During the last six months, as I tried to motivate myself to return to a healthy lifestyle, I was often discouraged by the costs of healthy living — fitness programs, healthy food, stress reduction and relaxation, weight management, vitamins, etc.
It’s no surprise that obesity and poor health is prevalent in much greater proportions with lower-income households. It’s not just about the impact of celebrity endorsements and trends. It’s also about budgets and priorities.
We’re an educated society. We know what’s good for us. Making good choices is sometimes difficult.
The United States Food and Drug Administration Recommended Daily Allowances suggests a daily income of four to six fresh fruits and vegetables per person.
According to the American Cancer Society, increases in vitamin C can also help lower cancer risk. It suggests the increase should come from a wide variety of at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables and not from supplements.
The costs of five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day for seven days is more than what I currently spend each week on food.
Like many others, I want to lose weight and safeguard my health, but I find it difficult to achieve on such a tight budget.
During the week, I most often bring my breakfast and lunch from home, while I watch others spend $15 every day. I spend less than $25 a week for all my meals during work, instead of their $75.
I’m lucky I love to cook and make my lunches. With lower sodium contents and no preservatives, I’m already packing much better options than many of my friends.
There is, however, great room for improvement. While I’ve concentrated on meeting my budgetary needs, my dietary needs have suffered. It wasn’t a difficult decision. Pasta and rice cost less than arugula and apples. Ground meat with higher fat percentages cost much less than boneless chicken breast or fish.
But, enough is enough.
In life, there comes a time when we need to take a step back, evaluate, and sometimes redirect ourselves. Now — as I approach the big 4 – 0 — is that time. When it comes to our health, we shouldn’t put it off.
As I mentioned in Good-Bye Mint Chocolate Chip, I want to put up a good fight and prevent diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure from ever knocking on my door.
Sure, the budget is tight, but I’m going to have to find a way. I’ll have to give up something else, because this is too important to ignore. At the same time, I’m going to look for ways to eat better without breaking the bank.
Being healthy has its costs, but living an unhealthy life takes a quick toll on us today and sometimes leaves us with irreversible damage.
I welcome your suggestions on healthy eating on a tight budget. I know many of you have the same challenge. Let’s share some ideas and help each other.
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