"How do you buy diet foods or specific suggested extremely lean meats and other foods when you are on a fixed income? Example: It is more cost effective to feed my family spaghetti or hamburger helper than it would be to buy salmon and asparagus for the entire family, just because it is better for me..."
My answer:
Eating healthily is CHEAPER than eating "normally". If you saw what types of foods elite athletes consume (and remember that these people need to cover all their bases because they compete at extremelly high levels) you would think that they are destitute. Eggs, rice, tuna, fruits, vegetables, nuts and milk among other things. And there's no need to buy salmon or "lobster". Buy cheap fish. Good nutrients can be found in very cheap foods.
Not to mention that people who don't eat healthy meals will have several expensive bills to pay sooner or later like lost days at work, surgeries for heart attacks or knee and lower back problems, self help classes because of bad self-esteem, all kinds of gimmicks and magic pills etc. I wonder how "cheap" cheap food really is...
Also, you don't have to eat exactly what the entire family eats (I covered this question earlier). And, if you really need to buy something special for you, don't think that you have to buy food for the entire family - focus on yourself.
You may think that this sounds "selfish" - but you need to think about it. Many people try to "help everyone around them" while they aren't even able to take care of themselves. FOCUS on yourself and do what needs to be done so you are in good shape - physically and mentally.
Then, you will be strong and able to help your family and everyone else you like. If you ignore yourself, it won't be long before you won't be able to help anyone (yourself or others). I'm convinced that losing weight is a mental issue above everything else. Once people "get it", they lose weight like crazy.
I have one last thought on the subject I need to add: Most people have no trouble spending money on sweets, junk food, cigarettes, alcohol, new fancy clothes etc. But, as soon as you tell them about doing things that will improve their health, all of a sudden they think about money. Weird.
Millions of people start a diet every day with the hopes of losing anywhere from 2 or three pounds to as many as 100 pounds or more depending on individual circumstances. One common thread, however, is the cost of food. This is particularly true if one is following a specific diet plan that calls for special foods or supplements. Sometimes it may feel that the only thing that is shrinking is your wallet. How to diet on a budget can become very important if you have a significant amount of weight to lose or if you simply want to eat better on less money. It can be done! Let's find out how you can shrink your body and not your wallet.
1. Learn to love beans. Beans in all forms are an excellent source of protein, iron and fiber. They contain very little fat and sodium. Beans are very versaitle and can be used in addition to meat to stretch the meal or as a meat replacement. Use beans with whole grains such as brown rice to make a complete protein source.
2. Peanut butter is your friend. Peanut butter is very inexpensive. It is high in protein and mono-saturated fats, which are both very good for you. However, if you are going to get the most nutrition for your money, do not buy the regular commercial peanut butter because it is made with partially or fully hydrogenated fat. Hydrogenated fat clogs your arteries and causes heart disease. Buy only all natural peanut butter. Dieting on a budget is only cheap if it increases your health.
3. Buy seasonal fruit and veggies. Seasonal fruit in 3 or 5 pound bags is one of the cheapeast ways to keep fresh fruit on hand. Fresh fruit is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed by the body for repair and good health. Fruit is also an excellent source of healthy carbs and fiber. the same may be said for vegetables. Buy what is fresh and in season to get the lowest price. Another option when dieting on a budget is to buy frozen vegetables. Frozen veggies are the next best thing to fresh and are similar to fresh in vitamin and mineral content.
4. Buy only lean protein. This may sound like a no-brainer, but since meat is the most expensive part of the grocery budget, the temptation to buy products like bologna or hot dogs because of the price is real. You should resist the temptation because processed meat products are generally full of artery clogging fat, preservatives and sodium. They are nutritional disasters. Spend your money on turkey breast, chicken breast, ground round or ground sirloin.
5. Eat more eggs. Eggs are a source of complete protein and the standard by which all other protein sources are judged. Although the medical community has warned us not to consume more than 3 or 4 eggs per week, that advice is for whole eggs only. For weight loss and general health, you should eat the egg whites only. When dieting on a budget, consider that you can purchase 5 dozen eggs for under $4.00 in many places. Egg white omelets can be eaten for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Get creative!
Dieting on a budget is easier than most people think. All it takes is a bit of creativity and a willingness to put forth a little effort. Remember that processed foods are not going to increase your health. The best diet consists of fresh, whole foods as close as possible to their natural state. Keep these 5 tips in mind on your next trip to the grocery store and shrink your body, not your wallet.
Both George Black & Rebecca Welch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
George Black has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Nutrition and Bodybuilding Supplements. "Why Almost Everyone Is Dead Wrong About Weight Loss - Including How To Lose Up To 28 Pounds in 4 Weeks And Keep it off - Without Diet Pills or Aerobics and Without Feeling Hungry. Lose weight with this simple. George Black's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Rebecca Welch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Build Online Business and Home Based Business. Rebecca Welch is a successful webmaster and publisher of Learn how to make any diet 5 times more effective guaranteed!. Rebecca Welch's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.