Eating right doesn’t have to cost more. One of the challenges of making better food choices is the price tag. I often talk to potential clients about the cost or trade off they will have in making better choices for a healthier lifestyle. Exercising more takes more time; shoes, equipment, or gym memberships, etc. need to become a new line-item in the family budget. There is a general consensus that eating healthier costs a lot more, too. I don’t want to go to the extent of trying to bust a myth, but I will say that it may not be as costly as you think. Especially if you consider the things you will stop spending money on alongside the new choices you will make. Making better food choices may not ‘ding’ your budget as badly as you were once led to believe!
Eating out-There are a few occasions when eating out seems to be, or may be, cheaper. However, consider the quality of the food you are putting into your body and the effects. Most people admit that fast food is just that, it runs fast through your system and you are hungry again an hour later. So, you eat again. How is that saving money? Eating out at non-fast food establishments as a special treat is great! These occasions usually involve better (and healthier) choices and you can control the various aspects, like condiments on the side, vegetable choices and portions. You should have the waiter hold the bread and ask them to bring a doggie bag with the meal so you can split it immediately. You save because you now have two meals for the price of one! Always order water, free, and treat yourself to a good beer or glass of wine occasionally.

You can use ingredients you have grown at home, too! Pictured: Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes

Eating at home-In my (humble) opinion, this is a better choice for your typical, regular routine. If you haven’t cooked much at home, getting started can be a little overwhelming. It really helps if you have a friend or some other mentor to help you build confidence. I do cooking sessions (sometimes in lieu of workout sessions) with many of my clients. One of the biggest hurdles is learning how to stock your kitchen and doing it gradually so the “cost” is spread out over time. I find that many people shy away from cooking at home merely because of the list of ingredients needed. I have clients who have “boards” on Pinterest, or recipe books that are full of great recipes they would love to try, but they can’t bring themselves to buy all of the ingredients. I get it. However, remember that many of the spices and other ingredients last for months. You can buy these in bulk containers because they usually have a long shelf life. You can also freeze them to draw that time out a bit. Working with a mentor or a friend as you begin this journey is helpful because they may offer to help you with this aspect-they probably have a pantry full of the little pinches of this and cups of that which combine with your main , fresh ingredients and make your recipes taste fabulous!
Stay with me for Part 2 of this topic-I will give you a list of helpful tips to save money when you shop for all the good, healthy stuff you want to put into your HOME COOKED meals!
Until next time, make good choices, keep moving and be well!
Your Best Fitness Friend