I love red meat, but It’s Pricey and I’m Cutting back

I am in my mid-40s. As of late, I have been in the habit of eating oatmeal as morning breakfast with my coffee.

Oatmeal mixed with raisins, dried cranberries, and a banana or two. Sometimes twice a day.

Lord help me, I am even gotten into the habit of eating roast fish more often.

That may sound like a ridiculous thing to complain about for people who love seafood.

While, I have no problem with fried fish to an extent.

But I am a lover of red meat. An addict really. Still, I now have high blood pressure, must eat healthier, and exercise.

And save more money. Buying beef is expensive.

Still.

I love stocking my fridge and freezer with ground meat, beef ribs, steaks, and brisket.

Reminiscing about the dishes I used to prepare brings a tear to my eye.

I loved making spaghetti bolognese, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, barbecue ribs, roast brisket, and roasted beef cubes in stew.

However, that only covers my obsession with red meat at home. I love fast food.

Give me Big Macs, White Castle sliders, Wendy’s Cheddar Lovers Bacon Cheeseburgers, and Bacon Cheeseburger Whoppers.

Or not. Because it costs thousands of dollars annually to eat red meat regularly.

Beef Alternatives

Most people spend about $1,000 annually on beef and beef products they buy in supermarkets.

When it comes to fast food, the average person spends over $1,200 annually on hamburgers and various kinds of fast food.

I can personally attest to the fact that I used to spend a lot more than $2,200 annually on red meat.

I am not ashamed of it, even though I should be. Frankly, I admit I just can’t do it anymore.

I am now buying a lot of ground turkey, pork, and chicken as well as tofu.

Pretending that I like tofu has been the worst, but I am almost liking it to a degree.

Almost.

Grilling and roasting fish is also fast becoming a favorite hobby of mine. There are a lot of great flavors that you can coax out of roasted fish with practice, I am learning.

I miss eating red meat often, but it isn’t the end of the world.

My point is that I now endeavor to shave at least $1,000 to $1,500 from my former red meat bill.

I am just too old to be eating that much red meat now.

And, I can think of better things to do with $1,500 than eat it and struggle with digestion.

Read More

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Allen Francis

Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing.  Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College.  Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.