Fresh & Affordable: Healthy Eating Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
 
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
 
The scripture above teaches us to honor our bodies as God’s creation. It’s important to nourish ourselves with foods that uplift us in health and in spirit; you only get one body, after all. But eating healthy can be expensive. Let’s look at a few ways to nourish your mind, body, and soul without going over budget.
 
Buy Frozen
 
Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables are great, but it’s just not practical for many families to buy them every week. Luckily, you can get many of the same health benefits in the frozen food aisle. Frozen fruits and veggies are frozen soon after being picked, when they’re at peak ripeness. That means they retain high amounts of vitamins and nutrients even if they spend weeks in your freezer. In addition to the health benefits, frozen produce is also easier to prepare. Frozen fruits and vegetables come pre-washed and chopped, so it’s as easy as chucking them into the skillet, oven, or blender. Frozen fruits like mangoes and blueberries can be eaten right out of the bag for an on-the-go snack or satisfying dessert.
 
Buy Seasonal
 
Many of us have grown accustomed to eating the same fruits and vegetables year-round because of the widespread availability of imported and greenhouse-grown produce. Not only is this an unnatural way of eating, but it’s also an expensive one: Food producers spend a whole lot to grow these crops and export them to faraway grocery stores, and that cost gets passed down to the consumer. Instead, opt to eat with the seasons, which means selecting different fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Seasonal crops are cheaper and often go on special at the grocery store. In North Carolina, for example, strawberries are pretty much on sale all summer long. Here’s a brief produce guide for every season:
 

• Spring: apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, garlic, kale, mushrooms, onions, peas
• Summer: apples, avocados, bananas, beets, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, corn, cherries, okra, peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini
• Fall: apples, bananas, beets, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cranberries, green beans, grapes, kale, kiwifruit, onions, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, swiss chard
• Winter: apples, beets, brussels sprouts, grapefruit, leeks, oranges, parsnips, pears, pumpkin, rutabagas, turnips, winter squash

Grow Your Own
 
Planting a vegetable, fruit, or herb garden takes some time and effort, but it will save you big in the long run. Seeds are extremely cheap and can produce plants that sustain for years and years. North Carolina’s warm, subtropical climate makes it easy for fruit and vegetable plants to thrive. Why not take advantage of it by planting your own? It’ll save you lots of money and trips to the grocery store. Plus, gardening helps keep you active and offers a peaceful, much-needed return to God’s green earth.
 
HealthKeeperz is dedicated to helping our clients live their best lives through holistic medical care and emotional support. “Caring for all people for the glory of God” is our mission, and we are honored to serve each and every one of our patients. Please contact HealthKeeperz at 800-309-3784 to start the conversation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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