Does your special diet give you sticker shock? No wonder. Many products that are gluten free and allergy friendly are downright expensive. The tight economy has many of us tightening our belts and that makes stretching the grocery budget to accommodate special-diet items more daunting than ever. If you’re feeling the pinch, try these suggestions to get more nutritional bang for your buck.
1) Consider nutrient count.
Before you purchase a product, think about its ability to actually nourish. How many nutrients does it provide per calorie? Choosing processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, sodium, chemical preservatives and artificial additives fill you up quickly and feel satisfying in the short term—but where’s the value? They provide little real sustenance and do not bolster overall health. Often, just the opposite! You may pay a bit more for nutritionally dense food but you get more nutrient oomph per pound.
Here’s the way to look at it: Think future medical bills. The fact that you’re on a special diet points to absorption, digestion and related health issues. It’s critically important for you to obtain proper nourishment. Feeding your body nutrient-dense meals every single day will save you money in healthcare costs down the road. It’s that simple.
2) Choose single-ingredient foods.
Focus on a variety of fruits and vegetables, seeds, legumes, gluten-free whole grains, lean meats and poultry. These simple, wholesome foods, most of which are naturally gluten free and allergy friendly, are rich sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and trace nutrients. They’re also low in calories and easy on the waistline.
