Eating Healthy Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

#foodeducation #healthyeatingtips #healthyshoppingonabudget #whatsonyourfork Oct 19, 2020

I know eating healthy can be more expensive, and if you aren't shopping with some strategic planning, it can cost way more than it should. Sadly, the food industry today cares more about marketing and making money by feeding us addicting foods that are terrible for our health; things like refined oils and sugar. 

But I want to shed some light for you when it comes to shopping for healthier eating. Here are some tips that I have learned over the past 6 years.

  • No matter if you live with a tribe or you live alone, shop in bulk for things like quinoa, coffee, gluten-free pasta, frozen fruits and veggies, and especially meats (chicken & ground turkey). Places like Costco really are less expensive. And "bulk" isn't near as "big" as it was in the '90s
  • Utilize different stores for different things. Before the pandemic, I got the excuse of "I don't have time to run around to all the stores", but now, they ALL deliver. And if they don't deliver, they at least do curbside. Later I'll explain what I buy at specialty grocery stores (like Whole Foods and Sprouts) and what I buy at Walmart (yes, I shop at Walmart for groceries. It SAVES SO MUCH MONEY)
  • Plan your meals as much as possible. Making last-minute grocery store trips causes more waste of food than anything. By planning at least some of your meals,  you will not waste food. Organic produce isn't expensive. Wasted food is very expensive
  • Compare prices on the shelves. So many healthy options come in generic brands now. Don't forget. The most important thing is the ingredient list. I buy generic canned beans, almond butter, nuts, seeds, and sometimes oils
  • Not all produce needs to be organic. The important things are leafy greens, herbs, and soft fruits and veggies like tomatoes, eggplant, and berries. All others can be washed well in water and vinegar

Here is what I buy at specialty stores. I ALWAYS order these online to be delivered. It saves me time, money and the delivery is FREE:

  • Seafood (wild-caught is SO important)
  • SOME produce (things like bok choy, leafy greens, avocados)
  • Non-dairy things like coffee creamer, yogurt, cheese
  • Nut butter like almond and tahini (I get generic brands at Whole Foods)
  • Condiments like Mayo and the rare occasion of ketchup 
  • Healthier versions of fun foods like chips (sometimes you just need a chip), turkey jerky, etc
  • Premade foods like chicken salad, turkey meatloaf, and some soups (for days when I know I don't have time to cook)
  • Foods in bulk like quinoa, raw almonds, raw cashews, chia seeds, and nutritional yeast

Everything else I buy at Walmart (sometimes Kroger). 

Several of you may not know, but when Amazon bought out Whole Foods, their prices dropped close to 30%. Is it more expensive? A little. Are you getting what you pay for? Depends on what you buy. When you shop strategically, it works. Your bill might cost a tad bit more but think long term. Think about what your body is going to do with those good ingredients vs. the cheap overly processed stuff. 

THINK OF YOUR FUTURE SELF 10 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.

None of us are getting younger. All of us will have some sort of health issues as we age. Food is a more direct way to control how your future self feels. Invest in it.

 

What's on Your Fork?

Shelley

 

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