64. Mistakes in Buying. The body demands a daily ration of the three classes of food stuffs, but it is for us to determine from what meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc., this supply shall be obtained (Figs. 28 and 29). [Illustration: FIG. 28.--Table of food values.] [Illustration: FIG. 29.--Diagram showing the difference in the cost of three foods which give about the same amount of nutrition each.] Generally speaking, meats are the most expensive foods we can purchase, and hence should be bought seldom and in small quantities. Their place can be taken by beans, peas, potatoes, etc., and at less than a quarter of the cost. The average American family eats meat three times a day, while the average family of the more conservative and older countries rarely eats meat more than once a day. The following tables indicate the financial loss arising from an unwise selection of foods:-- FOOD CONSUMED--ONE WEEK |===========================|=======================================| | FAMILY No. 1 | || FAMILY No. 2 | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------| |20 loaves of bread | $1.00 ||15 lb. flour, bread | |10 to 12 lb. loin steak | || home made (skim milk used) | $.45 | or meat of similar cost | 2.00 ||Yeast, shortening, and | |20 to 25 lb. rib roast | || skim milk | .10 | or similar meat | 4.40 ||10 lb. steak (round, Hamburger| |4 lb. high-priced cereal | || and some loin) | 1.50 | breakfast food, 20c | .80 ||10 lb. other meats, boiling | |Cake and pastry purchased | 3.00 || pieces, rump roast, etc. | 1.00 |8 lb. butter, 30c | 2.40 || 5 lb. cheese, 16c | .80 |Tea, coffee, spices, etc. | .75 || 5 lb. oatmeal (bulk) | .15 |Mushrooms | .75 || 5 lb. beans | .25 |Celery | 1.00 ||Home-made cake and pastry | 1.00 |Oranges | 2.00 || 6 lb. butter, 30c | 1.80 |Potatoes | .25 || 3 lb. home-made shortening | .25 |Miscellaneous canned goods | 2.00 ||Tea, coffee, and spices | .40 |Milk | .50 ||Apples | .50 |Miscellaneous foods | 2.00 ||Prunes | .25 |3 doz. eggs | .60 ||Potatoes | .25 | |-------||Milk | 1.00 | |$23.45 ||Miscellaneous foods | 1.00 | | || 3 doz. eggs | .60 | | || -|----- | | || $|11.30 | -----------------------|-----------------------------------------|---