Certified Nutritionist
How are you doing on your new eating plan? Or better question, how is your grocery bill doing? Many times people are resistant to following a new healthy way of life because they think it will cost more money.
I'm on a budget just like anyone else and if I can't buy my food within my "food budget" it would just be too difficult to maintain this way of life.
The word that especially scares people and sometimes gets them running in the opposite direction is the word "Organic", as if they might go broke just by saying it. Again, I assure you, I cannot spend heaps of money each week buying luxury grocery items and you may be in that same boat.
Here are just a few of the strategies that I have established to consistently eat healthy without breaking the bank:
1. Stop buying crappy "non foods" (and, yes, crappy is a scientific term). Most protein shakes, "health" bars, and processed foods are actually pretty expensive and when you completely eliminate them from your grocery list, you will save hundreds of dollars. Stop supporting cereal, cookie and frozen food companies and start supporting the produce aisle or your local farmer and I swear the fruits and veggies will be cheaper!
2. When I started eating reasonable portions, the food was not that expensive. When I really took a look at how much I was eating versus how much I was supposed to be eating, I clearly had mistaken myself for a 300 lb sumo wrestler. I had portion distortion to say the least and eating less meant spending less!
3. Seek out the local farmers markets in your area. The prices are so much better and you will be able to get fresh food in season. Honestly, if the price of cherries is the equivalent of diamond earrings, just choose a different fruit that week. Go for the apples, pears, or bananas. Variety is good anyway so choose the fruits and veggies without the diamond prices.
4. Transition your kitchen and cupboards slowly. I probably did not have a complete healthy and mostly organic kitchen until 3 years after I got started. Not the ideal, but I did the best I could. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was my organic palace. Do the best you can, start with a few items and then go from there.
5. Curb the "out to dinner" habit. I know we are all busy and sometimes take out is just so easy. I would save the take out for those instances where there really is no other choice and embrace "leftovers". I almost always cook more than I need for a meal and quickly save half for the next day (Don't serve it as chances are you and your family may overeat on the increased portion). It's great to know you have healthy food waiting for you in your fridge when you're driving home from work with a growling stomach. Not to mention the fact that you will be saving loads of money at the same time. The same steak you can grill at home can cost you 3-4 x's more at any restaurant and that is almost always for lower quality meat.
I assure you your new healthy eating plan does not have to break your bank account. Just begin by implementing a few of the steps above and you will see how easily you can keep your new way of eating within your current budget and easy to follow at the same time.
**Remember to
1. Always plan ahead for what you are going to eat
2. Obtain adequate amounts of protein
3. Work on Flexibility
4. Supplement your diet with a fish oil and multi-vitamin
Let me know if I can help. Email me at architechsports@gmail.com
God Bless,
Alan Tyson
Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
