As if you didn't have enough else to worry about during these rough economic times, experts warn that there's yet one more threat to watch out for. You may get fat.
Yes, I've heard that there is a "proven" relationship between income and weight. Actually, the last time I saw this statistic quoted, it was based on neighborhood. In other words, you live in a low-income neighborhood, you eat like everyone else in the 'hood (perhaps due to limited options at the neighborhood store moreso than actual income), and you weigh more than the average person in a higher income neighborhood (with easy access to a better store).
Now, they assume that if your income goes down, your weight will go up. That you, the formerly high-end eater, will abandon fresh foods and go for more junk. Because, they say, "junk is cheaper." Oh gag.
You heard it here first. There is another way. Keep reading for one, just one, simple tip to help you avoid income-related weight gain. Do this, and you will not have to worry about buying an entire new wardrobe, next size up.
The one tip: Choose non-processed or minimally-processed foods.
This one tip will help you save money at the checkout, help you keep those same-sized clothes in your wardrobe, and reduce your likelihood of developing nutrition-related chronic illness. You will feel like a proverbial royal family when you see the wonderful creations you can whip up on a modest budget. Plus, in the words of my 10-year-old nephew, "fresh food tastes better."
Here are three simple suggestions to support you in eating more fresh foods:
- Consider potatoes. You do not need fries, tato-tots, pre-mashed nuke-ready mashed potatoes, chips, or anything of the sort. Watch for a sale and buy a big bag of real potatoes. When it comes to preparing them, wash the outsides well, dice, and either stir-fry as is in a little olive oil or cook in a little water, then drain and mash with milk and butter. No need to peel. Time invested: about 15 minutes.
Either option works well as a side dish. The stir-fried potatoes plus a little meat and vegetable forms the basis of a quick, hearty, and healthy one-dish meal. (Try diced leftover chicken and shredded cabbage.)
- Consider chicken. And eggs. Both are excellent protein sources that will fill you up without breaking the bank. Forget the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Watch for a good deal on "whole chicken cut up" and get the whole thing. Try oven-baked chicken with mashed potatoes and a vegetable one night. Later in the week, cut extra chicken off the bones and put in a stir-fry, slow-cooker chili, or noodle casserole. Save the bones and all extra parts. Make soup!
- Remember the humble bean.Whether it's pintos in red chili, garbanzos in a tantalizingly tasty Middle Eastern salad, lentils in soup, or great northern in a white chicken chili, beans are an excellent protein source, a great value, and extremely satisfying. Soak dried beans overnight, then cook for an hour and a half. I often short-cut the overnight soak. Bring beans to a boil in some water, then remove from heat and let sit for an hour. Beans can be pre-cooked the day before and refrigerated until you're ready to use them.
Answer me this. Why on earth would you waste your hard-earned money on a lame fast-food meal when you can eat flavorful nutritious real food for less at home? And maintain your girlish / boyish figure at the same time...
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
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Comments (4)
Oh, just reading your article was yummy! I've never fried raw potatoes in olive oil, and I will now. Eating healthy makes you feel good! It's too bad so many people have gotten away from really cooking or never even learned how. "Pot? Pan? What do you do with them?"
Lots of pain syndromes, like carpal tunnel, are "encouraged" by poor nutrition.
Good article--write more!
Posted by Kathryn Merrow - The Pain Relief Coach | January 9, 2009 10:05 PM
Posted on January 9, 2009 22:05
Thanks! I just tried it myself first time this summer after getting several different varieties of ultra-fresh potatoes (sooo tasty) to sample at the farmer's market. Just a little olive oil and, ideally, some crushed garlic. Of course in the summer, there were lots of other veggies around so I used summer squash, green beans, whatever was available. Yummy, quick, healthy, and satisfying.
Posted by Elizabeth | January 10, 2009 11:10 AM
Posted on January 10, 2009 11:10
OH MAN--you mentioned potatoes and this Norwegian had to share her favorite spud recipe:
Same potatoes and same extra virgin olive oil, only boil(away) in a small amount of (favorite)broth with added flavors like garlic or horseradish, or whatever your craving is for the day....then after the liquid is gone, the spuds are fork soft..whip the heck out of 'em!
I am almost sad to say no cream or butter can make these taste better!
Libbie
Posted by Libb | January 10, 2009 12:17 PM
Posted on January 10, 2009 12:17
Oh yum. I will definitely try that. Real horseradish fan here! Don't need cream or butter with the olive oil, do you?
Posted by Elizabeth | January 10, 2009 12:36 PM
Posted on January 10, 2009 12:36