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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My new definition of frugal lunches

I've mentioned a few times (hopefully not too many!) over the past few months that it's been a struggle for me to meal plan during this pregnancy. First it was because I had a lot more nausea with this pregnancy than with my first. Now it's because this sweet baby craves food way more than Sweetpea did!

With my first pregnancy, the only real craving I had was for root beer floats. That is definitely back, but I'm also craving a lot of other things, and it can vary by the day. I am loving fresh fruit, cereal, raw vegetables, avocados and chips and salsa. I'm much hungrier at lunch than in the mornings or evenings.

The first week or two after I stopped feeling sick, I noticed I wasn't wanting what I had packed in my lunch most days. It didn't seem to matter as much what we were having at night, and as long as we have oatmeal with fruit in the morning I'm happy with that.

I've always been of the belief that there is a difference between being frugal and being cheap, and that being frugal can mean different things to different people. I don't like the idea of "wasting" money, enjoy finding a good deal, and for the most part save on some things so I can enjoy the things that really matter to us. In essence, for us being frugal is about being mindful.

Following that line of thinking, I've stopped packing my lunch. I still pack snacks for the morning and afternoon, and I'm still meal planning our dinners. I still stockpile and bargain hunt, but at least for the next few weeks, it makes sense for me to purchase what I really want each day, rather than to end up with several meals left over at the end of the week that I'm not interested in. I'm keeping track of what I eat, looking for trends and figuring that I will be able to find a strategy for packing my lunch.

Are there certain times in your life that cause you to change your frugal strategies? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

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9 comments:

Michelle said...

right on. That's exactly the way to handle it.

Hope baby is craving something good today! :)

carrhop said...

I love your distinction--and I agree that there is a difference! Sounds like you've found what works for you!

Blessings!

Marva said...

That is a wonderful approach! Keep us posted! Give usa pregnancy upday here and there too! If you feel like you can....

Have a great day and eat something yummy!

Blessings!

Mommy2Twinkies-Deb said...

That is a great way to handle it. I know that when I was prego with my two, I could never predict what I wanted. So glad to hear this is going well for you!!! Miss you! Deb

Anonymous said...

GOOD JOB.

you're handling it like a rock star. do your own thang;-)

Unknown said...

I think your priorities are RIGHT ON TRACK. You are listening to your body while it nurtures a miracle. My pregnancy days are over, and I'm jealous... :)

CC said...

Sorry, no advice on the frugality during pregnancy. But I've been getting a lot of great deals for my son's school lunches recently and have had to totally rearrange his "normal" lunch menu. Oh well. too bad for him. ;)

Marva said...

Hey Steph! Do you wan to participate in the handmade 5? Just let me know...... Blessings!

Debra said...

Oh I feel for you, I was so sick for the first 5 months! Frugal can change depending on circumstances......like right now when I am waiting for my new dishwasher to arrive (been waiting and waiting) I am fine with eating out a bit more to avoid dishes. Isn't that terrible?