Healthy eating, in the city

[Blackbird]

Thanks FF. You know those threads on BYC, where they make fun of the silly things city people say and do? Well if there was a vise versa thread, I'd probably be plastered all over it.
I don't want to say I'm ignorant about the city way, just unprepared and inexperienced.

I agree on what you said about quality. I think the more real and nutritional foods a person has available to eat, the less of them they eat, because there is more good stuff to fill them up, in contrast to the junky processed food. At least that is what I have experienced this week personally.

 

[Farmfresh]

I am constantly amazed by these city folk who tell me they can't afford to eat healthy foods, yet they eat packaged frozen dinners, chips, candy and eat out fast food daily.

Real food costs lots less.

 

[Blackbird]

Most of the people in the apartment complexes here are rarely around during the day, they come home very late. Midnight is a very noisy time with the cars zooming past. Then again most are in their young twenties. I don't think many are home long enough to cook.

As long as I can sell at least four batches of soap per month (apx 120 bars) to pay my rent then I can use whatever is left for food. All 125 lbs of me don't require that much food I don't think. We'll see.

 

[ORChick]

As well as comparing the unit pricing on things you buy, make sure you also compare cost per serving. This is most useful when buying meat. A piece of meat with bone in might cost less per pound, but another piece without the bone might give you more servings per pound. So don't just look at the price, but also how you will use it. The bone might end up being the beginning of soup though, so don't discount it entirely.
Depending on how much you are able to store (e.g. do you have a freezer?) you might find that it is worth your money to get to one of the bigger stores that is farther than you would like to walk, make a large purchase, and take a taxi home. Not too often, maybe once a month. Worth a thought anyhow.
And if you aren't feeling too steady on that bike yet please don't do your practicing on a busy city street . We'd miss you.

 

[Farmfresh]

Put up a flyer or two. Your soaps should sell fine. Alos be brave and take a few sample bars with you. Places that sell natural foods or even local boutiques might be interested in buying your soaps in bulk to feature in their shops.

I have a friend with an African imports business and boutique that sells shea butter. I used to go there to buy my supplies. She asked ME about my use of the butter and when I told her about soaping she asked for a sample. Now I get my shea for free and she has a supply of soap to sell. I also make a trade with a local herbalist, vitamin E oil and herbs in exchange for personal soaps for him. He would like more but I really am not interested in a big soap business.

Baking breads or rolls would also be a money maker.

 

[abifae]

what you need is a network of people. they can help you in an emergency and if they are more settled, you get invited to dinners!

i suggest volunteering at a hospital or library. it builds your resume for when you start working and it gives you a social network.

also, see if you bug system is online. mine is set up through google. i enter my house and where i'm going and it gives me the bus route, with times!!

my bus fare is about to go up a quarter in january.

how are you liking the city so far?