Healthy foods are expensive, especially
when you’re on a tight budget. I’m sure
it’s overwhelming to go into the
supermarket and feel bombarded by the
variety of options. You probably just
stand there for a few seconds double
checking your wallets and purses,
gathering your thoughts and sometimes
even rethinking if you really want to do
this today or prefer to try to make it
through another week with what you
have. You tell yourself that God will
provide. If this sounds like you, trust me,
you’re not alone.
Cost and accessibility heavily influence
our food choices. How you choose to
spend depends fundamentally on your
income and economic status. This
makes budgeting increasingly important
when you start a business in Jamaica
because income may not be generated
as quickly as hoped. It takes grit and
dedication to build a successful
business. You are probably an
entrepreneur who works extremely hard
and you may often overlook your health.
"Healthy foods are
expensive"
Haven’t eaten in the past 5 hours? Fast
food restaurants, such as Burger King,
offer a quick fix for soothing our
appetites. I’m here to tell you that it’s
time to resist the temptation; it’s time to
take a stand for your health! Lack of
time isn’t an excuse for neglecting your
health. Poor health impacts your ability
to continue as a business owner.
The Government of Jamaica is also
aware of the value of health and,
therefore, established the Food Based
Dietary Guidelines in 2015.
These
guidelines promote a healthy, balanced
diet consisting of a variety of food
sources from the six food groups
Issue �: January ����
(staples, vegetables, fruits, fats and oils,
animal-food source and legumes and
nuts). In addition, the food guide
emphasizes physical activities and
drinking of water.
Eating Healthy: The
Entrepreneurial Budget
Guide
Your budget is the key to effective
spending. Here are seven ways
entrepreneurs can eat healthy on a
budget.
1. Plan it and stick to it.
In the words of Victor Hugo, “He who
every morning plans the transactions of
that day and follows that plan carries a
thread that will guide him through the
labyrinth of the most busy life.” Planning
weekly meals and grocery lists is vital
when trying to save money because it
reduces the risk of overspending. Also,
planning helps you keep track of items
you’ve purchased and encourages you
to only buy what you will use.
So, it’s wise to take a day out of each
week to prepare your meals. It’s even
more important to stick to your plan.
Here are some tips for sticking with your
plan:
Set at least an hour each weekend
for meal planning and budgeting.
Look at what you already have,
create a grocery list for the items
you’ll need and prepare to use
leftovers. Click here to learn more
strategies for weekly meal
prep.
Only take the money you
have budgeted to do your
weekly groceryshopping so
that
you
don’t
get
sidetracked. Spend within
your means!
2. Kick it in your kitchen.
Eating out is so overrated, especially
if you don’t have the money for it.
Instead, let’s wake up our kitchens
with the sweet aroma of some good
home cooked meals. Make it a habit.
Cooking at home isn't just cheaper;
you may also find it relaxing and
enjoyable or may even discover a
new passion or career path. It’s
important to make time for a home
cooked meal.
Some people find it convenient to
cook in large portions to serve for
the entire week.
Furthermore,
leftovers can be used to make other
meals and cooking for yourself let’s
you know exactly what’s in your
food.
3. Whole foods are the
best foods.
You may have heard the term
“whole foods” being used by
nutrition experts. These types of
foods prove to be the healthier
option and can be much cheaper.
Whole foods are foods that haven’t
been processed before they are
eaten, for example fruits and
vegetables. You will gain maximum
nutrients by purchasing whole foods
or by growing them in your own
backyard. Read the article Growing
“Green” with Gardening to learn
more.
Whole grains, like rice and oats, are
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