“There’s no escaping the fact that better food – measured by taste or nutrition quality (which often correspond) – costs more, because it has been grown or raised less intensively and with more care.”
-Michael Pollan, Author Food Rules
Unfortunately, the way in which food is grown and produced in this country focuses more on quantity than quality. We have access to a large amount of cheap food. We are spending less, but eating more. In fact, less than ten percent of American’s money is spent on food, which is less than what the citizens of any other country spend. There is a direct correlation between what we feed ourselves and our health. Therefore, it would make sense that the less we spend on food the more we spend on health care. Perhaps you have heard the saying, “Better to pay the grocer than the doctor.”
-Michael Pollan, Author Food Rules
Unfortunately, the way in which food is grown and produced in this country focuses more on quantity than quality. We have access to a large amount of cheap food. We are spending less, but eating more. In fact, less than ten percent of American’s money is spent on food, which is less than what the citizens of any other country spend. There is a direct correlation between what we feed ourselves and our health. Therefore, it would make sense that the less we spend on food the more we spend on health care. Perhaps you have heard the saying, “Better to pay the grocer than the doctor.”
Sadly, not everyone can afford to eat well. Yet, the majority of people can and everyone can aim to make small changes to eat better. The key to eating a wholesome diet of high-quality foods is planning. Before you do anything, look over your budget. How much do you spend on food? Is there a way to tweak your budget so that more of your income can be spent on groceries? Once you have a specific budget dedicated to healthy foods, you can start planning your meals and creating a list.
Use these tips in combination with what works for you family to eat better without breaking the bank:
Clip coupons. Look through store ads to find out what is on sale. Use these foods to inspire your weekly menu. Avoid coupons for the unhealthy items like a 2 for 1 box of cookies. If you need a treat, you’d most likely save money just making them from scratch.
Join a daily deal site and use social media. There are more and more health-conscious businesses that are marketing their products through these sites. This is a great way to get a high-quality item or meal for less.
Search for sales. Walk the aisles to see what is on sale. Don’t buy things just because it’s on sale. After all, 10 boxes of Capin’ Crunch may seem like a good deal, but is not a healthy option for your family. Stock up on things like organic canned tomatoes or whole wheat pasta.
Use private store brands. Many stores have their own organic or natural brand. This can really help to save money on more expensive items like organic milk.
Buy in season. Most stores will display fruits and vegetables that are in season at the front of the produce section. They are usually a great deal too. Look at where the food is shipped from. If it is in season it usually comes from a closer location and will cost less.
Buy in Bulk. Many healthy foods that are trendy like quinoa can be found in large containers at warehouse stores. Items like this can be stored in your pantry for quite sometime and will be on had for a quick dinner. Pay attention to how much your family eats; you don’t want it to go to waste. Perhaps a 5 pound bag of carrots will go bad before it is consumed. Yet, you can cook, puree, and freeze it adding it to soups or muffins at a later time.
Prioritize. Decide for you family what is the most important to buy organic. Perhaps, you can only afford to buy organic milk. Or, maybe you stick to the dirty dozen when it comes to produce. Do the best you can. Something is better than nothing.
Don’t waste. Be careful not to prepare too much food and throw it away. Pre-portion the leftovers and use them in lunches the next day. Or prepare another meal utilizing the leftovers.
Join a daily deal site and use social media. There are more and more health-conscious businesses that are marketing their products through these sites. This is a great way to get a high-quality item or meal for less.
Search for sales. Walk the aisles to see what is on sale. Don’t buy things just because it’s on sale. After all, 10 boxes of Capin’ Crunch may seem like a good deal, but is not a healthy option for your family. Stock up on things like organic canned tomatoes or whole wheat pasta.
Use private store brands. Many stores have their own organic or natural brand. This can really help to save money on more expensive items like organic milk.
Buy in season. Most stores will display fruits and vegetables that are in season at the front of the produce section. They are usually a great deal too. Look at where the food is shipped from. If it is in season it usually comes from a closer location and will cost less.
Buy in Bulk. Many healthy foods that are trendy like quinoa can be found in large containers at warehouse stores. Items like this can be stored in your pantry for quite sometime and will be on had for a quick dinner. Pay attention to how much your family eats; you don’t want it to go to waste. Perhaps a 5 pound bag of carrots will go bad before it is consumed. Yet, you can cook, puree, and freeze it adding it to soups or muffins at a later time.
Prioritize. Decide for you family what is the most important to buy organic. Perhaps, you can only afford to buy organic milk. Or, maybe you stick to the dirty dozen when it comes to produce. Do the best you can. Something is better than nothing.
Don’t waste. Be careful not to prepare too much food and throw it away. Pre-portion the leftovers and use them in lunches the next day. Or prepare another meal utilizing the leftovers.
Resources: Food Rules By Michael Pollan,
Savvy Shopping: Budget Friendly Ways Families Can Choose More Organics. Juliann Shaeffer. Today’s Dietitian. June 2011
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