Do you often find yourself saying "I don't have time to eat healthy"?
Well, my friend, let me tell you that this excuse is nothing but a myth perpetuated by the junk food industry. You see, they want you to believe that eating healthy takes too much time and effort, so that you keep reaching for their processed snacks and fast food.
The truth is, healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Think about it this way: every time you make a healthy choice, it's like making a deposit into your health bank account. And just like you wouldn't neglect your financial accounts, you shouldn't neglect your health accounts either. It's all about making small deposits every day that will add up to a healthy balance in the long run.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Tom, I'm too busy to cook healthy meals!"
Well, my friend, that's just another excuse. With a little planning and preparation, you can cook healthy meals in no time. Try meal prepping on the weekends or cooking meals in bulk and freezing them for later. And if you're really short on time, there are plenty of quick and easy healthy recipes available online. (You can't get much faster than a quick stir fry!)
But maybe you're saying, "I'm always on the go and don't have time to sit down and eat." I hear you loud can clear! But skipping meals or eating on the go can lead to overeating and poor food choices. It's important to make time for meals and to prioritise healthy eating even when you're busy. Try packing healthy snacks like fruits and nuts to eat on the run, or choosing healthier options when eating out.
And last but not least, I know some of you might be saying, "Healthy food is too expensive." Well, my friend, that's just another myth perpetuated by the junk food industry.
While some healthy foods may be more expensive than processed junk food, there are plenty of affordable healthy options available. And investing in healthy food is like investing in preventative healthcare. It may require an upfront cost, but it can save you money in the long run, not just by preventing costly medical bills and chronic illnesses, but also because junk food has much less nutrients in it. Meaning, even though you're eating more, your body is getting less of what it needs, which eventually makes you hungry sooner. All this leads you to spend more of the junk food, costing you even more money!
So, my friend, don't let these excuses hold you back from eating healthy. By making small deposits into your health bank account every day, you can improve your health and well-being in the long run. It's all about making healthy choices that work for you and your lifestyle. And once you start seeing the benefits, you'll wonder why you ever believed these myths in the first place.
Food Hack: 25 Ways To Eat Healthy On A Budget
Eating healthy can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be!
With a few simple hacks, you can eat healthier without breaking the bank. Here are 25 tips for eating healthy on a budget:
1. Shop in season - Eating produce that is in season is cheaper than buying out of season fruits and vegetables.
2. Buy frozen - Frozen fruits and veggies are as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and they last longer too!
3. Stick to staples - Items like rice, beans, oats, potatoes, etc., are inexpensive yet high in nutrition. Stock up on these staples to stretch your grocery budget further.
4. Use vouchers, or club card points - vouchers may not seem like much savings at first glance but they do add up over time. Remember to take them when you’re doing your weekly shop!
5. Plan meals ahead of time - This will help you avoid impulse purchases. You'll save money by only buying what you need for the week or month ahead of time instead of shopping every day or two
6. Stock up during sales- Keep an eye out for items that go on sale so you can buy them in bulk while they’re discounted. This way you won't run out before the next sale comes around again!
7. Bulk cook/freeze leftovers – Preparing large batches of food saves both money and time, all those ingredients add up. Also freezing leftovers keeps them from going bad, this helps with saving money long term
8. Grow your own herbs – Herbs can get pricey at the store but growing your own takes minimal effort and costs nothing beyond the initial investment for soil & pots (which also lasts forever!). Plus homegrown herbs taste even better than store bought varieties !
9. Go to your local butchers - Butchers tend to have a lot of leftovers, especially carcasses and organ meat. These are great, nutrient dense ingredients you can turn into broths, soups and stews
10. Make use of leftovers– Don't let leftover food go to waste. Get creative with them and make something new such as soups , salads , casseroles , sandwiches etc..
11. Swap processed foods for whole foods – Processed foods tend to cost more than their whole food alternatives. Replace crisps with popcorn, canned soup with homemade soup , etc.
12. Buy store brands– Store brands often have the same nutritional value (or better) as name brand items at a fraction of the cost
13. Meal prep - Organising your week can save both money and time
14. Eat foods higher in fibre and protein - These foods have more nutrients in them. Meaning it will keep you fuller for longer, unlike ultra processed food that keeps hungry
15. Use spices - Spices add flavour without adding calories or fat. This helps keep food costs down while still making dishes tasty
16. Buy unpackaged produce & un-chopped fruit and veg - Though pre-chopped/diced may be convenient, you are often paying up to 40% more
17. Check the reduced section - you can find untold treasures hidden within the reduced section
18. Avoid convenience foods – Pre-made/pre-packaged snacks (granola bars) tend to cost more than their DIY counterparts (trail mix). So make sure you’re aware of how much extra money these “convenience” items are costing you!
19. Shop around - Supermarkets don't have any loyalty to you, so don't feel obliged to stick to one
20. Make healthy swaps - Swapping out unhealthy ingredients (white bread) for healthier alternatives (whole wheat bread) may seem small but it adds up over time when trying to eat healthier on a budget.
21. Learn basic cooking skills – Knowing how to cook simple dishes yourself will save both time & money. Compared to relying on processed food products; plus it tastes better too !
22. Cook with frozen veggies– Frozen veggies are as nutritious as fresh ones but they last longer. This means less wasted food & fewer trips back out into the store later on!
23. Invest in kitchen appliances – Having certain kitchen appliances such as slow cookers or pressure cookers makes meal prepping easier & faster which saves both time & money long term
24. Take advantage of sales– Keep an eye out for special sales at your local grocery store, such as “buy one get one free” offers or discounted items that have been marked down for quick sale
25. Make the most of what you already have – Before heading out to the store, take a look in your pantry & fridge and see what ingredients you can use up before buying more.
This will help reduce food waste & save money in the long run! Eating healthy on a budget doesn't have to be difficult. Use these 25 hacks and make it easier than ever before!