Is Eating Healthy Really More Expensive?

Everyone is looking for that inexpensive, quick way to be healthy. Here's the deal, it's really simple..

Eat Real Food.

My motto is to keep it simple. Take a stroll through the produce isle. Educate yourself on the prices and take advantage of sales.

I have to admit, I rarely buy my fresh foods at the supermarket. I make every attempt to buy local from Farmer's Markets and farm stands. I know what I'm getting this way and I am supporting my local economy. Yes, it can be a little more expensive but for this mom, it's worth it.
I know this is not possible or realistic for everyone so here are a few alternatives..

If you are on a budget (like most of us), then shop mindfully. Trader Joe's has great deals on organic, fresh foods. My only complaint is the selection.  Your local super market is most likely carrying lots of organic items as well and this might be more convenient for you. I try to stay away from stuff grown in other countries. Read labels and know what you are buying.

I plan my meals according to the fresh items I buy at the beginning of the week. I go to the Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. I talk to the farmers. They take pride in what they grow and will often give you ideas on what to buy. Last week, my favorite farmer told me the turnips were as sweet as apples. I also bought Veal Sausage for the very first time. I was looking for chicken sausage and she sold me on the veal. I look forward to making my sausage and kale dish. It's like a treasure hunt for me. I know I am getting my family healthy food grown & prepared by passionate, organic farmers...the way food should be. Simple. So ask questions. Be proactive.

We all know that processed foods are convenient for our busy lives but is it really worth the toll it takes on our bodies? Why not make your own TV Dinners? You want convenience? You can have it! Pick a day of the week when you just cook. Make your favorite meal (and a lot of it). Freeze half of it. Sometimes, I freeze single portions of the foods I know my kids won't eat. This way, when I am starving, I just pull it out of the freezer, and bake it in the oven. Simple. Organic. Healthy. And is it really more expensive? You do the math.

I also chop up lots of veggies at the beginning of the week. If I need a quick snack, I grab some pre-cut carrots, broccoli & hummus and boom, a healthy snack. I know the chopping is a pain sometimes so my advice is to chop ahead. Anything left over at the end of the week can be thrown in a soup or stew. I make a pot of soup every week. I look in the fridge and see what's left from the week. Nothing goes to waste. I pull some homemade stock out of my freezer and get cooking. Simple, homemade goodness. I always have a ton of soup in my freezer.

So is it really more expensive to eat healthy? I think not. Have fun with it. Eating should be a pleasure, not a chore.

And one more piece of advice.. if the food you choose can out live you (I'm thinking Twinkies), than it's probably not a good choice. You decide.