How to still eat heathly and not break your bank!
10 Ways to Eat Healthy in Tight Times
Times are tight, there is no secret there. But have you started to notice the pinch in your jeans and your wallet? Are you looking for ways to cut cost and tighten your budget while continuing to tighten your waistline? Here are 10 easy tips for battling the bulge without breaking your wallet, from Season 2 winner of NBC’s the Biggest Loser, Matt Hoover.
- Eating healthy foods can cost more but don’t let that deter you from doing the best you can. Consider eating a healthy an investment in YOU! Obesity and poor nutrition can lead to costly medical bills down the road.
- Portion, portion, portion. Americans consume way too much food. Learn what a portion size is and prepare your meals accordingly. My wife, Suzy and I started making only enough food for each of us to have ONE, yes one, portion. At first it seemed like we weren’t getting enough food, but we adjusted and now feel satisfied after eating.
- Use a smaller plate. A smaller plate will make it look like you are getting a bigger portion.
- Buy frozen. Frozen foods get a bad rap. By purchasing frozen food you can buy more at a more cost-effective price and will be able to use the product multiple times in multiple dishes.
- Buy different sauces. If you buy a bag of frozen chicken, you can prepare it so it has a different flavor by adding a different sauce.
- Make a night out a night in. Rather than going out to eat, set the table nicely and add flowers or candles. Turn on some soothing music and have a date right in your home.
- Only shop once a week. Make a list and stick to it. Running to the store everyday can add up.
- Get the family on board. Explain to all involved why you are making changes. Explain that this is necessary not only for the pocket book but for health reasons as well.
- Prepare meals ahead of time. Set aside some time on Sunday to prepare meals for the week. Each of your meals will be ready to go. All you have to do is throw the meal in the oven and then serve it.
Follow through! Make the decision to get healthy and save money. By cutting costs on restaurant bills and quick-fix meals, you’ll find that wiggle room you were looking for in your budget and your jeans
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More ways to eat healthy on the cheap
Very nice post! Frozen foods are invaluable to eating well and not killing you bank (or, saving extra money for a trainer, or a new wardrobe, or to register for that marathon. Maybe take that sailing trip you never thought you could do?).
Even thought I'm a food writer (who also dieted and exercised off 250 pounds at the same time), very few of my meals come free, and honestly I'm happy to make rent freelancing. So it's worth getting creative.
A few more tips include:
Stock your pantry for versatility by buying non-seasoned everything ... oatmeal, yogurt, proteins, pastas. Picking up some chicken brother, a selection of vinegars and spices you probably have on hand already easily create a diverse menu out of a few basic ingredients.
This is the same principle behind Suzy's great suggestion for sauces. But take a step or two further. A little whey protein, some unsweetened coccoa and a dash of peanut butter renders yogurt transformed. Easy marinades (and also cutting proteins or vegetables to different sizes) are simple ways to add diversity.
Frozen chicken from warehouse stores (a la Sam's Club) are an easy protein source -- canned beans and canned tuna are also among the cheapest. With a few technqiues, you can make these two food stretch into every meal of the day.
I got a few more at http://www.secondhelpingonline.com/?p=495. You shouldn't have to afford a second home to be healthy ... and you don't. Don't buy into the hype.
Thanks for the post!
Best,
Russ Lane
Creator
Second Helping
http://www.secondhelpingonline.com
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Don't agree with frozen foods
I like all of your tips except the frozen foods one. Frozen foods typically are loaded with sodium, which will cause your body to retain water.
Frozen Food are good
Most frozen vegetables do NOT contain added sodium. They contain just as many nutrients as fresh vegetables as they are 'flash frozen' at their peak of ripeness.
Mike
Scam
Yes it is a scam I have been scammed as well. Credit Card has been charged twice and cannot get onto the site since enrolling. Please do not get scammed as well.
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