Unless you’re completely unable to find a meal in today’s economy, the recession might take a toll on America’s health.
More expensive organic foods seem out of most Americans’ budgets. Healthier cuts of meat are often more expensive.
Processed foods loaded with artificial preservatives are cheaper. Some of the cheapest foods provide little or no nutrition at all.
The upside
Not all healthy foods are expensive. Though non-organic foods might contain pesticides and fungicides, these plants can be washed thoroughly to remove most of these contaminants.
Best of all, according to the American Dietetic Association, Americans can get the fruits and vegetables they need for under $2.50 a day. Also, costs can be cut if shoppers buy seasonal foods and whole chicken.
Other foods that are great for your weight and cheap include:
- Eggs
- Whey
- Tuna
- Frozen vegetables
- Generic food
- Seasonal foods
- Rice
- Beans
- Pasta
- Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Whole wheat bread
- Peanut butter
The gardener in you
If you’re worried about getting your fruits and vegetables, consider taking up gardening. Generally, gardening only costs 5-10% of what store-bought fruits and vegetables cost.
If you spend $10 on growing tomatoes, you will be saving at least $140. If grown correctly and if proper mulch is used, maintenance will be very minimal.
Buy in bulk and make food for two days
Buy as much food in bulk as possible. When cooking, cook enough for two days. Not only will this save you money, but you will also save time.
Ditch the junk food completely
You know that junk food is bad for your weight. But junk food is even worse for your wallet. Besides, junk food is completely useless nutritionally. Since you’re trying to cut back and avoid malnutrition, why waste time eating twinkies.
Lose weight
If you need another excuse to lose weight, you now have one. Eating less food will obviously cost less. If you can shed those pounds and keep them off long enough, those hunger pains will finally stop.
Eat foods that suppress hunger
If you’re having time controlling your hunger, eat foods that suppress it. One of the cheapest ways to curb appetite is to drink 8 oz of water and wait ten minutes.
If this doesn’t work, start eating the really leafy vegetables that are usually found in salads, like lettuce and broccoli. Two other surprising appetite-suppressing foods are apples and pickles.
Invest in your health
Staying healthy will be cheaper in the long run. No matter how expensive food can get, nothing beats the cost of an extended hospital stay. All of the diseases associated with an unhealthy lifestyle will really burn a hole in your wallet.
Also, with better health, you will have more energy. This will benefit you regardless of whether or not you’re looking for a promotion, a new job, or if you’re starting a business.
Even if you do feel like you have to spend slightly more on healthier foods, remember how much more you will be spending if you don’t.
