Stay Healthy in a Limited Budget

conomic depression is telling on all but even during this lean phase, we should learn to live wisely. Limited budget does not mean that you have to cut down on nutrition; all you need to do is act wisely. On an average, around 49% Americans eat outside food which, in fact, is a major cause of your money depletion. Calculate the amount spent on food purchased from vendors or restaurants and you shall see how expensive it actually is when compared to home-cooked food.

Most of us hardly want to make an effort to cook our own food but at the end of the month, we repent why we spent so much on the pizza, the roasted turkey, or the risotto. Besides, there is another trauma lying in wait- obesity. Outside food does no good to keep your body weight in check or offer balanced nutrition. On the other hand, people often buy chips or colas when they do not want to indulge in expensive restaurant dishes. What they don't realize is that a one dollar chips gives way to thousand dollars expense in the form of weight gain, cardiac diseases, and heart problems.

Still wondering? It's time to hit the grocery stores and do some cooking!

Clinical nutritionists suggest a way out to keep you healthy within a limited budget. Instead of buying ready-made food, go to the grocery store every week and buy foods that promise a balanced diet instead of mere carbohydrate-rich food. Foods high in fiber content are ideal as they take longer to break-down and thus make you feel full. Such foods include sweet potato, bean, lentil, tomato, or broth-based soups, lettuce, mixed greens, and brown rice. Buy the veggies in bundles instead of pre-cut to minimize cost. Buying brown rice of the long kind is more affordable.

One of the healthiest options is to buy seasonal fruits during the fall. Seasonal fruits cost much cheaper and are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Grocery stores also keep cut fruits packets that you can consume as snacks. Bringing your own lunch to office saves on calories as well as dollars.

One very basic thing that people often overlook is drinking adequate amounts of water. Do not confuse thirst for hunger; the next time you feel hungry, drink water first. The last but not the least- always plan your shopping trips and meals ahead of time to ensure you do not end up eating or spending more than required. Do not let the economic depression cast its ugly eyes on you. Be wise and stay healthy!