To start creating healthy meal plans you need a few simple rules. This will save time and effort.
Rule 1. Avoid processed foods whenever possible. Natural foods have more nutrients. Process foods have salts, sugars, and preservatives added. None of these are necessary and are often bad for you. The more natural the food the less the additives.
Rule 2. Eat what is in season. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are less expensive. If possible, buy locally grown produce. (If you have a local farmer’s market, the prices are usually better then in grocery stores.) Most grocery stores will mark produce that is locally grown. They tend to be less expensive then those shipped in from other countries.
Rule 3. If possible, buy organic. Organic produce is pesticide free. For meat and dairy this is especially important as they will free of growth hormones. Organic is more expensive but worth the cost, if you can do it. Wild fish is better for you then farmed fish.
Rule 4. Think spices instead of salt. Americans eat far more salt then is recommended. You can cut down on salt and still have very tasty foods by using a variety of spices.
Since we are living in economically challenging times, it may not be possible to “go organic” right now. But you can start buying more fresh fruits and vegetables. Again, farmer’s markets are a wonderful resource for fresh, locally grown, produce that is usually less expensive then grocery stores.
I’ve always heard that it costs more to eat healthy. Pastas and potatoes are less expensive then fresh fruits and vegetables. If you figure in the health cost of eating a diet of processed foods, pastas, and being overweight then the cost of eating health is much less.
