Beans, An Affordable Source of Protein?

 

As news broke last week that meat is going to continue to rise in 2023 up to 30% more, I decided to take another look at the different proteins available at a reasonable price. Beans are a healthy alternative, although they have not been protected from inflation, they are still an affordable substitution for meat. They always have been. During the Great Depression, beans were a staple in most pantries. Beans alone are not a complete protein source, but if you serve a whole grain such as rice alongside your beans, you have a complete protein source and a filling meal at an affordable price.

Eggs are no longer an affordable protein due to the bird flu outbreak and shortages that we are currently experiencing. They are about .40 each now. Even if you purchase them in a 60-count carton, you are saving less than a penny an egg and will have to lay down about $23 bucks or more at the register. Colorado has a new law going into effect that only cage free eggs can be sold in the state. That is going to make the cost of eggs even higher as other states adopt this law. While I certainly support the humane treatment of animals, I also believe that humans also need to be able to eat and feed their children. This is a terrible time for this law to go into effect, while inflation and shortages run rampant through the food chain. 

White bean chicken chili, jalapeño cheddar cornbread served with a side of homemade fries. Number One added the homemade fries. Seemed like an odd combination, but he enjoyed the meal. 

We were able to find split chicken breasts at the store last week, but it is hit and miss at best. Number One decided to weigh some of our groceries to see if we were getting robbed. We are getting robbed. The chicken weight included the of all of the packaging in the price per pound. There is something wrong with this practice. The 10-pound bag of potatoes was also underweighted. I usually weigh bulk bags of potatoes and onions, but they have changed out the scales at this particular store. The scales are smaller. I don't know what you would even use them for. Looks, I guess.

What else can corporations possibly do to consumers to make more and more profits? As if Shrinkflation, price gouging and charging for the weight of packaging like it is meat isn't bad enough. What's next? Shame on you greedy corporations and whoever is politically responsible for allowing this kind of back door stealing to happen. I digress...

I have been keeping up with the situation in Europe concerning shortages, food inflation and energy costs. It is really bad over there. They (communities) have created warming centers in various types of businesses to warm those in need who do not have electricity. Some places serve hot tea and bread. 

We should not be too confident to think something like this could not happen here in the US, because it is already happening. 20 million households are behind on their utilities in the US. That is 1 out of six of your neighbors that can't pay their utility bills. 6 million households are behind on their rent. 

A meal made with beans a couple times a week can reduce your grocery bill by a sizable amount. There are so many ways to prepare beans. They are easily seasoned to replace meat in casseroles and soups. If the news is true about the shortages and price increases, beans are a great heathy way to consume less expensive proteins.

I make a big pot of beans and rice once or twice a month. I freeze the extras, so when I need to make a meal, they are already cooked and just need to be thawed. They both freeze well. Add beans and whole grains slowly to your diet, if you are not used to eating high fiber foods. I love to eat a bowl of brown beans with a side of fried potatoes, greens, cornbread, relish and sliced onions. That's the "Country Gal" inside of me, I guess.

The time to make changes is before a crisis happens. We have been warned that inflation on groceries is going to continue to rise. Slowly introduce changes to your family's diet for the best results, especially if you have picky eaters. 

Finding affordable meats and proteins are not the only challenge that we are facing today. I had to go to three stores last week to find whole milk. I have had to buy nasty bagged lettuce that rots in just a couple of days for ridiculous prices for a month now. 

But there are "Things To Be Happy About"

Cameo Rings

Antique Brooches 

Angel Winged Begonias 

Levi's 501 Jeans

Anticipation 

Knitted Afghans

Carnival Glass

Curly Ringlet Hair

Long Summer Floral Print Dress or Skirt

An Impending Snowstorm 

Wearing A White T-Shirt, Jeans and Tennis Shoes

Pony Tennis Shoes

Coxcomb Flowers

Reading Bumper Stickers

Blessings,

Mrs. Smith