The most common questions/comments I receive when the conversation turns toward healthful habits are those related to that topic on all our stricken-economy-contientious minds: MONEY.
Real food is often expensive. As Americans used to purchasing highly industrialized and government subsidized food products, paying $4.50 for a dozen eggs or $11.99 for a pound of bacon is enough to make any one of us choke {on our overpriced gourmet cup of coffee... just kidding.... sorta}. For our family, it's a carefully calculated cost- one we feel is worth every penny.
Living this way requires an attitude open to change. Being willing to understand what it truly costs to produce quality food. Conducting a little research to know where to buy products and what areas to make a priority. Seeking wisdom to differentiate between needs and desires. That said, we have found there are ways to save money in living a simpler life. For every expensive lifestyle change we have implemented, we have been blessed to find another area in which we could reduce our expenses. And none of them make me choke {even if I'm still drinking that cup of coffee}.
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Budget Tip #1
In making to switch to a more healthful lifestyle, replace items as they run out. *
This tip isn't a life-altering revelation. In fact, it may result in spending more in the end. But it's one I believe is crucial for implementing your lifestyle changes in a way that doesn't drive you crazy or break the bank. Each time your supply of a food or cosmetic item begins to get low, research your options for a healthier choice to replace it. Here are a few examples from our own home these past few months.
- Ran out of {Name-Brand} Laundry Detergent. Replaced with Homemade Laundry Detergent.
- Ran out of Plastic Storage Bags. Replaced with Natural Wax Paper.
- Ran out of the Way-Too-Many Cosmetics in the Bathroom. Replaced with A Few Healthy Cosmetics.
- Ran out of All-Purpose Flour. Replaced with White Whole Wheat Flour.
- Ran out of Mayonnaise. Replaced with Homemade Mayonnaise.
- Ran out of Chicken & Beef Broth. Replaced with Homemade Chicken & Beef Stock.
- Ran out of Cleaning Chemicals. Replaced with Baking Soda & Vinegar.
- Ran out of Canola/Vegetable Oil & Shortening. Replaced with Coconut Oil.
- Ran out of Face Lotion. Replaced with Coconut Oil.
- Ran out of Hair Conditioner. Replaced with Coconut Oil.
- Ran out of Cuticle Cream. Replaced with Coconut Oil.
Some of these replacements cost more. Many of them cost less, especially because we have reduced the amount of products I buy {notice the coconut oil theme}. Most importantly, all of these replacements were manageable because we tackled them one small step at a time.
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* RELATED COMMENT: There were some items my research convinced my to immediately remove from our home. These included: items containing soy, items containing milk and egg powders, items labeled "low fat/fat free". Some of them have been replaced and some of the replacements are on my "wish list" for the future.
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