.JPG)
Is the stress of the economy negatively impacting your eating habits and weight? You can eat healthfully on a budget and help you reach your weight loss goals. Of course some will find themselves choosing cheap less nutritious foods like white bread instead of 100% whole wheat bread. Here are a few tips so you don't find yourself compromising your health and your waistline!
* While choosing 100% whole grain bread may cost a bit more, you will find yourself more satisfied with this more nutrient dense choice and less likely to overeat - therefore ultimately saving money. Choose brands that are on sale!
* Opt for more vegetarian-style meals. Using beans, peanut butter, and eggs over meat for protein will lead to a significant cost savings while still providing good quality protein.
* When using meats, reduce your portions or use meats as a condiment vs. as the main entree. This not only reduces the cost of your meal but also the fat content.
* Boost up your fruits and veggies! Filling up on these will help to prevent snacking on more costly less nutritious and higher calorie snacks like chips, cookies, and candy.
* When cooking, prepare a double batch to allow for left-overs. This may save you the cost of eating out the next day as well as the time that would have been spent preparing another meal!Here are some ideas for healthy affordable home cooked meals that certainly cost less and offer more nutrition than most restaurant or fast food meals.
* Easy three bean chili ~ Use canned pinto beans, black beans and Great Northern beans with stewed tomatoes, onion, frozen corn, then flavor with desired herbs and spices. Top chili with a dollop of low fat sour cream. Left-overs: use left-over chili the next night, spoon on top of a baked potato, and serve with a side of broccoli.
* Couscous topped with sautéed veggies and chicken ~ Sauté zucchini, tomato, yellow pepper, onion, chicken breast (cut in strips), and season with your favorite herbs. You may substitute with other grains such as barley, brown rice, or quinoa for variety. Cost saving tips: buy grains in bulk at your local health food store and select chicken in family packs as the price per pound is less, then divide into baggies and freeze.
Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach could be dangerous for your health and pocketbook. Be sure to eat a snack or meal before heading out to the grocery store so you’re not tempted to overbuy or make poor food choices…and don’t forget to always use a grocery list!
About the Blogger
Are you ready to take the next step? Click here to get support from Ursula Ridens and discover how you don’t have to diet to succeed! Visit http://www.ursularidens.com/ to learn more about Ursula and her passion to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals through realistic lifestyle changes.
.JPG)