How much does your food cost? Have you ever given it much thought? Does your food budget dictate what you can and cannot consume? Do the weekly newspaper coupons, along with the sale end caps in your local grocery store, choose for you? Why are other people dictating to you what’s going to be on your dinner table tonight? While you are pondering your thoughts on the rationale behind your food consumption, have you ever stopped and asked why, as a nation, we are the richest, yet we are the sickest?n nThe alarming rates of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and obesity plaguing our society suggest that something is terribly wrong! Moreover, we have the richest sources of natural whole foods available to us, but we often only consider processed and refined foods. n nWe expect a lot from our bodies; we want them to work like well-oiled machines. So how we invest our money in ourselves now will dictate what kinds of insurance premiums we have for our future health. n nUltimately, how we feed our bodies with food will show up physically in our energy levels and through our larger waistlines. It’s also apparent that unhealthy processed food choices affect us mentally by clouding our thoughts and zapping our brain power. Consequently, diets comprised of refined foods are nutrient-poor and are causing many Americans to be highly mineral deficient. Over time, these deficiencies can lead to a plethora of degenerative diseases. Your food choice now ultimately determines the cost to you later. n nWhat is the determining factor you use to purchase your food? Do you base your decision on economic principles coupled with quick preparation time? The food you choose could then be a frozen box of batter-dipped chicken breasts, a box of macaroni and cheese, and some frozen peas thrown on the side for good measure. Your purchasing power may be based on the perception that eating healthy may come at a higher price tag. The trade-off would be labor intensive and time consuming, albeit resulting in better-quality and fresher-tasting food. You may have come to the conclusion that you will have to pay more to get the desirable qualities. I disagree! You could still have an inexpensive and time-saving meal by choosing fresh, natural chicken breast seasoned with fresh herbs and tastefully grilled. To accompany the chicken, a wild rice pilaf with added fresh, sautéed vegetables would have fed you graciously for dinner and probably afforded you leftovers for the next day’s lunch. n nOptimally, the way we need to feed ourselves to sustain energy, vitality, and better health must come from whole foods. What is a whole food diet? Whole foods are basic foods in their most natural and original, plant-based states. The closer you are eating to the earth’s soil, the more nutrient dense a food source will be. Such plant source groups and examples are fresh fruits (apples, oranges, grapes, peaches), vegetables (dark, leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collards, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and sweet potato), whole grains (whole wheat berries, brown rice, buckwheat, and quinoa), and legumes (beans, lentils, and peas), nuts and seeds (almonds, pecans, sunflower and sesame seeds), just to name a few. The key here is to select a variety of fresh, seasonal foods whenever possible.n nDoes animal protein have its place in your whole food diet? Meat, poultry, and fish, along with dairy products, are not typically considered whole foods because they are not derived from a plant source. However, I believe they have their place on your plate. Consider them a condiment rather than a main dish when consuming them. Make sure you are choosing fresh, organic, or natural meat and poultry and freshwater or wild caught fish whenever possible.n nI often hear the assumption that eating healthy costs more and that whole foods are hard to locate in the local grocery. I disagree! Whole grains and fresh, natural foods have arrived at many commercial supermarkets. They are tangible even in bulk portions, making them, pound for pound, less expensive. You optimally only buy what you need. You are not paying for advertising and pricey prepackaged foods sold in specific units. Most often, you need to purchase more quantity to account for the smaller packaging. This is an added expense. Bulk food gives you a plethora of options when choosing a whole grain source. Prepackaged foods are often loaded with enhancements to keep the food looking better, tasting better, and lasting longer. I personally don’t want to consume a food that has a longer shelf life than my conceivable future!n nI believe our bodies are rare entities. It is our given birthright to be as healthy as we choose. By consuming the purest, whole foods available, we are doing our bodies a great service. We are rewarded by the abundant energy, vitality, and healthy moods we can emulate to others. That’s priceless!n nYou will be enlightened by the outcome when you begin to embrace the opportunity to replace refined foods with varieties of whole foods. Like a painter creating a fresh idea on canvas, you have your palette of choice colors to begin your original piece of art. Don’t shy away from the brilliant colors as you seek new choices in the produce isle of your local market.n nIf you can grow your own fresh berries, herbs, lettuce, collards, and so on, your food costs will be reduced significantly. If you are unable to produce your own seasonal fresh foods, become a member of community-supported agriculture in your area. Signing up to purchase a share of farm fresh produce promotes a nutritious array for your personal culinary palette. You will also be supporting the dynamics of the farming community. As I began trying many foods for the first time, I recognized that quality, freshness, and taste were other key factors. I am no longer selecting foods just because they are on sale. Furthermore, I am very aware that I vote with my fork each time I eat. Remember, a diet is just another four-letter word. A lifestyle feeds us forever.nnFive Nourishing Tips for Promoting a Whole Food Lifestylenn1. Replace white rice and plain pasta with whole grain brown rice and pasta. To transition from white flour products, use a half portion of whole grain flour, such as buckwheat, in a recipe.n2. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Select nuts (almonds and walnuts), nut butters, humus, or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. n3. Select fats derived from plant sources over animal fat (avocado, olive and canola oil). n4. Drink plenty of water—especially during the cold winter months as we lose moisture through our breath.n5. Find a source of creative movement you can do daily (dance, walk in nature, buy a yoga tape for home use, take a swim, or ride your bike). nn** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health”, visit
http://selfgrowth.com/healthbook3.html