How to Navigate Proper Dieting in a Failing Economy

Most nutritionists focus on advising people to eat and diet well; however, despite the best wishes behind it, not much consideration is given to how this can cater to as many people as can be added to the sphere of inclusion. This being as many people as possible irrespective of their social or economic class.

In a failing economy, the primary challenges associated with proper dieting are the high cost and limited availability of nutritious foods, while the setback include a potential increase in healthcare budget since the money isn't going into good and healthy feeding habits in the long run, which isn’t necessarily a benefit for us.

In a way, you can say we win some—and we lose some.

Now, there has to be a common ground, a way to ensure we don't lose too much, thanks to the state of the economy. I mean, we have to survive one way or another, right?

Yeah.

This is where I come in, shining that bright LED light so you can see the path ahead and make proper decisions as well as take actions to be the healthiest version of yourself while leveling up nutritionally. So, grab a cup of grape smoothie—make sure to take a generous gulp; the last sentence was a mouthful—, and let’s iron this out together.

What is Proper Dieting?

If you haven't really understood what proper dieting is, don't beat yourself up. I was once like you... some years ago though!

Well, in the simplest terms, proper dieting is eating the right amount and variety of food to keep your body healthy. It includes having fruits, veggies, proteins, and carbs in your meals and avoiding too much junk food or sugary drinks.

As simple as this definition is, it gets complex down the line. This can hint towards how the body breaks down the food we eat, how our individual body requirements are unique to our body types, and how there are micro and macro nutrients that are essentially needed in the body.

With all the nutrition needs the body has, there are always common barriers to acquiring them. Some of them are:

The Time Factor:

Proper dieting is a prerequisite for meal planning. We don’t always give credit to how much time goes into adequate and healthy meal planning. Let me give a quick rundown of the process. It involves firstly having a detailed list of food you are comfortable with; this can then narrow into what you like essentially. Then, there is grocery shopping, which we won’t deny is a huge deal. Finally, the food preparation, then the sorting, and the storing.

Overcoming the time obstacle may entail utilizing time-saving techniques such as purchasing pre-cut veggies, using a fast cooker, or tripling recipes to guarantee the optimization of leftovers. Subsequently, you can opt for a paid agency to get the work done for you and save even more time.

Being Overwhelmed:

It's okay to admit that trying to make too many changes at once can be overwhelming.

I know I'm not the only one who experiences this sudden realization that I need to upgrade my lifestyle at midnight and want to implement it all and see visible results that same hour.

Of course, situations like that will only make you feel overwhelmed, and the same goes for following a proper dieting plan, as sometimes it can be hard to stick to.

But, remember, small changes over time add up to make a huge impact. So, take your time and plan first.

Diet Confusion:

Take up your phone and search up different types of diets. Trust me, you’ll see more than seven types that several nutritionists swear by.

Don’t get me mistaken, I’m not saying these dieting types are wrong. It's just that because there isn't a single fix-up for everyone, it can be a bit confusing finding one that works for you.

A diet may work for some and not work for you; therefore, it's best to always start from the basics and take every piece of information with a grain of salt.

Money:

This is almost always the biggest challenge for proper dieting because no matter how long and hard you plan, when there's no money, everything will be on hold because there's no actual funds for said plans.

We always hear the love of money is the root of all evil; however, for me, it’s—the lack as well as an obsession of money that's the big evil. Check out the biggest crimes committed in the world; it always inspired by either of those two. 

Therefore, money is a very important factor in dieting and must be available to get the best results.

So, we’ve done a great job identifying these barriers, and I bet it’ll be very annoying if I stop here.

On that note, why don't we talk about some of the ways to navigate proper dieting in a bad economy.

The key to maintaining proper dieting in a failing economy is to focus on nutrient-dense foods that offer the most nutritional value for your money. Always understand that your body needs all the nutrients it can get and with or without barriers, we have to satisfy that.

These include supplementing known sources of food nutrients for what is available. For instance, instead of going for chicken breast, you can opt for eggs and crayfish. These substitutes are more affordable and readily accessible.

Secondly, buying in bulk, when possible, can help you save money significantly. It may not seem as cost-effective in the short term because it requires a larger upfront cost. However, the cost per unit is generally lower when you buy in larger quantities, leading to long-term savings.

Note, this strategy is particularly effective for non-perishable items such as grains, canned goods, and frozen foods.

Finally, we've got gardening. A home garden is a huge plus for you during times like this. Growing your fruits and vegetables, if and when possible, can provide fresh produce at a low cost—sometimes all year round!

A big point I'd love to add is the importance of reducing the consumption of processed foods. Contrary to what you might believe, they are often more expensive and less nutritious than their unprocessed counterparts. These stuff, though, can still be taken on your cheat days, but, of course, even those should be once in a long while.

To wrap this up (because my smoothie is almost finished), it’s important to remember that proper dieting isn’t just about the food you eat; it is also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Chipping in regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are all essential components of a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to overall well-being, even in a failing economy.

Reading this and realizing this post spoke to me so much—especially the last paragraph—is such a vibe. I hope it speaks to you too.

Now, for a big announcement: We have a dietitian (RDN) in the house, Yay!

So, if you have specific questions on dieting, or want to book a session, or you need your diet planned professionally, then she's got you covered. Just send an email indicating interest, and voila you're in. It's that easy.

I know you enjoyed this post and you have your two cents ready to add to this piece. Don’t hesitate to do so; I can't wait to read your comments.

Fun Fact:

⁠☬ Most junk foods have healthier alternatives, search for those alternatives and enjoy same taste and feeling just in a more healthy version.