Define Value

Many people I know struggle from week to week with finances, and many times must choose carefully where the money goes. I understand that. I was a single mom for many years and struggled with money.

Your priorities must be lined up and you must create a balance, in order to survive.

What I don’t understand is that, for the most part, and this is not everyone, this is a general observance, is that we will pay extra for better quality in so many cases. What I mean is that, people will pay more for an iPhone, for a Lexus, for fancy purses and clothes, because of quality. We want good quality products. This is not a bad thing.

What I don’t understand, is that when it comes to what goes into our bodies, we want cheap. We go to the store and we spend our money, but want the most for our buck. Many don’t think of the quality, we just want more for our money.

I can’t count the number of times I have heard someone say, ‘It’s too pricey”, healthy food is more expensive.  Well, it is. Organically grown food is more expensive. Meat that is not loaded with hormones and antibiotics is more expensive. Why? Because the farms can’t mass produce  extra large chickens, when they raise them organically.

It goes back to priority. For me, what goes in my body, needs to be good stuff. I need my body to be healthy and strong, to take me through each and every day. I am rough on it. I teach tough classes, I work out every day! So, this body still must get me through the work week. So, putting in good nutrition is essential to keep my body in good health, and free from disease.

Let’s talk about costs.

If you walk into a restaurant, and order a lunch special, it’s going to be about $8, and likely loaded with calories and fat. Even a salad at a restaurant, is not as low in calories as you think. You will get a lot of salad because portion sizes in restaurants are geared to be large. Why? To make sure YOU, as the consumer, believe you are getting value for your money. So, now, is a $3-4 meal replacement shake so expensive? Paired with a piece of fruit, you have a filling meal for less than $5. And it’s GOOD for you and will not increase your waistline.

So, as you go through the grocery store next time, think about value and quality over the quantity of food that  you are purchasing. Nutrient density should play a role in your thoughts. Empty calories are cheap, food that will truly feed your body, maybe higher in price but in the long run, you will be better off…I understand that the wallet is important, but should you become ill or develop one of many conditions as a result of poor eating, your lost time from work or inability to function, may render you more broke.

Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live!