Debunking Food Myths
My clients ask me all the time where they should spend their hard-earned money when it comes to food. These are the same questions I had when embarking on my journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
There are many opinions about what we “should” be eating. I often felt like if I didn’t buy everything organic, I was going to poison myself or my girls. As food prices continue to increase, my wallet is definitely feeling the strain. As much as I would love to have the financial resources to buy everything organic and sustainably raised, I simply don’t have the budget for it.
I recently spent some time doing a deep dive, looking at ways that I could ensure that I was eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods without going broke. I wanted to share some of what I learned with you!
Conventional Produce is OK:
It is easy to get into the mindset that everything you eat "should" be organic. Let's stop "shoulding" ourselves! Conventional produce is OK, and it is better to eat commercial vegetables, for example, than to skip the vegetables because of price.
Support Local:
Conventional foods that are raised closer to where you live are not only often less expensive than organic but are also more nutrient-dense than organic foods that are shipped from another country. When foods are grown in another country, they are often picked earlier and ripen while in transit. The taste, quality, and nutrient density can all suffer. Local foods are ALWAYS in season, meaning that they have amazing flavor and are usually picked at the peak of ripeness. Additionally, I absolutely love supporting local farmers. The benefits of supporting local can be far-reaching.
Canned and Frozen Foods re Great Options:
I used to avoid frozen and canned vegetables, thinking they had less nutritional value than fresh ones. I was WRONG! Frozen foods are usually picked fresh and then quickly frozen. This means that they retain a lot of nutrition, sometimes even more than fresh produce that is shipped from another country. I personally eat fewer canned vegetables since they are typically higher in added salt or sugar, but they are still a reasonable option; just watch the ingredients.
Organic is Better:
Organic foods really are of higher quality in nutrient density than conventional. Also, how organic foods are grown and harvested (or processed) makes them a better option for our health AND the environment. I try to buy organic whenever possible, especially if it is from the US. However, you don’t need to feel like you only have to buy organic. I like to follow the recommendations for the DIRTY DOZEN when considering which produce to prioritize for organic options.
Avoid the Middle
When you are in the supermarket, skip the foods with questionable ingredients by shopping the perimeter of the store. This allows you to fill your cart and your body with delicious, nutrient-rich, and nourishing fresh foods! The foods from the center of most grocery stores are over-processed, sugar-laden, and have little to no nutritional value. If you want your middle section to look better, skip the middle of the store!
Bulk Up
Often, buying things in bulk is cheaper. I stock up if a product I love is on sale and can be frozen or stored without spoiling.
You Simply Can’t Afford NOT to Eat Well
I know it can feel like we need to eat lower quality, processed foods that are cheaper to save money. The honest truth is that you just cannot afford to eat that way. The long-term impact on our health when we eat overly processed foods is significant. Our bodies often don’t recognize those ingredients as food. When that happens, our body goes on the attack. This leads to a cascade of inflammatory responses that leads to chronic health issues.
When you fuel your body the right way, your life transforms.
