But is it…?
There is much debate that banters back and forth about the potential increased costs of living a preventative lifestyle and specifically about eating healthier. I’ve recently engaged in some of these “debates”. A few things became clear–among them, that people’s ideas of “healthy eating” varied wildly. For instance, if you switch from packaged and processed foods to their organic (or better quality ingredient) packaged and processed foods–then yes, eating “healthier” was more expensive. But if you moved away from packaged/processed foods, it was not.
But really, when you think about it, is this really a debatable topic? When you sit down and REALLY look at what you REALLY want for your life–the money follows those things. If you haven’t given it solid thought and identify the things that your heart wants to commit to, then the money disappears. Only when you feel like being healthy is something you WANT rather than something you “have to do” will you be committed.
“When you’re interested, you do what’s convenient. When you’re committed, you do what it takes.” –John Assaraf
Nobody should judge anyone for the things that are important to them. I did budget counseling and really, if a daily Starbucks made someone feel THAT good–fine. Just budget for it. But then KNOW that you’ve made a conscious decision to have that every day instead of something else-and don’t gripe about the money… kwim? Saying that being healthier is too expensive and/or takes too much time and effort is similar: for people who feel it is something they truly want for themselves and their family, it isn’t a burden–it’s a gift.
If fresh, healthy food is the priority, then figure out what in your life you are currently paying for that is NOT as important–and take the money from it to pay for the things that ARE more important. It may actually take some time and change for your family to be in a position where you can accommodate all of the things you need for improved health; but if you are not truly committed to doing that–opportunities for change manage to slide by you unnoticed. When you are truly motivated and committed, you are actively seeking opportunities.
If you need more than this, let’s talk. My family has been down this road. I’m here to share my experiences with you to lighten your load.
Definitely agree. Switching to ‘healthier ingredients’ but packaged foods is way more expensive but going back to the basics of cooking from Real Whole Foods isn’t necessarily more expensive. Sometimes even cheaper depending on your prior budget.