These are tough economic times, no doubt about it. We all need to reexamine our spending habits and try to live more frugally. Unfortunately, many health professionals are worried that the health of Americans will suffer for more reasons than just stress due to the tough economy. As people cut on food spending, they might just turn to foods that have been traditionally a good source of cheap calories: fast foods, which will probably result in the worsening of our obesity epidemic, just when our medical costs are skyrocketing beyond belief (See our articles section for more on this).

Numerous studies have linked low income with unhealthy eating habits, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are easy ways to eat healthy and still save money. One simple way is to cut on animal foods, as these are usually more expensive per pound than healthy plant based foods. The cheapest type of meat is, of course, ground beef (at about $2.99/lb), but is also the least healthy, and least safe option. The cost of making animal-based meals at home could easily reach $10 a day or more.

Eating out, of course, is also very expensive, except perhaps for the most unhealthy of all options: fast foods. Incredibly, despite the economic downturn, McDonalds is one company that seems to be recession proof. Even gourmet restaurants are adding burgers to their menus in order to attract customers that might otherwise flock to the burger joints.

However, if you really want to save money without losing your health (and your waistline!) in the process, try sticking to the basic foods that have traditionally been used to feed people in times of trouble for thousands of years: potatoes, grains, beans, soups, carrots, rice, etc., what some are calling "a diet for a new Depression." You can stockpile on grains and legumes, as they are easy to store for long periods of time. How about fruits and vegetables? Try buying at your local fruit and vegetable stand, or produce market, as opposed to the grocery store. Also, try to locate a co-op in your area, or a distributor that will sale to the public. You might have to buy large amounts, but you can share with others and split the cost.

These are some other cost saving tips from Dr. McDougall's Newsletter:

• Buy large quantities of long-lasting products
• Buy unprocessed foods
• Buy in bulk from health-food stores, coops, and grocery stores
• Shop warehouse stores (wholesale clubs)
• Buy on-line by mail order
• Make food at home from basic ingredients; don’t eat out
• Rely on starches for calories
• Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season
• Shop at farmers’ markets
• Plant a garden
• Use a well-planned grocery list
• Shop after meals, not when you’re hungry
• Shop efficiently to cut down on gasoline-consuming trips to the stores
• If going to a place nearby, walk or cycle instead of using the car.

So you can save money and still keep those New Year's resolutions!!

Check out our new vegan e-book...

only $9.99!!