We hear it all the time. “I can’t afford to buy organic food” or “I don’t have time to cook”. I used to say it all the time myself. But when I considered the high physical, emotional and financial cost of not eating fresh, organic, unprocessed and non-gmo food prepared at home I realized that in the long run I’d be paying a much higher price, I’d be paying with my health. And worse, I’d be paying my very hard-earned money to doctors and pharmaceutical companies to maintain a disease state rather than spending my time and money on traveling, being with family and friends, healthy and energetic, enjoying all the things I want to be doing.
It all comes down to “pay for it now or pay for it later”. The choice is yours.
I’d rather cut some corners on other things in my life now (I don’t really need the premium tv/phone package or the expensive luxury car or designer clothes) to put high quality food and yes, high quality nutritional supplements, in my body so that I can spend my later years in good health, actually living life instead of running to doctors and pharmacies just to maintain a less than optimal “life”.
So, having said all that, this morning’s trip to the grocery store caught me off guard. I was a little surprised at the “high cost” of my healthy organic choices when I could have easily purchased the conventional produce, chicken and eggs for about 25% less (and what’s up with the less healthy choices costing less, shouldn’t it be the other way around?).
But when I got home and laid it all out I realized that I would easily get several healthy nutritious meals and even a couple of healthy treats for just a few dollars more than conventionally grown or pre-packaged food. And because I’d get an entire week’s worth of meals with a minimal investment of my time and a little bit of planning I’d be saving money in the long run because I wouldn’t be tempted to grab fast food on the way home.
The picture above is most of what I got at the store this morning. I also got some organic pasture raised eggs, organic pepper jack cheese from pasture raised cows, a package of organic uncured nitrate and nitrite free bacon and a small bag of coconut flour. It doesn’t look like much but I’ll end up with Thai Peanut ‘Zoodles’, Roasted Chicken and Veggies, Paleo Chicken Avocado Wraps with Cilantro, Southwestern Red Lentil Rotini (quick meal in a bag for super busy days), and omelets with chopped peppers and pepper jack cheese (because sometimes we like to eat breakfast for dinner).
I’ll separate the coconut cream from the liquid in the can of coconut milk and use the cream for whipped cream on top of the berries. I’ll use the leftover coconut water for a smoothie with my favorite chocolate protein powder (tastes like a chocolate coconut candy bar). I’ll make five grab and go chocolate chia breakfast puddings with the remaining avocado mixed with some chocolate protein powder and I’ll use the limes and mint for a simple grain free (paleo) mojito cake with leftover coconut whipped cream (and maybe sprinkled with a little bit of rum) because on Sunday we like our dessert.
So there you have it, five dinners, two desserts, five weekday breakfast protein puddings and brunch on Saturday and Sunday using the remaining eggs, cheese and peppers (and bacon!).
And I almost forgot, on the weekend I sometimes like to have a breakfast muffin and coffee (organic of course) with my eggs and bacon so I’ll mix up a batch of grain free carrot, raisin and cinnamon muffins using coconut and almond flours in stead of regular wheat flour.
…it really doesn’t cost a whole lot more to buy organic whole food and it really doesn’t take any more time to prepare a meal at home vs. picking up fast food, it just requires a little planning and preparation.
When you think about all the nutritious meals you’re getting, and none of them take more than about 30 minutes to make, it really doesn’t cost a whole lot more to buy organic whole food and it really doesn’t take any more time to prepare a meal at home vs. picking up fast food, it just requires a little planning and preparation. That seems like a small price to pay for better health. Challenge yourself to try it out for a few weeks and see if you can’t incorporate a few more prepared at home organic/non-gmo whole food meals into your week.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be sending out all the recipes mentioned above so keep an eye on your in-box.
Wishing you good health,
Debbie
