might be zucchini noodle lasagna. The zuks need to be dry. Other than that my Instant Pot/Air fryer lid and crock pot are all I really need. 

After my next grocery haul (mostly consists of veggies)

• Hard-boiled eggs (instant Pot)
• Cut up salad veggies
• Fresh Salsa
• Steam/roast veggies (Instant Pot)
• Cook rice (Instant Pot)
• Roast spuds (including yams)
• Soak chickpeas and black beans then cook in Instant Pot
• A couple of easy spicy sauces
• Simple salad dressing
• Freeze a chunk of melty cheese (when you take it out it breaks up and is good for tacos or casseroles. (shredding is too much)
• Side salads for hubby's lunches
• Keep bread, flour, and corn tortillas on hand.
• Make sure I have veggie broth on hand. Cook and freeze