We live in a culture where fast food is the norm, and eating healthy is more of an anomaly. How is it that in just a short amount of time, this has become the cultural norm? Our grandparents and some of our parents didn’t grow up this way, but within the last few decades, fast food, late night snacking, and eating unhealthy has become the norm. For the college student who is just trying to make it by or the family who has too many mouths to feed, it’s convenient and it’s cheap, so it’s the more likable option. But, there is a different option available to us if we so choose. And, that’s what I want to talk about today.
You don’t have to break the bank in order to be healthy. While I love shopping at Whole Foods and it’s one of my favorite places on earth, I also know that the prices aren’t shopper friendly for everyone. And, while my grocery store of choice is Trader Joe’s (which is definitely a budget friendly option), I am also aware that not every city has that option available to them. So, rather than give you a grocery list, I’m going to share some tips on how you and your family can eat healthy on a budget, no matter where you are shopping. Let’s dive right in!
Plan ahead of time and stick to your shopping list, so you don’t get lured in by things you don’t need. Hey, the same can be said of swinging by Target for the essentials. Easier said than done, I know. But having a plan keeps you on track and on budget.
When making a grocery list for the week, find recipes that have the same ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes. This cuts down the costs and also gives you some creativity on how to use foods in different ways. When it comes to finding some simple, yet deliciously healthy meals, Pinterest is a great resource. I’m all about the ten ingredient or less meals. Just do a little search on Pinterest and you’ll have countless recipes at your fingertips.
I don’t know about you, but I love me a good Farmer’s Market. This is a great way to get the kids outside and make shopping for produce a fun activity! Growing up on the Central Coast of California, this was a regular part of our week and we all absolutely loved it. If you don’t have a local farmer’s market, see if there are other vendors in towns nearby. It’s a great way to introduce your family to healthy eats and support the community while doing so!
To save some money, buy in bulk when you can. If you have a Costco membership or a Sam’s Club card, buying in bulk can really help you save in the long run. While their produce is great, produce goes bad quickly, so it’s best to buy in smaller amounts at your local grocery store or farmer’s market, unless you are feeding a family of ten. In that case, buy on!
Now, that we’ve made it through some grocery shopping tips, there’s a few other tips I’d like to share on how you and your family can make healthy living a healthy habit.
As you are introducing new foods, especially healthy foods, into yours and your family’s diet, slowly introduce these foods. Because of the additives and sugars in our foods, our bodies have grown to crave unhealthy foods. But, it is possible for those cravings to change. It just takes a little time. So, be patient. Don’t go cold turkey right away. If you treat eating healthy like going on a diet, it will be a short lived thing, rather than a lifestyle change. And, the goal for all of us, should be to make eating healthy a part of our lifestyle.
Speaking of a lifestyle change, how about a change in our breakfast routines?
When it comes to breakfast, you’ve probably heard that it’s the most important meal of the day. To skip breakfast is a crime. Okay, not quite, but in the household I grew up in, it was. That’s what happens when you have a triathlete for a father. Cereal doesn’t have to be the only option for your kids. Did you know that in other countries, some of our highly sugary cereals are banned? With this scary thought in mind, here’s a few other options. Scrambled eggs and cheese. Greek yoghurt and granola/berries. Whole grain english muffin and natural peanut butter. All of these can be bought in bulk and be stretched out for a really long time.
Refrain from buying snacks! We really don’t need all the extra snacks in our pantry, unless we are planning on road tripping and spending a day out and around town. Most of the time when we are snacking, we are snacking because we are bored. And those snacks, more often than not, unless you are chowing down on some fruit&veggies, are empty calories and let’s face it, wasted calories. With nutrient packed meals, we should be able to eat three meals and call it a day. Now, like everything else, we can live in the balance and not go cold turkey on this. Admittedly, Trader Joe’s has the best snacks and is my absolute downfall, especially around the holidays. But, it’s treating snacks like a treat rather than an everyday indulgence that is key here.
I could go on and on and on, but I’m going to stop here. After all, there are plenty of other resources and books out there to help you on this journey. The one last thing I’ll share is that finding an accountability partner is a great way to stay on track with your health goals, whether that be your family and a group of friends or a health/fitness app. There’s something beautiful about going on this journey with others. So, whether this is your first step towards a healthier lifestyle or you’ve been eating healthy for years, here’s to healthy loving and making eating healthy the cultural norm!
Cheers until next time, friends!
JM Books Co. 