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Can holistic nutrition be accessible to low-income households?

Yee Scurr

Holistic nutrition is often thought of as a luxury for those with more disposable income, but it can also be accessible to low-income households with some creativity and planning.

Firstly, it's essential to understand what we mean by "holistic nutrition." This approach to food and health seeks to understand the interconnectedness of our bodies and the environment and aims to nourish ourselves through whole, nutrient-dense foods. It's not necessarily about buying expensive supplements or exotic superfoods, but rather about a whole foods, plant-based approach.

With that in mind, here are some ideas for how low-income households can access holistic nutrition:

1. Grow your food

Growing your fruits and vegetables can be a cost-effective and empowering way to access nutrient-dense foods. You don't need to have a large garden or even a backyard. Urban gardening, using pots, and community gardens are all viable options. Healthy eating starts with a healthy planet, and by growing your food, you are not only accessing nutritious food, but you are also reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Use local and seasonal produce

Purchasing food from local farmers, at farmer's markets, or subscribing to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program can be beneficial in providing affordable access to fresh produce. Identify what is in season in your area and base your meals around that produce. Therefore, be creative and explore new ways of cooking with what you find.

3. Cook from scratch

Cooking meals from scratch is much more affordable than buying processed foods. With some simple tools like a crockpot, a food processor or blender, and a stovetop, you should be able to prepare healthy meals that will sustain your family. There are countless recipes and meal plans on the internet that are based on whole food and plant-based diet guidelines.

4. Reduce your intake of animal products

Animal-derived foods tend to be expensive, especially meat and dairy products. Consider reducing the amount of meat and dairy in your diet and replacing them with plant-based alternatives. Dried beans, lentils, and chickpeas are inexpensive sources of protein, and you can combine them with whole grains to create complete protein meals. Buy milk alternatives like soy, oat, rice, or almond milk, which are often more affordable than cow's milk.

5. Plan your meals

Planning your meals ahead is essential when adopting a holistic nutrition approach. By planning your meals, you can ensure that you are eating a wide variety of foods and that they are balanced in terms of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Shop for your meals according to your plan, so you do not end up overspending on food that may not be necessary.

In summary, holistic nutrition can be accessible to low-income households by adopting a plant-based diet, growing your food, buying local and seasonal produce, cooking from scratch, reducing animal products, and planning your meals. It is important to remember that holistic nutrition aims to preserve and balance our health, and it is not necessarily about buying expensive supplements or exotic superfoods. By prioritizing whole, nutritious foods, we can improve our health outcomes and live our best lives, regardless of our income status.