There's no doubt about it. Times are tough, and more people that ever are struggling to make ends meet. Recent studies show that a shrinking wallet might actually have the opposite effect on your waistline. Obesity rates could continue to climb as people rely more on cheap and unhealthy sources of food like fast-food meals and processed junk. According to the U.S.D.A., food prices are expected to jump 6 percent this year. This means that many families will be forced to cut back on the quantity of food they buy, and many will likely cut back on the quality of the food as well. When it comes to food choices, it's cheaper to buy a package of ramen noodles than it is to buy whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies. One study found that if you follow the suggestion to get 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies daily, it will end up costing three times as much at the grocery store. Higher-fat foods tend to fill you up faster than a plate of vegetables will, which can be important if you're trying to feed a family on a limited income. So does this mean we're all destined to end up in the drive-thru line at McDonald's? I don't think so. Although it can take more work and planning to create healthy meals for you and your family on a budget, it can be done. There are some great articles on SparkPeople to help you save money without sacrificing your waistline at the store. Here are two to get you started: Eating Healthy On a Budget and Grocery Store Steals and Tips. Do you think it's possible to eat healthy on a budget? How do you make healthy choices at the store when times are tough? Any good tips you'd like to share? |
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