No other country in the world has been found to be as unhealthy as the United States. In order to feed a nation, our government allowed Big Business to grow food using chemicals, then make processed foods from this. The unhealthy food that is on our shelves, and cheaper than organic foods is the cause of obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many more diseases.
Fortunately, there is a better way to live and eat. It is a scientific fact that people who have had diseases caused by obesity, such as diabetes, have been cured and taken off of all medications when the ill patient changed their diet by adding more fruits and vegetables, while eliminating processed foods and sugar filled drinks.
Many people can’t afford this way of life. Eating organically is the healthy alternative to eating processed and chemically raised foods. But because of legislature, the organic farmer goes through more red tape than the commercial farmer. The organic foods cost more, and some people cannot afford it.
An example of this cost is the price of fruit. A bag of apples may cost anywhere from $4.00 to $6.00. For an average of $5.00, a family can buy a box of noodles and a pound of ground beef. They can buy five bottles of soda or three bags of chips. Feeding a family on a small budget can make the choices available not always the healthiest choices.
One better alternative is to find a local farmers market. Sometimes you can find bargains and organic vegetables. Another plan is the bartering system. A farmer may trade fresh eggs or milk for working a day or two on the farm.
Another great idea is to grow some of your own food. Even living in an apartment, you can grow potted plants. Patios, window sills, balconies, roof tops, neighborhood and community gardens are great places to grow vegetables and herbs. Some varieties of dwarf fruit trees can be grown on a patio or in the house near a window. Look for seeds when they are on sale and saving them is a big help. Find friends and family members to swap organic foods with. Join a co-op. Budget what you can afford.
Other things you can do to change your health status is to try learning to cook without fat. Cut the sugar out of your diet. Don’t eat or use artificial sweeteners. Drink plenty of water. If you live in a state where you have access to free apples or berries, eat or juice them. Go fishing. Fish is known to have many health benefits.
Whether you are limited on your food budget, or you need to look at food in a new light, this writer encourages all Americans to make healthier choices. Read ingredients on packaged products. If there is a word or term that you don’t know or understand, then don’t purchase it. Grow as much of your own food as you can, even if you grow tomatoes in your living room planters and green beans up your curtain rods. Make a positive healthy choice for your own body and your family’s life and health.