I have been told many times that buying healthy food is too expensive. I gotta be honest, this drives me crazy when I hear this because
it is seriously the furthest from the truth. This statement is better said “I just
don’t have or want to put the time into healthy food” now that is a true
statement. And one many of us can relate too. Let’s face it, it’s time consuming
prepping food for the week, and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is
no doubt about it. BUT, is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Once you make it a habit, it’s
like second nature. Your day may end a little later so you are prepared for the
next day, but you do it anyway! Because you care, you care about yourself, and
your health enough to add 10 minutes to your day.
Aside from personal food prep, I would like to talk about
clean eating for your entire family. I will use an average family of four as an example, and
hopefully shed some light that can help many of you who feel this way. Let’s
say I am at the grocery store picking up dinner for my family. I grab one spaghetti
squash for 6.25, 2 pounds of ground turkey burger for 5.79, and one jar of
organic meat spaghetti sauce for 3.76. I can feed my family, and have left
overs for 15.80(or I have an entire week of lunch prepared) Now, I know that
may seem high, but let’s say you went out to eat... We all know a family of four
is never going to walk out of a sit down restaurant and pay less than 15.00
dollars for everyone to eat a decent meal. This is also true with pizza, and
fast-food. You will pay the same amount, if not more, and have no left overs.
Not to mention the awfulness you just ingested, by not eating an at home cooked
meal. There are also plenty of other healthy meal options for much less than
15.00 dollars, but I chose to aim high for dramatics. ;)
Above is just ONE example of many. Trust me, I have tested
this theory. I have kept the receipts from the grocery store, as well as the
ones from eating out for one week, and the savings is in the grocery store, always. One
could argue that unhealthy VS healthy food in the grocery is less expensive,
and with certain foods, they are absolutely correct. However; let’s put this in
perspective…at most, we are talking about a few extra dollars on each item. I don’t
mind spending a little extra knowing that the food myself, and my family are eating
is quality food. It tastes more fresh, isn't full of hormones, preservatives,
and God only knows what else! And why would someone not blink an eye at paying
extra for super-size, cheese, soda, and maybe a little treat at the end of the
meal, but not for healthier food?! It’s all about making the decision to make
the right choice. If you can afford cable, internet, sell phones, big car
payments, nails, and hair…you can in-fact afford to spend a little extra at the
grocery store.
In a perfect world (through my eyes), we would all rally
together and run fast-food companies out of business, and buy local farm fresh
foods. I know in reality that will probably never happen, but you can start
with your household. You can spread the word to your friends and family. When
you look and feel great, they ALWAYS ask “what have you been doing different”
and when you respond with “eating clean” they will want to know every little
detail! Share with them how easy it can be once you get a handle on it!
So, save some money, feel better, and look healthier! It isn't
as hard as it may seem, and I am happy to help in any way I can!
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