And I did really well for some time. No more hydrogenated oils, I made more things at home from scratch and I felt like I was making at least a little bit of difference in my health.
And then came couponing. I have been actively couponing for about 6 months now, and I realize how much unhealthy food I have bought in the name of saving money. I mean, you can get some really amazing deals on prepared meals and jarred sauces and the like. But now I'm thinking I've exchanged good health for a buck.
So, my question is to you, my readers. How do you eat healthy on a budget?
7 comments:
You may be my very first link! I'll always remember this moment *single tear makes its way down my cheek* :-D
Actually, your post reminded me of a conversation I had a few days ago. I was debating the idea of tossing unhealthy foods, and I suddenly realized I was fighting to save a $3 investment that could end up costing me $3000 in hospital bills later on.
It was a moment of truth for me.
I'm glad to know I have your company on this wagon train. Wanna go to Oregon?
I just read an article about adding Flax seed to your meals. I am thinking about trying it!!!
I totally agree with Missy, its been proven over and over if you stay away from the processed, chemically filled, foods with words you dont know and dyes and spend extra money on fresh, 3 ingredient foods you will save on medical bills in the long run. We dont buy any prepackaged foods, snacks or anything. Those actually are expensive. You can buy a bag of potato chips for 2 dollars or you can buy a bag of apples for 2 dollars. The apple will keep you satisfied longer. Eating healthy not only helps your insides but it also helps you lose or maintain your weight. I love talking healthy and have lots of great things i have learned if you want more :) We sorta eat primal and we have more energy, emotions are under control and you know its good for you inside
One more thing, we save money in other ways such as free date nights, not eating out(which prevents us from eating unhealthy) that much, electricity. Buying in bulk is a huge help. I would say we spend 75% of our grocery bill on fresh food 20% on meats and 5 percent on sauces and canned goods.
Check this out I dont agree with everything and most of its commen sense but its somewhere to start
http://aspiritedmind.com/2010/03/healthyeatingbudget/
I was one who was such a bargain shopper, until some health problems went from bad to worse and we had to change our eating habits and have doubled our grocery bill for the sake of our long term health. It has meant some major scrimping and saving in other areas, but we have determined it is better for us to do this...
I was just reading the other day that it is funny how our generation expects to spend so much less of our whole income on food than people before us or around the world... we are willing to splurge on the safer carseat, the safer car, even the warranty plans on electronics, and yet the cheap food we buy is often deteriorating our health..
In our striving to learn more about how to eat well, we watched Food Inc, which gave us some good ideas on ways to be thoughtful about food purchases. We are hoping to expand our garden this year.
Do you have a CSA near you? That has been great for us in the past. They give you a box of veggies each week from their nearby farm... it was so great because then you get to know the farmers, and lots of times they give you new recipes to go along with the veggies you get. :)
I have been pondering all of this lately too. All of the "bargains" are on unhealthy, processed things.....I have really been trying to eliminate processed foods from our diet and make most things myself.
We have a grocery store called Sunflower Market in our area, and they sell cheap produce (including organics) as well as organic meats and bulk foods that are healthy. If you can find a grocery store that thinks the same way you do, that helps. :-) Good luck!
I have been pondering all of this lately too. All of the "bargains" are on unhealthy, processed things.....I have really been trying to eliminate processed foods from our diet and make most things myself.
We have a grocery store called Sunflower Market in our area, and they sell cheap produce (including organics) as well as organic meats and bulk foods that are healthy. If you can find a grocery store that thinks the same way you do, that helps. :-) Good luck!
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