More for Less

 We all want more for less. But when it comes to food, sometimes that doesn't work out for our health.

Many people turn to convenience foods to save time and money. But studies show that these boxed foods do neither. Many require prep time, similar to the original.

Take for example oatmeal. Rolled oats, like the old fashioned, plain kind, take about 15 minutes to cook from start to finish. That includes taking the pan out and putting the finished oatmeal in a bowl. Instant oats state they have a cook time of less than 5 minutes. However, most people agree it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When you add in taking the pan out, adding the milk and putting the finished oatmeal in a bowl, you are looking at 14-15 minutes. Thus, you save no time.

And it costs more. On average, a serving of old fashioned oatmeal costs $0.15. The boxed stuff costs at least $0.50 per serving. So, there is no money saved.

Nutritionally, the boxed stuff has to have the healthy oils and enzymes removed. Plus, they have colorings, flavors and other unhealthy chemicals added for stability. Old fashioned oats contain just oats, unless you decide to add fresh fruit or other healthy ingredients that can't survive a box.

What about fruits and vegetables? My readers will hear this time and again: Vegetables should be the biggest part of your diet. It should be at least half, and more like three-quarters.

If you shop in a grocery store, you may save a few minutes a week picking up your fresh produce there. However, you waste much money. In my household, I spend about $20 per week at the farmer's market. If I purchased everything at the grocery store, it would be approximately $50 per week. So, for an extra 10 minutes a week, I save $30.

Plus, I know my produce is fresh and at the peak of nutrition. We just don't know in the grocery store. I've seen produce come from all over the globe. Since food is shipped by boat, that means some of it can be two weeks to a month old by the time it arrives in the grocery store.

Here's the best reason to shop at a local farmer's market and make your own food. You are now in control. You choose the healthiest and most responsible farmers because you can talk to them. You control the fat, salt and sugars in a meal because you decide what to add. And you choose health over sickness.

It doesn't take much longer to make healthy foods and shop local. It saves money and makes people healthier.

Christina Major is the Naturopathic Doctor and Holistic Nutritionist of Crystal Holistic Health Consulting. Crystal Holistic Health helps people, especially women, who have Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure lower their numbers, get off medication and increase their energy so they can save money, take back control of their lives and improve the health and happiness of their families. You can get a free report on health at http://www.crystalholistichealth.com/

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