We Should Start Eating Healthy Foods to Be Stronger

People say that it’s impossible to eat healthy foods while on a budget or fixed income, well I’m here to tell you that not completely true. Dawn Jackson Blatner, a Chicago dietitian stated in The Beacon New, ”whether they be working class families struggling with a loss of income or a tightening economy, individuals on public assistance or senior citizens on fixed incomes, contrary to recently published reports and a common perception, it is possible to eat healthfully while pinching pennies.”

Mark Bittman wrote an article in the New York Times titled, “Is Junk Food Really Cheaper?” and he stated, “In general, despite extensive government subsidies, hyper processed food remains more expensive than food cooked at home. You can serve a roasted chicken with vegetables along with a simple salad and milk for about $14, and feed four or even six people. If that’s too much money, substitute a meal of rice and canned beans with bacon, green peppers and onions; it’s easily enough for four people and costs about $9. (Omitting the bacon, using dried beans, which are also lower in sodium, or substituting carrots for the peppers reduces the price further, of course.”

I agree and here’s why. I’m a married man with three kids, I work a full time job, I’m in college part time, my wife is in college full time and we live on a very tight budget. I've learned that shopping smart is a major key. Sometimes eating healthy can get expensive. However, there are a few tricks. For example you can buy foods such as fish, chicken, beef and vegetables on sale. Also instead of buying canned food, you'll find that frozen foods are usually cheaper and healthier. Just stroll down your local grocery store and compare prices. Another option would be to grow your own fruits and vegetables in a backyard or in a flowerpot on a patio; it would definitely slash down on food cost.

Portion control plays a big role with helping the food last longer. Also, families would have to change their eating habits. It takes a getting used to and it seems difficult at first but once you see the positive results health wise and financially, you would be very pleased with the results. During a regular doctor checkup, my blood pressure was high. Threatened by high blood pressure and I had to make a life style change. My doctor said that eating healthy is important for reason like, lowering disease risk, increasing productivity and it also helps the body function properly. I must admit, I had poor eating habits but after reading some books and magazines about the importance of eating healthy, I made some life changing decisions not only for me but my family as well. I know we like our fast food places like Mc Donald’s, Burger King, Popeye’s, and Rally’s, but the truth is those place do not provide you with no nutritional facts like in the grocery store. You have no idea with you are consuming.

Fast food has negative effects on people’s health. Fast food also contributes to, many kid’s obesity. I had a bad habit of eating fast food, I wasn’t obese but I was faced with a life threatening scare. I was advised to change my eating habits because my own health was at risk. My advice is that it’s better to cook at home, educate yourselves and read labels. Start paying attention to what you eat, avoid those unhealthy processed foods. The more the food is processed the more it lacks in nutrients. Make it a habit to eat healthy and insure that it become a part of your daily lifestyle. It would change your life.

You will start enjoying life more, eating healthy combined with exercise reduces stress levels. You will notice an increase in productivity, boosted energy levels, and a healthier stronger immune system. Since I’ve been eating healthy, my blood pressure has been normal with the help of no medication. I don’t wake up feeling sluggish, tired and fatigue anymore. You’ll notice a big change in your daily life, like feeling energetic, motivated and being able to focus more. I seem able to get more things done.

Another major key is proper nutrients. Proper nutrient is important for many reasons like, delaying the effects of aging, helping to maintain your weight and a potential longer life spend. You ever heard of the saying you are what you eat, well that’s somewhat true. The body functions similar to a car. You’re not going to put diesel fluid in gasoline car or transmission oil inside of your motor. Nutrients provide your body with the proper fuel to function correctly.