Each week I see clients with chronic illness. Stress underscores most of what I see. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed not only directly affects our physical and emotional health it also affects our daily choices that contribute to our health.
“I don’t have time to eat well”
“I don’t have time to cook”
“I don’t have time to look after myself”
“I am stressed out and time poor”
“I believe organic food and generally eating well is expensive“
image via pinterest
Are these statements really true?
– We don’t have time or money to be unhealthy.
– Health is everything and without it we can’t create and manifest our dreams.
My practical solutions:
1. Choose health: Yes it is a choice.
2. Make time: It can be hard to find time in your day and week to plan, shop, prepare and even eat meals, but it’s vital for your health. Try keeping a notepad on your desk at work to jot down things you need as you think of them, or use the train trip home as time to plan meals.
3. Get educated. Find experts that write on line or have written a great book. An education will help you be discerning with information and help you be involved in your health.
4. Seek expert advice. An expert such as a Nutritionist will guide you on the best whole food diet for your individual health needs. Trying different diets to find which ones best suits you can take time, may be ineffective and costly.
5. Do a 1-week audit of the following:
– How and what do you spend your time on?
– What food is in your fridge, pantry, freezer and what do you snack on or buy take away?
– How much do you spend on supplements, medications and/or treatments (practitioner visits)?
– What else do you spend your money on? Keep a tab or collect receipts.
Buying organic is too expensive. Is this true?
Why choose organic in the first place and why is it so important for my health and the health of our earth (which in turn effects our health)?
1. Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
2. Organic food tastes great!
3. Organic production reduces health risks. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
4. Organic farms respect our water resources. The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
5. Organic farmers build healthy soil. Soil is the foundation of the food nutrition chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature. Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research. Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.
8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity. The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike! Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.
Why is it more expensive?
Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. Therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing. The price of conventional food does not reflect the cost of environmental cleanups that we pay for through our tax dollars. Find out more by visiting the Australian Certified Organic website aco.net.au
How to purchase organic and stick to your budget
– Choose organic whole fresh fruit and vegetables over organic frozen, canned or pre cut types.
– Choose organic whole chicken over chicken breast. The total parts of a chicken cost more than a whole. Make a second meal. Roast the chook, keep the bones and make a chicken stock.
– Buy lesser-known organic cuts of meat and bones.
– Avoid ready to eat packaged, processed, organic food products such as breakfast cereals or health bars. Choose whole ingredients and make your own porridge and bircher.
– Make your own salad dressings, herb & spice blends, dips and stocks. Not only will you save money but you will also avoid the high number of additives and processed ingredients added to make these products.
Addressing the underlying reasons of ill health will prevent further illness and save you money. Feel energized, clear, focused, balanced, disease free and alive! Spend a little time and energy on creating a healthy foundation and springboard for a healthy life!