The economy is terrible. We are all afraid to lose our jobs, our homes, our way of life. Many of us have given up our morning lattes, at least, or maybe took a vacation closer to home. One thing that we all tend to do when we’re worried about money? We compromise on what we eat. We don’t eat out as often: great! We watch our portions and don’t buy junk: fantastic! We buy leaner cuts of meat and give up organics: STOP RIGHT THERE!

Eating cheaper cuts of meat and buying over-processed and unnatural foods will just make you unhealthier, unhappier, and the chances are that you’ll end up spending more to fill up on junk, all the while making you sick! Did you know that the best-selling items are mood modifiers, like cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine containing beverages and sweets? Did you know that these items are often kept at the front of the store to lure you in? You don’t need mood modifiers! As a matter of fact if you are eating healthy and eating less and taking care of your gut your mood will make itself right! You need to make sure that you are eating organic foods, grass fed beef and organic chicken. Buy organic fruit and vegetables, because even though they cost more, the nutritional benefits are worth the money.

Here’s an interesting article here, talks about some of the things you should avoid spending money on. Some of them are great ideas: like movie theater popcorn and coffee. It’s an interesting read: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/09/27/10-most-overpriced-products-you-should-avoid/

How about our list? Here are the top 10 things you should stay away from:

1. Refined carbohydrates- they damage your whole body
2. Dairy - once you are out of the growing child stage you no longer have a need for dairy
3. Processed foods - Don’t waste your money. It’s all garbage
4. Coffee
5. Alcohol
6. Cheap wine: the better wines taste delicious and are much healthier
7. Cheaper cuts of beef: they are fattier
8. Non organic chicken: loaded with poisons such as arsenic
9. Juices: don’t bother. Eat fruit instead. It’s better for your gut and your metabolism
10. Corn fed beef: try grass-fed. You’ll be amazed.

If you buy the foods that are better for you, you will see yourself eating better, and not needing the bad stuff to be full or “content.” AND we are trying to make this is as simple as possible.  No more excuses about not knowing where to buy these types of foods.  We are pleased to list several places in the New York City that sell healthy foods that are accessible and reasonably priced.

1. Chain super markets such as Trader Joe’s,
2. Fairway, Whole Foods and
3. Wild by Nature

offer large selections of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables as well as grass-fed chicken, beef, pork and a variety of healthy selections.  These stores can be found in all five boroughs of New York City and also in Long Island as well. If large health food stores do not appeal to you or you don’t live near one, fear not there are always many more local options.  You can find these healthy foods in local stores by being a wise consumer and checking the labels on the food you’re going to buy.  It might take you a few more minutes in the store, but the health benefits are well worth it. As a final thought, consider the notion that actually spending a little bit more money on fresh, organic produce and grass-fed meats will cost you far less money than spending money on cheap junk food and mood modifiers.   An extra dollar spent on healthier foods today, is far less costlier than the money you will have to spend on future health care costs to manage heart problems, diabetes, weight problems and high cholesterol. What recommendations for local organic stores do you have? What’s on your shopping list? What unhealthy foods can you remove from your shopping list and replace with health organic and grass fed options?