Smart Shopping During Tough Times

During these tough economic times we often tighten our budget. We reanalyze our spending to see where we can save a few pennies, and in reality it's the only smart way to ride out the storm. The question though shouldn't be where within our monthly budget we make the changes (food, gas, entertainment...), but rather how we make them. Although it is financially smart (and extremely healthy) to lessen the amount of eating out we do, it is not smart to skimp on what we buy at the grocery store. It is true that an unhealthy diet is cheaper (at check-out) than a healthy one, but you're not doing your health or your wallet any favors by avoiding the healthier, better quality foods. It's an indisputable fact that a healthy diet directly contributes to better health, and I'm sure no one needs a reminder as to what the average American spends in health care (Dr. visits, Rx's, tests and procedures, etc.) within a given year.

So make the smart healthy chose, and maintain a healthy diet, even through these tough times. The benefits to your overall wellness will be evident in no time, and financially you'll be amazed come next year’s tax time as to how much you've saved.

Curried Quinoa Stew

2 tbsp Olive Oil (Organic Unrefined)
1/2 c Quinoa
1/2 med Onion (chopped)
1 Lg Carrot (chopped)
1 Lg Parsnip (chopped)
1 sm squash (sliced)
2 Stalks Celery (sliced)
1/2 can Corn
2 cups Water
1/2 cup Light Coconut Milk
2 tsp Curry Powder
2 tsp Cumin
Sea salt and Pepper to taste
1 Cinnamon stick

Heat the oil in a medium size pot, then add the onions and brown. Add the remaining vegetables (except for the corn) and the seasonings, and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the quinoa and cook for another minute. Add the water, coconut milk, and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Let simmer until quinoa has absorbed the water.

Enjoy!

Chicken Garden Salad

Pan Fried Chicken Breast (slice up and put on salad)
-1 egg (organic)
-Ian's Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs
-organic Rosemary (crushed)
-organic Garlic Powder

Salad (mix together ingredients below)
-organic Mixed Greens
-organic Broccoli (raw)
-organic Pepper (green/yellow/red)
-organic Cherry Tomatoes
-organic baby Portabella Mushrooms
-organic fresh Garlic (crushed)
-Cracked Pepper

Dressing (drizzle over salad)
1 part organic Spicy Mustard
1 part organic Raw Honey

Selfless Good Deeds

We all live very busy lives, with tight schedules, always in a rush to get where we're going. We have one thing in mind, and that's getting to the next place on our proverbial list of "things to do". It's always about us , and seldom are we thinking of others. All too often we complain about the small annoyances that may put a kink in our day-to-day routines, but never do we stop to take a look around, and realize how good we may actually have it. Everyone has problems, be it at work or at home, but no matter how bad we may think we have it there is always someone out there that has it worse.

It's important we take some time out of our busy lives to do something with the sole purpose of helping someone else. Whether it's donating clothing, donating food, or donating your time; it's time we put a selfless good deed on that to-do list of ours. Doing something for others is a win, win situation; it helps those in need by giving them something they would not have been able to obtain on there own, and at the same time it may actually make you feel a little better about yourself. It is amazing how a smile can benefit your overall state of health. It can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and give your immune system a healthy boost. Try it; you won't be disappointed!