Things do not change; we change.
                                                      -Henry David Thoreau

Healthy Eating on a Limited Budget

     If you’re like most, this time of year your wallet is as thin as your patience. You want to do all your holiday shopping, get your travel plans in order, and make sure your bills are paid, all at the same time. I’m right there with you. But what also suffers at this hectic time of year is our health. With all the energy we focus on the holidays, our most precious asset -- our health-- gets lost in the shuffle.

     When we’re rushed and stressed, what’s the first thing we do when we’re hungry? That’s right, we go for the sweets and fatty foods that fill us up faster and make us feel better – in the short run. But then we’re left with the post-holiday aftermath trying to lose the pounds we pack on from Thanksgiving all the way to New Year’s. Does it need to be that way this year?

Here are a few simple health tips that can save you both money and time:

1. Forego the buzz. That five to ten dollar a day coffee habit can really put a crimp in your spending budget. It adds up. If you look at my Inspiration on caffeine you’ll see your health improves when you cut back!
2. Stock up. Fill your fridge with fresh or frozen fruits and veggies. They can all be steamed or sautéed at the same time and ready to take with you in a pinch. Salads and stir fry make excellent meals for lunch or dinner and fruit protein smoothies can go with you in the morning, or take the edge off your appetite before that holiday party.
3. Grains of life. Brown rice and quinoa (more on this amazing grain native to the southwestern US in another Inspiration) are really inexpensive additions to any healthy diet. They are high in nutrients and fiber and will fill you up as well as bread and pasta would, without adding to your midsection.
4. Prepare ahead. Cook healthy foods and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then just portion them out and bring your lunch with you to work.
5. Watch the late night snacks. Train yourself to shut off your hunger meter after dinner. You won’t miss the added expense of late night snacks and you’ll have a much better sleep. If you still have a hard time with the late night cravings, try some peanut butter on rice crackers and a little warm skim milk.

     It doesn’t take a lot of effort or money to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes all you need is a little insight and a bit of motivation, till you’re off and running. So don’t let the holidays get in the way of becoming the healthiest YOU you can be.

Healthiest regards,

Dr. Carlos