My Frugal Frugal Ways

I just read an article about low cost meals to serve your family. The author acknowledged that they weren’t exactly healthy meals but then went on to say that they weren’t the health police so it didn’t matter. Yipes. Being unhealthy is about the least frugal choice a person can make. Not only is health care expensive, but existing with less than optimum health reduces energy and as well as productivity.

I recently underwent some medical tests which required about 48 hours of liquid only nourishment. Not the most enjoyable experience but, afterwards, I was able to reintroduce foods slowly so that I could determine how individual substances affected my body. Wow. As a result, I am now caffeine, gluten, and refined sugar free. I also know how to balance my meals and snacks so that I don’t end up binging or feeling listless.

I bought one of those 2.2 liter bottles so I can track my water consumption. I take it everywhere to make sure I’m consuming liquid regularly to stay hydrated. Confusing hunger with thirst used to be a big problem for me.

I no longer just grab an apple when I’m hungry. I always combine my fruit snacks with a bit of protein so the fructose doesn’t spike and then drain my blood sugar. I eat more vegetables and fewer fruits than I used to because most vegetables are lower on the glycemic index.

Three months after beginning this healthier way of eating, foods taste completely different. The other day I tried to sample a gluten free waffle with some real syrup on it. Yuck. The syrup tasted like molasses to me. Even baked potato chips are unappealing because of the high salt content. And I don’t go near chocolate. It honestly doesn’t taste good anymore.

Between my new eating habits and my exercise routine, I can actually eat my fill without gaining weight for the first time in my life. As an added bonus, my moods have leveled. I no longer have those moments when everything seems to irritate.

Healthy eating has definitely been a frugal choice.