Fresh or Frozen, That is the Question

Several of my blogging buddies have been discussing the differences between fresh vs. frozen vegetables. They're also discussing meal planning and budgeting, etc. On the one hand, fresh vegetables are more healthful (though maybe minimally?), and tasty. Frozen, however, seem to be more convenient and probably more inexpensive. I am trying to put my opinion about such matters onto paper.

I have never thought myself to be a "meal planner". I have not been organized enough, I guess. I also have a situation where my husband is never getting home at a consistent time every day. He says that since he owns his own business, he doesn't just "punch the time clock" like someone working 9-5, or whatever. So, given this uncertainty, I know that I would get frustrated with having planned meals that invariably would not hold over until he got home. His inconsistency has required me to be more flexible, and less regimented. I would like to have more certain plans sometimes, but I do the best I can.

So, given all this, I think it has caused me to be more fly-by-night, of sorts. I am trying to reign it in somewhat, and as I look at being more organized, and trying to "change the things I can", I have thought about meal planning, etc. I am realizing that I do plan more than I realize. But my planning is a little different than making menus out before I go shopping. I kind of do it backwards. I go to the grocery store and see what they have "Buy one, get one free.". If there are really good deals, I stock up on things that will keep. As hubby has pointed out to me before, "It costs the same to put gas in the car, whether it be to keep a full tank or to run on empty." Same goes for the pantry. We also don't live 5 minutes from the grocery store, so a well-stocked pantry is very handy.

I also go to the produce store in E. and purchase any fruit and vegetables that are in season, and therefore have a very good price. That's what we will be eating the next week or so. If I have purchased fresh vegetables that are in danger of going bad before we can eat them, they will go in a container in the freezer for use in a vegetable soup later on. This way they don't go to waste.

We tend to eat fresh veggies when we can (if the price is right), and make use of frozen fruit and veggies for the rest of the time. I am also lucky in the fact that I have access to a Costco. I shop there on the days I go into the big city for work. They have fabulous prices on frozen fruit for breakfast smoothies, frozen vegetables, and several varieties of economical nuts and dried fruit. I am so thankful for these, as we use these frequently as staples to our diet.

Anyway, this whole discussion has been very interesting to me. Thanks, friends!