Let's face it, we all know we could be making healthier decisions when it come to our food choices, but

eating healthy food is so expensive!  Or is it?  Here are some helpful hints to take the pain out of the gain in healthy living.

1. Buy In Bulk-  Most natural health food store have bulk bin sections.  This is a great way to get rice, grains, nuts, seeds, & beans.  You can control the portions that are perfect for you and your family, and save some dough too!

2. Eat Local- As soon as Spring hits, the Farmers Markets will start popping up all over.  Investing in local food is not only good for your body (because seasonal eating helps keep balance in your body), but it's also great for the community!  When we support local agriculture we are voting with our dollars that healthy food should be reasonably priced.

3. Join a CSA- Community Supported Agriculture is basically when you buy a share in what a farm is growing.  Usually you pay in advance and have a pick up location where you can get a whole box of healthy, local, food.  If you have a small family, consider going in halfsies with another small family and split the share! Click here to find a CSA close to you.

4. Grow Your Own Food- If you have a green thumb, or just love the idea of playing in the dirt, why not give growing your own food a try.  It will require an initial investment of time, but the rewards far outweigh any negatives.  There is nothing like fresh produce right out of your own yard.  Worried you don't have enough space?  Check out this article on square foot gardening.

5. Preserve The Food You Have- Depending on how much storage you have, you can freeze, ferment,  dehydrate, or can fresh fruits and veggies yourself.  This is an excellent way to buy in bulk seasonally, and reap the rewards all year long.

6. Know When To Buy Organic- The EWG (Environmental Working Group) does a study every year to find out which produce has the highest  & lowest pesticides.  Start to become acquainted with the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15.  With this helpful guide, you can decide for yourself which things to buy organic and which to buy conventional.  

7. Eat Less Meat- The truth is, there is no way around it…purchasing, grass fed, organic, free-range, pasture raised, hormone and steroid free animal products costs more.  But the good news is that most people are eating way too much in the way of animal protein.  It's better to vary the types of protein you take in, and choose quality over quantity when it comes to meat.  Your body will thank you for it.

8. Try Ethnic Markets- Asian, Indian, & Hispanic Markets are a great place to not only save money, but they are also an excellent place to try new things.  With so many fragrant, exotic spices & things, it's a great opportunity to discover tastes you've never experienced before!

9. Avoid Processed Foods- I know it may seem like you're saving money on these convenient foods, but they are leaving you nutritionally bankrupt.  Some things are worth investing in, your health is one of those things, and processed foods are robbing you of this.

10. Eat At Home- By forgoing eating out, you'll  save money and countless empty calories.  By eating at home with your family, you will benefit physically, and emotionally.  There is priceless value in slowing down, eating, & socializing with people you love.  

I hope you use these tips to better your health as well as your wallet.  

For those of you that still think the cost of healthy living is too high, I say, it's far cheaper than cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, and many more unthinkable ailments.  When you invest in good, whole, healthy, foods, your need for traditional medical practices will decrease…in other words, you can pay your farmer, or you can pay your doctor.  The choice is yours.

This post is linked to: Your Thriving Family, Food Renegade, Real Food Whole Health, Rattlebridge Farm, Small Footprint Family, The Willing Cook