Podcast Summary
Enjoying nourishing foods on a budget: Registered Dietitian Shauna Spence encourages enjoying the foods you like and finding ways to make them nourishing, while Chana shares tips for planning, grocery shopping, and stocking your freezer to make healthy meals affordable. Whole Foods Market, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Smartwool, and Apple Card offer wallet-friendly options for healthy living.
Focusing on buzzwords like organic or natural when grocery shopping isn't the only way to ensure healthy eating. Registered Dietitian Shauna Spence encourages enjoying the foods you like and finding ways to make them nourishing, even on a budget. Chana, another expert, will share tips for planning, grocery shopping, and stocking your freezer to make healthy meals affordable. Sponsors Whole Foods Market and 365 by Whole Foods Market offer wallet-friendly options for hosting a celebratory brunch, and Smartwool provides comfortable merino wool socks and apparel at a discounted price. Apple Card also supports healthy eating by offering daily cash rewards on various purchases. Overall, it's important to remember that healthy eating doesn't have to break the bank.
Focus on foundational truths in nutrition, not marketing hype: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods for essential nutrients, affordability, and balanced diet. Don't be swayed by marketing labels.
While marketing and buzzwords like "natural," "organic," "non-GMO," "low sugar," and "low fat" can be appealing when it comes to food, they shouldn't be the only factors guiding your grocery shopping decisions. Apple Card users can earn daily cash rewards on various purchases, including those without marketing labels. When it comes to nutrition, it's essential to focus on foundational truths rather than marketing hype. Buying foods that you enjoy and that will nourish you is crucial. You don't have to spend a lot of money to eat healthily. While some foods may be labeled as "low sugar" or "fat-free," be mindful that these labels often mean that artificial sugars or fillers have been added in place of the removed nutrients. Instead, focus on purchasing whole, unprocessed foods that fill you up and provide essential nutrients. Canned beans and vegetables are affordable options that can contribute to a balanced and nutritious diet. Remember, all foods fit, and it's essential to maintain a balanced and varied diet. Don't feel ashamed if you can't afford "health food" with marketing labels – focus on the basics of nutrition and enjoy the foods that nourish you.
The Benefits of Frozen and Canned Foods: Frozen and canned foods can be nutritious, have a longer shelf life, and reduce food waste. Be aware of preservatives and rinse sodium off canned goods before use.
While fresh produce is often considered the healthiest option, frozen and canned foods can also be beneficial and nutritious. The preservation methods used in canning, such as sodium, can be easily rinsed off before use. The longer shelf life of these foods can help reduce food waste and make it easier to incorporate healthier ingredients into daily meals. It's important to remember that there's nothing wrong with fresh produce, but the convenience and longevity of frozen and canned options can make a difference for those looking to eat healthier without wasting resources. The speaker also emphasizes that it's essential to be aware of what's in your fridge to prevent food waste, regardless of whether you choose fresh, frozen, or canned options.
Focus on adding nutrient-dense foods to your meals instead of eliminating: Instead of cutting out favorite foods, add nutrient-dense ingredients to improve meal value and sustainability. Practice budgeting habits for grocery shopping to maintain affordability.
Instead of focusing on what to eliminate when trying to eat healthier and maintain a budget, consider what you can add to your meals. This approach allows for flexibility and sustainability. For instance, if you're a pasta lover, add vegetables to bulk up your dish and increase fiber intake. Similarly, for ramen noodles enthusiasts, add protein to make the meal more filling. By focusing on adding nutrient-dense foods, you can still enjoy your favorite dishes while improving their nutritional value. Additionally, to keep track of your grocery spending, consider adopting budgeting habits like calculating the cost of each item as you add it to your cart or planning meals and grocery lists ahead of time.
Create a shopping list to eat healthily and save money: Making a shopping list helps prevent buying unneeded items, understand spending habits, focus on nutritious additions, and maintain a balanced diet while staying within budget.
Making a shopping list is a simple yet effective way to help you eat healthily and save money. By writing down the items you need, you can avoid buying things you already have and prevent forgetting essentials. As you continue to use your list, you'll gain a better understanding of how much you typically spend on certain items, enabling you to budget long term. Additionally, focusing on nutritious additions to your favorite foods, rather than eliminating them altogether, can help you maintain a balanced diet while staying within your budget. Remember, it's essential to create a meal plan tailored to your needs and financial situation. Don't feel pressured to conform to someone else's standards. Fresh foods aren't always the healthiest or most budget-friendly option, and frozen and canned foods can be just as nutritious and cost-effective. Lastly, don't overlook the importance of self-awareness and flexibility when it comes to your diet and finances. You can still enjoy your favorite foods while making healthy choices and managing your budget. For more practical tips and advice, tune in to NPR's LIFE KIT podcast and sign up for their newsletter.
The human spirit's resilience on display after Capital Gazette shooting: Despite a gunman's attack that killed five people, the Capital Gazette staff's determination to carry on is a testament to their strength. Listen to their story on Choiceology podcast.
The human spirit's resilience was on full display after the Capital Gazette shooting, as survivors found ways to keep going. Beth Donovan, NPR's senior editor, shares this story in NPR's Capital Gazette series from the embedded podcast, Choiceology. This man's grudge led him to murder five people at the newspaper three years ago. Now, the trial is underway, and the staff's determination to carry on despite tragedy is a testament to their strength. Choiceology, hosted by Katie Milkman, an award-winning behavioral scientist and author, delves into the psychology and economics behind people's decisions. The podcast features stories from various individuals, including Nobel laureates, authors, and athletes. Listeners can download the latest episode and subscribe at Schwab.com/podcast or wherever they listen. Another sponsor, Shopify, is a global commerce platform that helps businesses sell at every stage. From launching an online shop to opening a physical store and beyond, Shopify provides the tools to help entrepreneurs grow. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/npr. Unfortunately, more than two local newspapers are closing down each week in this country, leaving news deserts in their wake. Public radio serves as an essential resource for staying informed in these areas. Support this vital service by making a donation to the NPR network at donate.npr.org.