How to Survive The Winter
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Winter 2022-2023 will be brutal.
Food and other necessities are becoming increasingly expensive. I've previously discussed what to do about heating, so let's go on to eating and essentials.
Buy store brand (generic) products since are cheaper, often even better quality, sometimes have extra sales, and could be made locally.
Check your store's weekly sales brochures in advance, make a plan, and you'll most likely get what you need for considerably less money.
When non-perishable, regularly used products are on sale, stock up.
Proteins, fats, calcium, fibers, vitamins, and micronutrients are all essential for good health. Some examples for cheap healthy foods:
4.1. Eggs are the winners. So boil a bunch, mash with a touch of butter for a sandwich spread, or make a salad with scallions for a whole dinner; or eat scrambled or just fried.4.2. Bacon: everything is better with bacon, and the price is still the same in Germany. Adding it to eggs, beans, legumes, rice, and pasta is a simple way to add nutrients and flavor to everyday foods.
4.3. Black beans are inexpensive and high in protein. As previously stated, a touch of bacon will take them to the next level. I usually buy them in cans to save money on cooking and to make a simple salad that serves as a full dinner. I simply drain the beans and add seasonings, sunflower or olive oil, and onion.
4.4. Potatoes are still fairly cheap and can keep you full. People may not realize it, but potatoes are actually a healthy food.
4.5. Cabbage is a cheap and undervalued food. Save money by looking for cabbage recipes online. I like cabbage with beans as a stew and as a salad with just a little oil and spices. If you like celery, add a bit to cabbage salad.4.6. Apples are the cheapest fruit in early winter, so stock up on vitamins and fiber.
4.7. Pasta is not the most nutritious food, yet it is worth mentioning as a poor people's staple. Tomato-based sauces provide additional nutrients. Look for store brands, as suggested in point 1.
4.8. Rice. Not the healthiest option, but you may boost it by adding some onion, bacon and canned tomatoes. To be honest, it's one of the things I despise the most, yet my husband eats it and I have no reason to stop him. One pan of rice with spices and onions costs roughly 3 euros and feeds a big man for two days.
4.9. Legumes I'm not a fan of those, but if you're not like me, most are nutritious, reasonably priced, and simple to prepare.
Of course, there are more affordable and nutritious foods. Simply look for the best value foods in your area and combine them to get all of the nutrients.
Stay positive. I lived through communism and post-communism, so this is nothing new to me, and we survived since everything, including difficult times, had to have an end. I could not have imagined having the same experience in one of the allegedly best countries to live in, Germany, but life is full of surprises. About maintaining a positive attitude. Get the cheapest red wine you can find, heat it in a pot, add some sugar, apple, orange, or any other fruit you prefer, and have a drink.
You know how to deal with the rest. If not, read on.
