The Skinny On Getting Your Whole Life In Shape, From Budgeting To Belly Fat

There's a common misconception that lower income families are a) fat and b) unhealthy, because quick, affordable food is nutritionally crap.

Conversely, there's another familiar fallacy that those who struggle financially are also doomed to face malnutrition, because of the lack of affordable options for healthy living.

Neither situation has to be a reality.

While the convenience of fast food and junky snacks is appealing, clean eating can be much healthier, cheaper and even easily prepared — when strategically planned.

No Excuses, Sandwich Generation

Sure, running through a drive-through may seem like the only way to feed multiple generations without breaking the bank. And, joining an elite gym may seem like the only way to see physical fitness results. But, with dedication and a little know-how, you can trim the fat from both your budget and your belly.

How To

First and foremost, you have to change your way of thinking. No longer can you use the excuse of "I don't have time for that" or "It's just impossible to provide healthy options for my family on our budget."

If you find yourself using these excuses, change your rhetoric to "I've not made that a priority," because, in reality, that's the bottom line. You do have time, and it isn't impossible.

By executing your healthy living purposefully, you'll discover that putting your body and your budget on a diet work hand-in-hand. It takes time, planning and dedication, but it is very achievable.

Your body and wallet will thank you for not wasting time and energy on fueling your life with junk. Learn to work with yourself, not against yourself. When each of your goals interconnects, it's possible to live a purpose-driven life where your dreams become reality.

Example: Meal Comparisons

Using basic cost information found from Grocery Price Books and Walmart.com, below is a price comparison of similar meals — one prepared at home using both brand names and generics (save even more money by going all generic), the other purchased through a fast food joint.

Breakfast At Home

Egglands Best Eggs, 12 count: $2.88 (price of one egg = $0.24)
First Price Milk 2%, 1 gallon: $1.89 (price for 8 oz = $0.12)
Borden Fat Free Singles Sharp Cheese Slices, 16 count: $2.96 (price per one slice = $0.19)
Hillshire Farms Hickory Smoked Ham, 16 oz: $3.98 (price per one oz = $0.25)
Tropicana Pure Premium No Pulp 100% orange Juice 8 fl oz, 6 count: $3.97 (price per 8 oz = $0.66)
Great Value Original English Muffins, 12 count: $2.28 (price per 1 muffin = $0.19)

Cost per person for one English muffin with a scrambled egg, slice of cheese and one ounce of ham, served with 8 oz of milk and 8 oz of orange juice = $1.65

Nutrition

McDonald's Breakfast

McDonald's Egg White Delight McMuffin: $2.79
Milk: $1.00
Orange Juice (small): $1.59

Cost = $5.38 per person

Nutrition

Lunch At Home

Marketside Spring Mix 5 oz: $2.98 (price per 2.5 oz = $1.49)
California Giant Berry Farms, 16 oz: $6.98 (price per oz = $0.44)
Great Value Whole Blackberries, 16 oz: $3.86 (price per oz = $0.24)
Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese, 6 oz: $4.48 (price per ½ oz = $0.37)
Brothers-All-Natural Apple Cinn. 6pk: $4.98 (price per ½ pack = $0.42)
Great Value Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 48 oz: $6.98 (price per 4 oz = $0.58)
Kraft Lite Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, 16 fl oz: $2.08 (price per 1 oz = $0.13)
Tropical Rush Organic Good Earth Teas, 18 tea bags: $5.07 (price per tea bag = $0.28)

Cost per person = $3.95 (note how much more food you also get per serving)

Nutrition