Why Is It So Hard to Develop Good Strategies for Healthy Eating?
Is it really that hard to eat
One of the biggest reasons I hear for why people are eating unhealthy foods is the cost. Let’s face it healthy food is not cheap. The biggest reason for that is healthy food is not subsidized by the government. But what exactly does that mean and why does it make such a huge difference in cost?
Price of Healthy Foods
Commercially processed foods are made with ingredients that are cheaper. Two of the biggest ingredients used in processed food are corn and soy. They are literally in almost everything! And these crops are subsidized, in the United States, by the government. What this means is the government pays farmers to grow these crops. This makes them very cheap and in turn, makes producing food made with these ingredients cheap as well. That, in a nutshell, is why commercially produced food is less expensive than traditional non-processed foods.
So why are healthier foods pricier? The simple answer is farmers who grow traditional crops do so on their own, without any help from the government to offset the cost. That is why organic and healthier foods like produce and meats are more expensive.
But why does this matter to you? Well, you have a choice. Pay a little more now for healthier food, or pay a lot more later in medical bills. It’s really that simple. We have to adjust our priorities. Quit using excuses as to why you would rather buy that $5 latte than that gallon of organic milk.
Eating Real Food is Hard Because it’s not Fast!
I get it! On a Friday night after a long week, the last thing I want to do is cook a meal from scratch. I’d rather order that pizza, or take out, or whatever. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to make healthy food quick and easy!
- Always keep healthy foods your family loves in the house. If there’s something available you’re less likely to run out and grab something.
- Cook up some meats on Sunday that you can take out of the fridge and reheat quickly. Then all you have to do is add a side
- Get creative. Try new foods that are quick to make. I found a great recipe for an amazing Chicken curry soup that whips up real quick. It is now my go-to when I can’t think of anything to make.
- Have your family cook together. If it’s fun, the time it takes to make a meal seems like less work. Make your own pizza night is always fun! And there are quick doughs out there you can make ahead and have ready at a moments notice.
How to Eat Healthy at Home
There are some simple strategies you can follow that can have a huge impact on your health. And ultimately, it’s up to you to make the change. But it doesn’t have to be hard or even that expensive (check out my freebie to help you eat healthy on a budget)! With so much contradictory info out there about what foods are best for better health it can really make you frustrated and ultimately make you want to give up. Trust me, I’ve been there! But there are some things that remain constant across the board that you can do to have a healthier diet.
Strategies For Healthy Eating:
- REDUCE YOUR SUGAR INTAKE!!! All things in moderation right?!? Well, it’s hard to eat sugar in moderation when it is in literally everything you eat! Read labels! If the second ingredient is sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, etc… Put it back on the shelf. And if it’s in something that absolutely makes no sense (like tuna) put it back. And stop drinking soda and fruit juice!
- Avoid soy. Soy contains an estrogen-like chemical called isoflavone. And let’s face it most of us don’t need more estrogen. Unfortunately, this also is in a ton of processed foods. Once again folks moderation.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. This goes without saying. I’m sure we could all use more produce in our diets. An easy way to do this is to add veggies to everything! Peppers in your meatloaf, spinach in your pasta sauce, carrots in your lasagna.
- Add fermented foods to your diet. This is a great way to help with gut health and they are tasty too! A simple way to get started is with sauerkraut. Trust me fermented sauerkraut is way better than store bought!
- Whenever possible, switch to grass-fed and organic meats and animal products.
- Try to limit eating out. Instead of fast-food eat at family style restaurants.
- Start a garden and supply your own healthy food!
Invest in Your Future Health
Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not you consider your well-being a priority. I know when we’re young we feel invincible. But trust me all that abusing your body staying up late and eating crappy food will come back to haunt you when you hit your mid-thirties. Wouldn’t you rather invest a little time and money now and feel better later (not to mention not having huge medical debt when you’re older)? Taking care of yourself and making some simple changes can really ensure when your older, and you have more free time, you will be able to enjoy every minute of it!
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