I used to be the person who loaded 99c packets of white pasta into my trolley, together with the 99c loaves of white bread, and went home feeling pleased that I had stuck to my $100 grocery budget.
It never occurred to me that saving money, by living on cheap food, might be a false economy. Not until I started researching the stuff that gets put into our food.
Nowadays, our grocery bill is roughly twice the amount it used to be. I realise that’s quite a large chunk if money is tight.
But is the food we eat really an “expense”…Or is it an investment?
My experience has taught me that it’s the latter, and here’s why:
1. Good health will save you money in the long run.
Of course there’s all the usual things like, less down-time through sickness or ill-health, less money spent on medications, less money spent on doctors and specialists, and increased productivity due to more energy and motivation.
But there’s other benefits, too, like healthier skin and hair.
It pains me to admit that over the last decade I have probably spent thousands of dollars on skin and hair-care products, with the thought that THIS one might make my hair glossy, or my skin glow….
They never did. Because the truth is, that mediocre skin and hair are less about the product you use, and more about what you put in your mouth.
I no longer waste my money on pretty products, endorsed by the latest TV star. I use only a couple of good quality products, like pure coconut oil as a moisteriser, or raw organic honey as a face-mask. If I can’t eat it, I don’t put it on my skin.
But the best benefit of all is mental health.
Take care of yourself, and you’ll think clearer, and more positively, and more creatively than you ever have before.
You simply cannot put a price on this…which brings me to my next point.
2. Good health is priceless.
Midway through 2010, after researching food additives and cosmetic ingredients, I set about to change not only our diet, but our whole lifestyle. We cut out sugar, yeast, white flour, tap water, almost all packaged foods, and any personal care product that wasn’t completely natural.
We switched to organic sourdough breads, organic dairy products, wholemeal grains, and LOTS of fruit, vegetables and nuts.
In the beginning we felt worse….
But then we began to feel better – much better. In fact, so much better, it just wasn’t worth going back.
Some of the health benefits we’ve experienced from eating better are:
- Our youngest son’s eczema disappeared, leading to a much happier little boy who started to sleep through the night for the first time ever. (He was 14mths old at this time.)
- Our older son’s reading and concentration at school dramatically improved, and his hyperactive behaviour improved to the point, that I can now tell if he’s eaten food with additives in it, without anyone telling me. The change in behaviour is that obvious!
- My energy levels improved beyond recognition. No more “nanna naps” or mid-afternoon slumps.
- My husband’s regular bouts of hives vanished, and so did the hay-fever that made him miserable every Spring.
- Colds, flus and upset tummies are now a rarity in our house. Yes, even with children attending school and childcare.
The improved quality of life and the feeling of well-being is something that all the money in the world cannot buy.
Think about it. There is nothing more de-motivating and disheartening, than constant illness, fatigue or allergies.
An investment in your health is really an investment in you reaching your potential, and living the full and rewarding life that we all wish for ourselves and our children.
And that, by my definition, is true wealth.
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