Before and after

Before and after
Before...eating junk, no exercise and feeling terrible. After...eating "clean", weight training, cardio and feeling amazing 19 years later.

30 years ago I was in the path of an unhealthy future due to my poor food choices and no exercise. Eating Clean cleansed the inside of my body and I sculpted the outside with weight training. Now 48 years old, I'm in the best shape of my life. It's never too late to change your body and your life!

Friday, May 13, 2011

The true cost of eating clean?


Any time that I discuss eating clean with people that inquire about my physique, I usually get the same response, ”That’s really expensive to eat like that.”  I used to think the same thing in the beginning.

In today’s world, we can get great deals on anything…fast and junk food is no exception.  You can get 99-cent tacos, burgers, sandwich, and drink deals everywhere you look.  You can grab just about any kind candy, chips, caramel corn, and cookies for under a dollar at grocery, convenience, and discount stores.  Not only is it a great deal, it tastes good too.  Even the word snack sounds fun…let’s have a SNACK! 

After learning HOW to actually shop for the right food from Tosca in The Eat Clean Diet, it opened my eyes to how blind I had been in the grocery store.  Initially, you may think that you’re paying more because you’re buying a lot of fresh food.  If you haven’t shopped in the produce section and are not familiar with buying fresh poultry or fish, it can be jolting at first.  If you really want to do it, just learn to make adjustments and make it work.  There are plenty of good healthy choices that won't break the bank.  Not only are you saving your health by eating clean; you really ARE saving money in the long run. 

Make a wise choice and spend a little more now on the RIGHT food, or you can spend it later on medical and hospital bills…your choice.

Heart attack                                        $760,000
Stroke                                                    $140,04
Diabetes per year                               $13,243
High cholesterol meds                        $2,400
Eating clean                                         Priceless

10 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 14, 2011

    So true girl!! I want to print this out to show to my clients.

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  2. I average $100 less per week at the grocery store than I used to before I started cooking healthier. Now that I plan meals for the week ahead of time, and stick to my shopping list, I actually spend less! Eating better really does open your eyes!

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  3. Awesome post!!!! My partner and I usually spend around $150-200 (Canadian) on high-quality, wholesome, fresh, clean groceries each week - and gladly. We always make food ahead, and have lots of "reserves" in the freezer for when emergencies strike or are too busy/tired to cook. We have friends comment and are even offended/appalled by our "astronomically large" food bill... Some bragging they spend under $50/week as a couple. Yikes! However, what they are failing to account for is all of the GARBAGE food they buy that makes up their food bill for the week: Slabs of pizza and cans of pop for lunch, chinese food for dinner, you get the idea. Needless to say, their diet is reflected by their physique, energy levels, and number of times they get sick over the winter with the cold/flu.

    The way I figure things - if I'm not worth spending money on, then who/what the heck is!! I look at my diet as "investing" in myself - investing in health (I suffered only from MINOR colds - sniffles and the like - 2 I think total - this winter), tons of energy, and a sexy body to boot! :) Great post Gwen!!

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  4. AnonymousMay 14, 2011

    Personally, I think it's a lame excuse people use so they can justify eating poorly and doing less preparation. Healthy choices are not expensive.

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  5. I love the transformation that you have made and the comittment that it has taken to sustain that positive energy. I have been eating pretty clean for many years and feel and look better because of it. At annual physical my doctor continues to be amazed at my bloodwork results as well as my blood pressure and lack of prescription needs. Consistent training and clean diet do make a person look better as well as healthier. Keep up the great work, and live the life Gwen!

    JRS

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  6. I do agree with you. Eating clean did not mean more money for me. No. I just changed from bad foods to eating clean and my grocery bill is just the same amount as it was with when I ate bad foods. There's no difference and I wish everyone can see that.

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  7. AnonymousMay 17, 2011

    Gwen, my beautiful wife started cooking clean and I'm healthier and happier with my personal being then I've ever been. I'm proud to announce that eating clean and balanced weight/cardio training has helped me shed 70 lbs. The real adjustment is recognizing the "true cost of unclean/processed food eating", whether we accept it or not, the price will be paid sooner or later. My advice is treat yourself and your body like it's the most important thing you've got because it's true and without it your not living. Anyway, great post!

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  8. Everyone here "gets it"...unfortunately, we're in the minority, but we'll be the ones still going strong later in life because of living healthy now. Hey, it might not be the "norm" to others, but this is the true "secret pill" that everyone else out there is searching so hard to find. It's been right in front of all of us our whole lives, we just had to look at it. :)

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  9. So true! I hear all the time "I just can't afford to eat that kind of food." HUH?!?! Great post comparing the costs of medical bills! Have you seen the movie "Food Matters?" Love it! You are an inspiration at the gym and I am always so glad to meet someone else who has discovered the "secret pill" that is SO SIMPLE! (This is Serena from Fit2K :) )

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  10. Hey Serena! Thank you so much. I have not seen the movie, but will have to check it out now.
    Thanks for checking out my blog! :)
    Gwen

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