“I’d love to eat healthier but it’s so expensive! Plus all my fave foods are off the menu…”
Hands up if that’s how you feel. I totally get it. You know a healthy diet is the missing piece of the skin puzzle and could help you get rid of those nasty pimples faster or keep wrinkles at bay that little bit longer.
But who has a small fortune to spend on organic food or the time to learn to cook a whole new way?
What if I told you you don’t have to? A lot of healthy foods your skin badly needs are already in your pantry and are easier to prepare than you were led to think. Phew!
Here are 5 myths that keep you from eating healthy on a budget:
Myth #1: You Need To Eat Meat At Every Meal
Meat is a delicious staple in the American diet - and for a good reason: it’s loaded with proteins that help you grow healthy and strong. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a meal without it! Plenty of foods, such lentils and vegetables, give you the same protein fix at a fraction of the cost.
Think of meat as an indulgence to enjoy in moderation two or three times a week. When you do, opt for grass-fed beef, and always choose humanely raised, cage-free pork and poultry. These animals grew up on their natural diet, making the meat much healthier - and tastier. Seriously, try it if you don’t believe me!
Myth #2: All Grains Are Bad For You
Grains are proof you shouldn’t paint an entire family with the same brush. Gluten can cause all kinds of problems in people who are sensitive to it, but you can find plenty of grains that are easier to digest.
Case in point: whole wheat pasta. It’s usually well-tolerated even by people who are gluten sensitive (NOT allergic) and makes a filling, inexpensive meal the whole family can enjoy. Or organic rice. It’s dirty cheap and makes a versatile side dish - it literally goes with anything!
Fancy a healthy snack, instead? Give organic popcorn a go. Pop it in the pan with coconut oil for that extra tropical flavor.
Myth #3: Fat Is Always Bad For You
If there’s a family of nutrients more vilified than grains, it’s probably fats. Blame trans fats for that: they’re literally the devil and should be avoided at all costs. These nasties cause all kinds of bad diseases, such as cancer and heart problems.
But the natural fats in real foods like omega-3? Your skin loves them. These fatty acids are the building blocks of your skin’s protective barrier, what keeps it healthy and able to retain moisture. When your skin has enough, it’s naturally soft and supple.
So where can you find them? Salmon, nuts, avocados, olive oil and sunflower seeds are all good sources of the good kind of fats. Munch on!
Myth #4: Healthy Foods Cost Too Much
If we’re talking about anything with “organic” on the label, I agree. They’re outrageously expensive. But you don’t have to buy those. Did you know that regular fruits and vegetables are as healthy as “organic” vegs? And considerably cheaper too. Especially if you’re opting for in-season produce.
If you take a stroll around the perimeter of your supermarket (where all the real food is), you’ll find plenty of healthy options that don’t break the bank. When in doubt, look at the ingredient list. The fewer ingredients it has, the better.
Myth #5: Frozen Fruits And Veggies Are Less Nutritious Than Fresh Ones
Talking about vegetables, why not stock up on what’s in season now and freeze it for later? Yep, it’s totally ok to freeze your veggies. It keeps all their nutrients intact and fresh.
This is an old chef’s trick, by the way. Instead of wasting a fortune on off-season produce or relying on canned, tasteless vegetables, they stock up on what’s in season and serve it to you months later when that same vegetable would cost them much more. You don’t notice because those frozen veggies retained all their delicious flavor!
Now you have no more excuses! Try to make at least one of these changes and watch how a healthier diet starts to transform your skin. You’ll never want to go back.