Episodes
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
#21: Eating Healthy On A Budget
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Do you feel like you’re spending way too much on healthy food OR does the thought of spending more stop you from Getting Started?
1) You’re not necessarily spending more.
Do a side-by-side comparison to what you’re actually spending now, including fast food, take-out, and restaurant meals. While your grocery bill may be a bit higher, it’s important to note that groceries are a one-time expense. When you reduce or eliminate all the extra food and meal purchases, your per meal cost is likely to be lower, not higher.
2) Get clear about your priorities. If you think you can’t afford to eat healthier food but you can afford drive two brand new cars or go on expensive vacations, you may want to consider readjusting things a bit. In the beginning, it’s hard to wrap our heads around the benefits but it won’t take long to see the dramatic impact a diet packed with nutrition has on every member of the family.
Money Saving Hacks:
- Plan your meals and shop accordingly. This doesn’t have to mean complicated food prep. Planning meals and only buying what you need simply helps ensure you won’t be wasting food (and money).
- Organize your refrigerator and freezer so you can conveniently access the food you prepare. When the fridge is disorganized, food can get lost in the back and have to be tossed. Note: Square glass containers are optimal for refrigerator storage because they are clear, stackable, and there is less wasted space than with round containers.
- Purchase a small cooler bag you can use for lunches and on the go snacks. Pack your food the night before, if possible. This way you won’t be tempted to seek out meals and snacks on the go.
- Use the EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to decide which produce to buy organic or skip altogether if it’s not available or is too expensive
- If you can’t afford to buy grass fed or organic meats, get conventional lean meats instead. Animals raised conventionally are fed GMO corn and soy as well as antibiotics. The toxic by-products are storied largely in the animal fat. By purchasing lean cuts of meat and/or trimming off the fat, you eliminate much of this toxic burden.
- Make your own healthy salad dressings, mayonnaise, kombucha, etc. rather than buying expensive pre-made versions. Don’t be too concerned about regular condiments such as hot sauce and ketchup.
- Frozen veggies are an inexpensive shortcut, save prep time, and avoid waste.
- Buy in-season produce for things you want to buy fresh.
- Start a container herb garden for your window or front porch. This is easy and takes up very little space. Fresh herbs can transform even the most simple meal into a culinary experience!
Where to shop:
- Farmer’s markets. Go to Local Harvest.org to find a farmer’s market in your area.
- Aldi: lots of organic and gluten free options now
- Buying meat in bulk (go in with friends) directly from farmers. Go to eatwild.com to find a local supplier in your area.
- CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture). Go to Local Harvest.org to find a CSA in your area
Consider the savings from spending more on quality food:
- Reduced medical expenses
- No need for diet plans, shakes, or weight loss supplements
- More productive/fewer sick days
Summary:
Eating healthy does not have to mean getting a second mortgage or even spending more. It also doesn’t require you to eat foods that taste bland or boring. Hopefully the tips provided in this podcast will help you get a little more clear about your priorities as well as be a little more efficient with your food budget.
Questions? Feedback? Please connect with us on the Mind Your Body Podcast Facebook Page. We’d LOVE to hear from you!
xo,
Jenny and Lisa, co-hosts
The Mind Your Body Podcast
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