The value range in many supermarkets may be the less expensive option but it often doesn’t rate high in terms of nutritional quality. Rather, they’re usually processed, over-refined options driven by food subsidies. Just check the label and you’ll see a whole host of ingredients that you probably haven’t heard of including e-numbers, preservatives …not to mention that they’re usually loaded with sugars and salt.
When we upgrade nutrient levels, we tend to stay fuller for longer so seemingly more expensive foods keep us fuller for longer …and we need less of them.
Here are five tips that’ll help you plan healthful options that don’t break the bank! Here goes…
Tip #1 :: Plan
Look through cookery books, check out recipes online …do whatever it takes to focus on specific recipes that take your fancy, then create a list of ingredients that you need to buy …that way you won’t be tempted by the special promotions and impulse buys on sweet, sugary refined foods in the supermarket that are cunningly placed at eye level!
Tip #2 :: Buy Local and Seasonal
This can save you some serious cash. Not sure what’s in season? Google your local farmer’s market and get chatting with the suppliers …they’re full of amazing information and more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Tip #3 :: Stock up on staples so you’ve always got base ingredients to hand
These include whole grains like rice, cous cous, quinoa, oats, pasta and noodles, your favourite dried and/or tinned bean and legume favourites along with things like olives, miso, hot peppers, herbs and spices, stock, favourite frozen veggies and berries, pasta sauces and dressings …all of which make it easier to cook something filling, tasty and inexpensive without another tips to the supermarket.
Tip #4 :: Start a vegetable or herb garden
Growing your own food is not only a cheaper alternative, it’s also a therapeutic passtime. It’s also great exercise and food always tastes better if you’ve grown it and nurtured it yourself. It doesn’t require a lot of space …it can be a window box.
Tip #5 :: Drink more water
There’s no doubt about it, fizzy drinks, alcohol, coffee and juices cost more. Water is the only fluid that our bodies need so limit dependency of those sugary, caffeinated drinks and you’ll save yourself a packet.
The foods we choose really are the greatest form of health insurance. It might take a little change in mindset to pick healthier choices, but they’re so much better for us in the long run.
When we clean up our diets our immune strength improves, energy levels increase and so it’s likely you’ll make less trips to the pharmacy or your GP. We often don’t put a price on that …but over the counter cold and flu medicines and prescriptions all affect the bank balance, we just don’t notice.
Think of food as the most proactive form of health insurance …pay now, or pay later …why wait to get sick?
Changing our Attitude to Food changes everything…
attitudetofood.com
