I've started a diet, but grocery shopping has turned into a real hassle. Everyone keeps saying that I should buy avocados, chia seeds, and whatnot to eat healthily, but honestly, my budget isn't very accommodating. Can't I just enjoy fresh tomatoes and cucumbers? Or is it really all about buying expensive stuff? I'm scared I won't succeed, what do you think?
Sweetheart, I think you’re thinking very clearly. The tomatoes and cucumbers you mentioned are just natural things. Avocado became so popular just because it’s trendy. Did we even have avocado for diets when we were young? The main issue is portion control. You can use whatever you have at home to do this.
When I started my diet, I realized that eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean buying expensive foods. For example, I opted for oatmeal instead of chia seeds; it’s much cheaper and keeps you just as full. You don't need to push yourself so hard.
But can you be exaggerating a bit too? After all, vegetables and fruits are the main players in healthy eating. No one complains about the money spent on pasta or junk food, but is there really no budget for healthy things? I think you should reconsider your priorities.
Actually, eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. Vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories and nutritious. But protein intake is also important; if you turn to plant-based protein sources (like lentils and chickpeas), you can keep costs low while also eating a balanced diet.
I thought a bit about the comments, and you're right, maybe I'm overthinking it. When I say cucumber-tomato, I'm honestly worried it might lack a serving of protein. It's difficult to create a menu with my student budget. Do you have any budget-friendly suggestions?
I'm in the same boat. I mean, what do we really eat in a student house? For example, we make salad with chickpeas or we eat yogurt with a little bit of spice on top. It's both cheap and healthy. But it feels silly to think we're eating poorly just because we didn't buy avocado.
