In a suffering economy it can be a nuisance to find food that is both healthy and affordable. What’s more, an unbalanced diet can add to any physical stress brought on by being out of work or living from check to check. Too often one’s overall health will suffer because of it. Here are a few ways to eat healthy in a starving economy.
Consume more vegetables that are fresh or steamed.
Eating vegetables is a great way to assure that meals are well rounded and that you are providing your body with the proper amount of vitamins. Try customizing a salad for lunch. Also, wilted spinach or steamed broccoli spears make excellent sides for dinner. Vegetables gain most of their nutritional value from the direct interaction that they have with the sun. The longer they cook, the more vitamins and nutritional value they lose. For salads, it is important to be aware of how much salad dressing you are using. Too much works against a healthy meal and using less can save you money at the grocery store. Washing vegetables and fruits properly is also important. For tips, check out veggie-wash.com.
Opt for water when possible.
Although it has been said time and time again that water is vital to life, too many minorities are addicted to sugary drinks that pale in comparison with the benefits of drinking water. Not only does water help to refresh and revitalize your entire body, it also helps keep you regular. It aids in flushing all waste and cleanses your cells and organs. More than 60% of the human body is made up of water so replenishing it with its own natural source is a major part of a healthy diet.
Another important factor to keep in mind when preparing a meal for yourself and your family is portion size. According to statistics from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, portion size for foods have increased drastically over the past two decades. Twenty years ago a cup of coffee with milk and sugar was served in 8 ounces and was about 45 calories per serving. Today the average Grande coffee at Starbucks is double that serving size and packs about 350 calories. Twenty years ago a cheeseburger was 333 calories and today they are about 590.
http://www.visualeconomics.com/food-consumption-in-america_2010-07-12/ [3]
Many Americans often struggle with cravings and how to handle them. Snacks can be a good addition to a diet and for many people they help regulate urges until the next meal. For those who have an insatiable sweet tooth some good ideas for snacks are smoothies, granola and fresh fruit salads. Dry cereal is also great and easy to take along in a Ziploc bag. There are many ideas for inventing your own treats on allrecipes.com.
Lastly, a great way to stay healthy while conserving your energy and preserving your budget is to eat foods that are high in energy. You will capitalize on their benefit factors. This is where it gets scientific. Research foods that adhere to good blood sugar levels and keep them around the house. To increase iron intake, eat foods such as apples with peanut butter, oatmeal with walnuts, eggs or Edamame. Foods with high protein are also good sources of energy. Pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds are rich in protein. Incorporate some into an already healthy diet to boost your energy levels. Beware of foods that are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners because although they give you a temporary lift they can send you crashing as well.
Adopting some of these methods can help save you time, money and energy as well as keep your body in tune with your mental and spiritual health. Vitamin supplements in the morning are a great way to get your essentials in, especially on days when you may be too busy to eat with your best fork forward. Happy saving!
