Eat healthily to live longer

No matter what our age, it is always wise to eat healthily and avoid processed foods and fast food.

Here's an article that helps you plan and gives you tips on how to eat healthily without over budgeting.

Eat Healthy Without Breaking The Bank

By Lienna May  |   Submitted On September 01, 2014 

Nowadays, many people like to eat fast food because it is cheaper than preparing their own food. Because eating self-prepared real food is generally healthier, the average person on-the-go is missing out on healthy eating and suffering enormous health consequences. However, it is possible to stay healthy by not spending much more money while enjoying real food. Real food is any food that does not have any chemical additives or genetically modified ingredients. Real food is food that is healthy, nutritious, delicious, and best of all, minimally processed.

Here are some steps on how to eat real food without breaking the bank:

First Step - Set a Goal

First of all, you should set eating real food as a goal; keeping this in mind will help you stay on track and will help you remember why you are dedicating yourself to better health in the first place. Without setting a goal - you are not going anywhere.

It is the same as trying to save money to go on a vacation. You need to have a goal first, envision it by picturing it in your mind, and then you will find the ways to achieve it. Envision what you would like to achieve; whether it is to lose some weight, feel better, have more energy, teach your children to eat better, get rid of allergies, etc. With your goal in mind, do not forget to celebrate each step in the process along the way.

Second Step - Plan Ahead

Make a list of meals that you would like to make in the coming weeks and buy the ingredients to make it. If you go to the grocery store, do not forget to bring this list of what you need to buy and stick to it. Do not purchase something that was not on your list. This will help you avoid overspending and stick to your budget.

I usually write items I need to buy throughout the week and put them in my iPhone. A great iPhone application that I use to create my shopping lists is called "Shopping List Free." Anything to make your life easier!

Third Step - Buy Things on Sale

Buy items when they are "Buy One Get One Free" (BOGO) are on sale, or are in-season. Especially remember to buy fresh produce that is in-season. These are always the freshest, most tastiest and nutritious produce items that you can buy. Remember that you can always freeze or dehydrate these items and use them later in the year. Also, when item are in-season, it's a great time to spend your money wisely. For example, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are a lot cheaper when they are in season. Buy in bulk, freeze, and enjoy later.

Coupons are great, but a lot of them are for highly processed foods. You can save money in the short-term. However, you will lose this money later in doctor's office visits. For an example of a grocery store that sells less highly processed foods, Whole Foods, along with Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, Earth Fare and other places are great stores to shop healthy, tasty, and affordable. Whole Foods runs some good sales, you can download their coupons online.

Fourth Step - Plant a Garden

I know that not everyone has a "green thumb." So, no worries here. Just do your best. If gardening is not your thing, do not stress out, use your time and energy somewhere else.

I have my own little herb garden. And, I love it because it is fun to see things grow. It is very convenient to grab some fresh herbs and put them in my meals anytime I want. Plus, the taste is phenomenal! I am saving a couple of dollars each week. It all adds up quick. Saving $20 per week ends up being $960 in a year - which is a vacation trip for my family! Want to find extra money around the holidays? Then, plant a garden throughout the year.

Fifth Step - Buy in Bulk

Amazon offers grocery items in bulk at a great price. You can stock up on your pantry items: grains, spices, oil, oatmeal, coffee et cetera. If your family has Amazon Prime, you will always get free shipping and 2 days delivery. Amazon Prime will save you money and save you a trip to a grocery store. This service will especially help you if you are living in a rural area where stores like Whole Foods, Earth Fare or Trader Joe's are nowhere to be found.

Sixth Step - Less Meat - More Greens

Please, I want you to know that I am not against meat. In fact, I love meat. But, our plates at home have less meat and more salad and vegetables on them. It is easier for your stomach's natural acids and enzymes to digest meat if it accompanied with salad or vegetables.

We are eating less meat, but the meat we do eat is grass-fed and without antibiotics or other additives. Organic meat is best, but not everyone can afford the price.

Remember, the journey of a one-thousand miles begins with a single step. In fact, in the long run, all small steps will make a difference. The only way to fail is to never try. Good luck on your journey to better health using real food as your vehicle to a better lifestyle.

If you would like to make a difference in your health and find out more helpful tips and recipes, please visit this website http://www.realfoodjoy.com.

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