Nourishing Yourself on a Budget

Things are going downhill FAST.

I know they have been saying this starting back in 2015 or 2016. It is past time for the economic bubble to burst. The signs are all over the place, and I just heard about an executive order that will signal the end of the regular dollar and the institution of the "digital dollar" I'm nervous about what is to come for us, but I digress.

We need to get our pantries and refrigerators prepared for the issues society will be facing and have enough for several months or more.

But how in the world are we supposed to do that when a large amount of us are living paycheck to paycheck??

Take time to read (and APPLY) these tips to help you keep your body nourished when the money doesn't make to the end of the month:

1) Take advantage of sales. 

Back when I started my own weight loss journey, I took advantage of sales when doing my meal planning. In fact, I did a whole workshop on this topic (click here if you want more details). I built a good bit of meals around meats and veggies and healthy carbs from the sales papers. Not only was I eating healthy foods and dropping pounds, I was also saving money here and there to put toward other things. I would even buy double and freeze what I could to ensure that food was available for the lean times.

2) Use cash back apps, like Ibotta or Shopkick.

Why? Because who wouldn't want extra cash for doing the shopping you normally do??  I was turned onto these apps by a friend, and they have been a blessing.  With the cash back on purchases, I earned  enough money to pay a bill or two using Ibotta. Shopkick has provided me with two gift cards - one to Amazon and the other to Michael's. You may be thinking, "This is great! I can earn money to eat healthy!" However, please realize that it takes time to accumulate- this money. With Ibotta, you will earn ten cents here, fifty cents there, two dollars there only if you purchase what they are offering. With all the cash back apps out there, patience will have to be exercised. 

3)  Purchase healthy options in bulk. 

There are lots of healthy options available at the bulk stores like Costco, Boxed Online, and Sam's Club. If you have not signed up for a membership yet,  I highly encourage you to research the options and sign up. There iare so many items yhey offer, and since they sell bulk, you can purchase enough to use and freeze. There s really not a reason to choose the fried food, the food laden with fat, the food that makes you sluggish.  Choose your nourishment wisely.

4) Organize your pantry.

Quick story - My pantry needed cleaning and organizing back in December so that while I was healing after surgery,  my husband could find things more easily. What I noticed when cleaning was that I had more rice, noodles, and canned foods that could be used for making great meals - and they had a ways to go before that expiration date. Kidney beans and black beans for chili, organic veggie pasta for all sorts of recipes, cream of mushroom and cream of chicken for crockpot meals - all were sitting in the pantry waiting to be added to a meal. 

Do not get caught without the food you need to make it through the upcoming economic issues. Use these tips to nourish yourself and your family with the money you have.