We are born, and ultimately we die. It is up to us as individuals to honour and take care of the bodies in which our souls reside. It’s also essential to encourage and teach our children the joys and benefits of embracing healthy nutrition.
I am feeling particularly reflective, having only a few weeks ago witnessed the final days of my dear (elderly) mother’s life.
My mother was keen on consuming wholesome, homemade organic food, which kept her in good health throughout her 97 years. She thankfully has passed her knowledge, enthusiasm and intuition on to me.
When my mother was a young girl in the 1930s, her parents had little money to spare. Her family’s status was not uncommon, as the depression years affected the livelihood of many. Her parents rarely visited a doctor, didn’t drive a car and embraced their responsibility to keep themselves, my mother and her brother healthy by eating nutrient-dense home-cooked meals packed with fresh vegetables and fruit, much of which was grown in their garden.
There was much hardship in those times, and although so long ago, it is good to appreciate the knowledge and understanding passed on through the generations for maintaining good health on a tight budget. People were aware that by keeping themselves in good health, they would be better able to provide for their families and enjoy a good quality of life.
“The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years”
Deepak Chopra
Although the cost of living is continually increasing these days, it’s possible to regain and remain healthy and vital as we age without spending a fortune.
Some tips for healthy eating on a budget:
- Buy fresh fruit and vegetables as they are exempt from GST (in Australia) and if possible, visit your local market just before closing for discounted produce.
- Reduce consumption of meat and avoid processed meats such as ham and salami
- If time is available, buy the cheaper cuts of meat such as brisket, chuck steak or lamb shoulder and slow cook in a casserole with plenty of added veggies!
- Keep and use chicken bones and vegetable scraps such as celery and carrot tops for homemade soup stock (the excellent store bought ones are so expensive)
- For apartment dwellers with balcony space, plant some vegetables and dwarf fruit trees in tubs or if you have a yard, fill it with edible flora to enjoy homegrown organic produce
- Creating simple, healthy and delicious desserts such as rhubarb and apple crumble (my all-time favourite) or a moist carrot cake will keep your sweet tooth satisfied with leftovers for a day or two
- Set aside time each week to prepare meals in advance to avoid the temptation of fast processed foods
Creating, sharing and enjoying meals, snacks and treats using fresh raw ingredients is so rewarding and beneficial for the health of our body, soul and budget. These practices can potentially keep us healthy and happy to enjoy living every day.
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