"But I just don't have the money to purchase fresh, non processed foods." Yup. I've heard this countless
times. The really sad thing is that so many people actually believe that. That is... until I have them sit down and add up their Starbucks and fast food purchases over the last month. Then I help them compare clean, whole foods to a typical drive through run and they are typically left with their mouths gaping after realizing all of the amazing foods they COULD have bought instead for the same price. Their "buts" come to a screeching halt and within minutes we are well on our way to writing them a grocery list they actually can afford IF they choose to give their drive thru runs a rest.
*A bag of organic apples for instance is around five or six dollars which is about the equivalent to a Starbucks Frappuccino.
*A large bag of name brand chips can put you back three or four dollars... the same as a jar of almond or peanut butter.
*That jumbo sized Taco Bell meal can put the you back a good $10... the equivalent to a packaged of organic chicken breasts and a bag of frozen organic broccoli florets.
Is fast food convenient? It sure is. But convenience isn't always the best thing your body and overall health. Yes, feeding your body well does take a little extra effort and strategic planning but so does anything worthwhile in life right? Let's stop trying to come up with excuse after excuse as to why our health is in shambles. It is up to US to care for our bodies and no one else so let's stop allowing boulders to get in the way, especially ones like fast food runs we have complete controls of.
Eating on a budget is 1000% possible. Heck, when I got married I was 18! We didn't have hardly an extra dollar to our name but I still made it work once I got through my borderline eating disorder and discovered what "healthy" really meant. The garbage that I was trying to barely get by on was out and real food was in and this is how I did it (and how YOU can too)!:
Always write a meal and snack play for the week.
Then, check your fridge and pantry and see which items you already have before ever going to the store or ordering your groceries online.
Always shop with a grocery list that includes the healthiest versions of each or the 5 food groups. Don't take a food group out out!
Shop for produce in season.
Purchase frozen organic veggies over fresh. They are just as healthy and much cheaper! Plus, they last longer!
Buy in bulk when there is a sale. For instance on food items such a quinoa, rice , organic meat, dried and canned beans and organic frozen produce, if they are being sold for a great deal then load up and save in the long run.
Shop at discount, high quality grocery store such as Lidl and Aldis! In most areas now they deliver as well!
Swap out all of your sodas and sugary beverages for water. Consider then, putting the money that you save aside to invest in a Berkey! It's the most amazing, economical water filter I have ever used!
As with anything, I truly, truly believe that where there is a will there is a way! If you decide that you are ready to fuel your body with a healthy, wholesome diet then yes, sacrifices in other areas may need to be made. However, I can promise you that you will never regret it! So I urge you to set a budget, shop intentionally let the excuses go. Don't wait till tomorrow, next week or next month to start feeding your body well. Feed your body with the foods it needs to thrive and not just survive starting TODAY!
