How A Food Makeover Can Save You Money
Most people think that eating healthful foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle costs a ton of money, but it can actually save you money. First of all, you’re less likely to get sick, which cuts down on the price of health care and lost wages when you have to call in sick at work. And secondly, if you fill your grocery cart with junk food, your grocery budget starts to fill the pinch.
Here are my easy steps to getting a food makeover
Learn to Read Nutrition Labels
An easy way to eat nutritious foods and save money is to learn how to read food labels. Learn what’s really low in fat, sugar, sodium and just don’t take the manufacturer’s word for it. Be an informed consumer and don’t waste money on foods that aren’t good for you.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Being told to eat your veggies isn’t anything new. I remember my parents always telling me I needed to eat more of the vegetables on my plate before I could get dessert or leave the table. I know it’s tough to squeeze them in, but if you spread them out during the whole day, it’s not so bad. Try snacking on fruit or veggies like baby carrots and celery sticks for snacks.
Eat More Fiber
Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet. Fiber is good for keeping our blood sugar at a steady level and therefore it keeps the hunger pangs at bay. Fiber also fills us up so we don’t eat so much.
Choose Whole Grains
And speaking of fiber, one way to get more fiber is to choose whole grains. No more white bread, sugar or rice. Eating whole grains used to be a chore. Most items were unpalatable and tasted like cardboard, but these days more manufacturers are realizing the importance of whole grains and offering tasty products made from them. Whole grains offer fiber, you get more nutrients and therefore more nutritional bang for your buck.
Cut Down on Sugar
While I can’t say that I never eat cookies or desserts, I eat them sparingly. And I do that for two reasons, one, they tend to be loaded with sugar, and two, some desserts and cookies tend to be overpriced. If you’re going to eat them, make them yourself and make them an occasional treat instead of a daily indulgence.
Cut Down on Salt
Most convenience foods not only take a bite out of your food budget, but they also add a lot of unnecessary salt to your diet too. Make your own foods from scratch, and add things like herbs and spices.
Cut Down on Soda
I know it’s tough to cut down on the soda, but if you do it gradually, it’s achievable. There are lots of flavored water products on the market and Pur water filters offer a line of flavorings you can add to your filtered water. Just the other day I was shopping for orange juice and hadn’t realized just how expensive it’s become. One way you can make it go further is to add water. I’ve even add sparkling water to it. And you can do this with just about any juice.
Sites to Check Out
And here’s a site I found that can give you a quick nutrition lesson and it’s very entertaining too. And the recipes are definitely worth checking out.
www.thegoodfoodfight.com