An Oxymoron? Just Why Is It?

@pyewacket (43903)
United States
January 7, 2008 11:46pm CST
I had started a discussion asking for your prayers over the joint pain I've been having with my feet and ankles, and one MyLotter kind of suggested that a lot of our ills can be triggered by bad dietary habits and it got me thinking about diet and food in general. Now while I'm not by any means a health fanatic, neither do I have the "average" crummy type of diet most people have. I avoid very fatty, fried foods..if I have fried chicken for instance I at least over-fry rather than deep fry...besides I lost my taste for heavily fried foods and if I do eat them get the worse case of gastritis going. So check that off...I don't eat heavily fried foods. I also don't drink sodas and haven't in decades, and prefer drinking juices (but diluted...half juice, half water) and herbal teas. I generally don't eat too many sugary sweet things..uh, though confess to being a bit addicted to ice cream and every once in a while get a chocolate craving...heehee. I also haven't eaten any fast foods in decades and my memory of when I did eat fast foods, they tasted like well, crap to me. I'm by no means a vegetarian, but am trying to cut down on red meats, and would actually prefer to eat more seafood. As I sit here writing this out, I'm actually having a "snack" of a salad..romaine lettuce, tomatoes and a few wedges of cheese. So better than grabbing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now...here's the oxymoron I think. Say one wants to REALLY start eating even healthier. To get as much "organic" natural foods as possible. Instead of having regular white rice switch to brown or even wild rice. Switch to whole grain type breads rather than what I call Playdoe type white bread (come on,confess, who hasn't taken a slice of Wonder bread and mush it into a ball?) Instead of getting "regular" eggs, get the cage-free/organic eggs. And on, and on it goes..you get the drift. BUT WHY???? Does it cost so darn much MORE to eat healthier?? For instance, near me I can get the store brand white bread for about $1.29...to get one of those super grain breads, costs about $4.00. A quart of milk can costs only a buck here, but "organic" milk about $3.00..and eggs..same thing. Then don't ask the difference between the "regular" produce versus organically grown produce. You see in my mind it should be the other way around..that the more processed the food is, like bleached white flour, processed white rice, the more IT should cost, as more is involved in "manufacturing" it. And yet, food left in its natural state is actually more...you see how dumb this is? So what is the health conscious person supposed to do, especially if one is on a really tight budget and wants to eat healthier, but because the more natural, organic foods are so much more, can't always afford to get more natural foods to begin with? Are any of you as frustrated as I am? Would you too like to eat healthier, and want to be more conscious of eating more natural foods, but due to the exorbitant prices, can't? Have any of you solved a way of just HOW to eat healthier but on a budget (I have one MyLotter in mind about this question...hehee..hope you answer..would like to know how you are able to eat healthier)
18 people like this
26 responses
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
10 Jan 08
It cost more to produce organic. Much more. I have my own organic strawberries. This year I am going to expand my organic garden. I find my way of finding less expensive organic or natural products. I buy a lot at Traders Joe (many products are less expensive than in Target). Super Target has some organic products now. I also search online for local farms. If I can buy bulk at cheaper price, I dry it for later use. If you eat quality food, you don't need much. Many natural products are as good (close) as organic. I don't eat sweets. The only sweet I eat is dried fruits. I have home dehydrator so I make dried fruits. I think I save a lot with my home filter, I don't buy water. I don't drink juice( except home made carrot juice) or soft drinks. Water, coffee and tea. This save me a lot. Eating healthier also means to eat less. An average person in America and Europe eats 60% more than his body needs. Going back to organics. I don't buy everything organic. I try to be as close as possible. P.S. When I grew up, almost everything was organic.... My parents used to have huge garden, all natural, but nobody call it organic...but it was organic
3 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
11 Jan 08
maybe we are going backwards.....? everything was better in 50's and 60's...
2 people like this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
11 Jan 08
I grow my own herbs already. close to winter we harvest it and keep them frozen so we can use them in winter, because in winter the plants die. I'll grow vegetables this spring too.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Is kind of funny when you think of it, that what we call "organic" now was the natural way food was raised in our grandparents time. Now almost everything is farm factory grown even the animal foods. I think a lot of the reasons the average person eats so much more is due to the fact that more people are eating "empty" calories ..foods with no real substance to them
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
8 Jan 08
I totally agree with you there They go on at us about eating healthy but People can not afford to I know I certainly can so how about helping People to stay Healthy and cut the Prices By the Way do you get seven seas Vitamins there if you do they have brought a new one out for painful Joints
3 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
9 Jan 08
Oh I see and I guess you can't get it from there and it is not cheaper
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Just looked up Seven Seas..seems to be only a UK company, but did look at their website and saw the products for joints...it's that glucosamine stuff
2 people like this
• United States
8 Jan 08
I think I know why it does cost more - though it sucks nonetheless. I figure it actually does cost more to raise the organic foods because they've got to keep them more controlled - maybe even grown in greenhouses - because they use no pesticides. AND because of that - esp if not grown in greenhouses - they have LESS product to put out on the market - and the demand is rising for it too. But I am very much put off by the fact that it costs so much more! I can see it being even a little bit more but two, three, four times as much?! Even a lot of non-organic fruits and veggies are most costly than a bag of snack foods. It's just easier to fall prey LOL. And less costly. My advice if you can (I know living in an apartment is a bit harder to do) is grow much of your own veggies. That cuts cost down a bit. Though I don't have the room here...too many trees and the dog takes up the best part of the yard that's not shaded (she's got shade too).
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Yes I don't think any of us would mind if the cost of organic foods was just a tad less, but the prices really are ridiculous of what they charge--I would think the opposite is true, that if there is more demand for it, the price would actually go down??? Notice now how really expensive seafood it now? I bring this up because I remember years and years ago, seafood was so much cheaper...but then when people become more chloresterol conscious and realized that there was less in fish than red meat..up went the price and down came the cost of meat..No, I just really wouldn't have any room to grow my own food in an apartment...LOL--wish I could though
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Jan 08
I think they raise the price because the demand is high and the quantity is low. On seafood I'm not sure either. But I've heard that the fishing industry hasn't been as good as it once was. Though I wouldn't doubt them raising just because it's more popular now.
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
8 Jan 08
Although I'll confess to eating fast food on occassion, I do avoid fried foods like the plague cause of lack of a gall bladder. I get my free-roam totally organic eggs from my neighbor for free, my dairy products come from grass-fed cows that are free of steroids and all that other yucky stuff that cows don't need although at a price that's a lil steep but I'll still pay for being I have actually met these cows and know darn well they are treated like actual pets. My bread is 100% whole wheat or multi-grain that I get cheap and sometmes free from the local discount bakery. I eat mainly ground venision which e1 knows is naturally lean and organic. lol Otherwise, my meat comes from the local butcher who in turn gets the meat from local organic farms. Most of our veges come directly from my totally organic garden that gets frozen come fall. I use no chemicals at all, just plain compost and horse manure. I have been wondering for years why organic is pricier than processed and still can't find the answer to that question.
2 people like this
• United States
9 Jan 08
Sure, pack your bags and come on over..all of you. My niece moved out so now my spare room is empty again. lol I love my lil piece of paradise even thou it's now an island for a week or 2 with all the rain and melted snow. My town is on flood warning till late tomorrow morning which means I'll prolly be missing a few customers tomorrow being their roads always flood.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
LOL--I plan to call my friend out in CA tomorrow...she's in Northern CA, near Sacramento...she was always boasting how "Oh, we NEVER get any snow..." LOL...I've been hearing about the weather there...guess what..it's snowing...hehehee...The weather has been weird all over. We're having a heat wave here, near 70 today in NY...in JANUARY??????
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Oh...can I move in with you??..LOL. Where you are sounds ideal. Of course being here in the Big Apple everything is so darn expensive...I guess they also have to consider costs of transporting foods into our area, especially the organic/natural stuff.
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
8 Jan 08
oxymoron? to be honest - i had to look up the word in my dictionary... anyway.. as to having to pay more to eat 'more natural' food - yeah, i feel frustated, too... it is the same over here in my country too. these items - full grain bread, organic food etc. are priced double or more compared to the 'normal' ones... and since i have to feed a family of seven members - that's wayyyyy out of our budget. and the funny thing is.... these all natural, organic, healthy food... they're not tasty at all... (it is impossible to make my children eat the all-grain bread). so,.. to eat healthy, i have pay a lot more for much less, less tasty food... so i am thinking - why bother ? i am just going to try to do my best and prepare the 'normal' food the healthy way, try to avoid food with too much sugar, preservatives, fat and oil.... less fastfood... and if i can.... get them to exercise more, especially my dear husband... =) peace.
• Canada
10 Jan 08
I've never tried 'the less salt foods,' but can only imagine ... yuck. I love whole grain bread, since I've switched, and don't really care for just the plain ordinary white bread anymore. This is 'all' I used to buy. I do like those loaves that you cut yourself though, like French stick etc., but don't buy them very often.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
What you said there about natural foods not being tasty...ever get foods that are sodium free or less sodium??...suppose to be more healthy without so much salt...and guess what I do? Add salt cause it taste so plain and blah--LOL
1 person likes this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
8 Jan 08
I wish I could afford all that organic food, but I can't. I do try to eat healthy. Healthy cereals, fruits,yogurt, raw veggies,whole grain breads, Natural raw organic wheat germ, that I toast myself. I try not to eat a lot of red meat. I buy organic when I can afford it. I also drink a lot of V-8 juice and orange juice. I don't ever hardly drink soda or eat chips. My down fall however is pepporoni and cheese lol.
3 people like this
• Canada
10 Jan 08
I love V-8 juice, irishmist. Thanks for the reminder, I'll have to get some. My daughter can't stand it, but, oh well. I think one of the keys is moderation in certain foods, although this can be hard. I too 'love' cheese, but have had to cut back of late, as I really need fibre in my diet, if you catch my drift, and too much cheese, 'isn't good for me,' along these lines. I'm trying to cut back on 'pop' and chips too. I buy some once in awhile for a treat, because everyone has to have 'at least' one vice. hehehe.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
I think I'm going to cut back on red meat myself..oh, don't tell me about cheese...my downfall is cheese too, just call me mouse..LOL
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
8 Jan 08
Hey Pye well I know you do eat right and even if I could afford organic food I wouldnt buy it anyway dont like it. I cook everyday and make sure I get one good meal a day. Some people are just hyped up on orangic food and think that will solve the problem with everything. Wrong! I worked for a chripractor years ago and he was like that. He was always sick and looked like walking dealth. So why would I want to eat like that and not enjoy what Im eating.LOL And you know I have to have my whipped cream!heheheh Are you feeling any better with your ankles and feet?
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
9 Jan 08
heheheheh I know! You must get better we are counting on you for dancing with the stars. Are feeling any better now???
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
8 Jan 08
As one who loves a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the problem is that the junk foods can be processed and manufactured much cheaper than organic foods. Like when the first VCR's came out decades ago, they were very expensive. There was no market so they couldn't enjoy mass production and lower costs. But as more people bought them, prices came down because of cost effeciency and lower production costs associated with mass production. With organic, this is still a specialized field. As more people buy organics, it will become cheaper to produce them based on the higher demand. I see your point about it being cheaper to eat healthier. It seems like it should be that way. I am not convinced organics is the way to go. To eat healthier, you have to cut out the really bad crap (like fast foods) and kind of get into the middle. And maybe add as many organics as you can afford. I think you have done a good job eating healthier. But as far as eating healthier, I am not convinced that anyone really knows enough about foods and how they work in the body. The experts are always changing their advice and creating confusion. Your pain in your feet and ankles may be related to other things. Who can say exactly what food will help you or which will hurt you? I hope you can find relief using some method. Continue to do some research on the Internet. You might run across the answer you are looking for.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
That's funny you mention how the earlier VCRs were so expensive...I had gotten one, my first, in 1983....yikes it was over $1,000. Now you can get a good quality VCR for a hundred...maybe too because more have switched to DVD players instead..and even the DVDs are getting much lower in price since more people want them...Sure wish the healthier foods would come down in price soon Fortunately, as I said, I don't eat fast foods and haven't for years and frankly don't miss them either. Yes, it can drive one batty about what's good to eat and what isn't....one day you hear that such and such food can do this, and then weeks later a new find says, nope that food isn't good for you...it's like a crazy yo-yo
• United States
8 Jan 08
The only reason I could come up with organically grown foods is that there might be a smaller quantity of it then there is of the manufactured food types. Now don't quote me on that, cause I really have no clue, since I do not keep up with it. Though, since I am wanting to eat healthier and enjoy having fresh vegetables and herbs, I have turned a small portion of my house into an indoor garden of sorts and grow the herbs and vegetables that I like the most. Now I know most can't do something like that, but even in smaller living quarters, one can grow tomatoes, carrots, other small vegetables, herbs, and small fruit plants like strawberries and grapes. As for a meat substitute, well that would be hard one for me, since I love red meat, and tofu just doesn't agree with me.
• United States
10 Jan 08
Well that's a bummer and no patio to boot..yeesh! Have you tried to grow some things inside? Just curious. I'll have to ask my Mom how she did it, and I'll get back to you on this.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I've tried growing at least herbs indoors, but I guess I just don't have a green thumb..they never survive for long...but I keep trying.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Yuk...I'm no great fan of soy products and especially not tofu...blaugh! No, live in an apartment building and a small apartment..look at my response to #4 here and you'll see the problems I ran into, when I DID grow a few things...lousy landlord..LOL
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
11 Jan 08
Over here it's not that much of a difference. I don't live in big cities like Toronto, but I know someone who lives there and they have a place called Bulk Barn where you can buy everything in bulk therefore not too pricey. Walmart over here doesn't have good price when it comes to grocery. Every week on Saturday, farmers will sell their products on Farmers Market downtown. Ontarians grow our own vegetables and fruits, therefore there are always farms at least an hr from a city or town, unless Toronto. If I want to I could choose to go to nearest farm and get meat and vegetables, but I'm too lazy :):) What I do to keep to my budget is to shop weekly. This is better than monthly, because I can buy food that is close to expiry date that are sold almost half reduced price. Let's say I shop on Jan 9, food or milk expires on Jan 18. I will use this food up by Jan 14, it doesn't harm my health and yet I got it at reduced price. You can do this too if you buy monthly but you will have to always keep an eye on the date. Some things are cheaper in powders. Like onion and garlic, you can get onion salt powder, or garlic salt powder - it's 2 in 1, no teary eye, $ 3 a bottle compared to $ 3/ lbs of onion or garlic. when the bottle is empty all you need is a refill $ 1.79 or so. this goes for parsley, peppers, rosemary, any kind of herbs which is good for you. If the store has their own brand, get this brand instead of others. it's cheaper and if anything goes wrong, the store will be more inclined to replace it, because its their own brand that they have to protect. Nuts are better bought in bulk. They last forever unless you have a pet bird :):)vegetables and fruits are best bought weekly, unless you can get them in cans or you have a small fridge. I don't buy bread, I buy rice. Bread is around $ 3 or so white or brown not much difference here, while rice is $ 2.77 lasts a week for me and my husband, or if I buy bulk it will last 3 months for $ 30. Price wise I don't know what to say since I don't live there, but if you get it delivered it will be costly even if it's less than 30 mins. Grocery delivery is not like computer or furniture delivery, they have to keep the freshness, smell, not only shape. this is common everywhere. I hope this helps a bit.
2 people like this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
11 Jan 08
we can actually get fresh grocery in farmers market every week. It's only 10 minutes walk, but they only open at 7 to 10 AM and my husband just doesn't feel like walking there at morning time over here unless summer. I heard they are a bit more expensive than grocery store, but definitely fresh and some food are home made fresh from the oven :) this year we have to watch our grocery budget, next year we'll be able to go there once a month
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Jan 08
With the exception of a few foods, like fresh green peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, I get frozen veggies...I remember reading that they are actually fresher since they are frozen as soon as they are picked rather than fresh produce that is picked then sits in some warehouse for god knows how long before it gets to the supermarket...Of course it's different if one does have farmer's markets nearby..I don't unfortunately. There some farmer's markets but out in the Long Island area which is far from me and since I don't drive or have a car that's a bummer--none of my friends have cars either to drive me out
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
8 Jan 08
Yep, I think the same as you - it's like 'no sugar added' hey if they don't add sugar why do they charge more for it - makes no since at all. My saving grace right now is in the area of eggs - my ex whom I'm renting rooms from has chickens. He just got them last spring and they've just started laying, still kinda small but ohhhhh they are soooo much better than those you get in the store and except for the feed - their free :) I do look forward to summer when we can grow our own lettuce and tomatoes and they actually have flavor to them.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Now see I don't notice a difference in taste but my son says he can tell the difference. For me the big thing is the yokes - their almost orange rather than the faded yellow ones from the store. The best thing is these chickens are getting no chemicals pumped into them so I know their not sneaking into my system. I've actually thought of trying to grow tomatoes in the house so we could have fresh ones all year round but haven't done it yet. Our growing season is so short here we only get the fresh one for a couple months then it frosts and their gone till next summer. Do you know you can grow tomatoes in a square foot of soil? A large flower pot and stake the plant and you can grow tomatoes and several other veggies on a small patio or deck. Beans, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, even carrots do great as well as most kinds of peppers.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
For just a little more in money I think for now on I just might get the "organic" eggs that they have here. Now here's the "funny" part. I usually get the "regular" kind of eggs rather than organic cause of the price difference...but one time I did get the organic eggs and to me they tasted, well funny...I guess cause they're "purer" in a way? And the chickens are fed better? I just thought it was funny in a way. Oh, but I know what you mean about home grown tomatoes...long, long time ago, a friend of my mother's who lived out in Long Island and grew some of her own stuff gave us some of her home grown tomatoes...wow..the taste was like night and day compared to the ones in supermarkets
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
8 Jan 08
Wow, I don't even have time to read the other responses now, so will do so later. I've been 'elsewhere' for the past couple of hours.;) I know exactly what you mean, about the cost of 'good food.' I find it very frustrating too. I can't say I haven't eaten 'any' fast food, but I don't very often anymore, because of cost, immobility, etc. etc. I consider it a treat. As for chocolate, well, we're just past Christmas, but what we have here will last a very long time. I switched to grain breads, in various varieties, several years ago now, and rarely eat white bread. The same with the rice, as we love brown now, and wild etc. These things, I just pay for, regardless. I eat peanut butter, as it's high in protein, etc., and was considered 'okay' by a 'group' I belonged to, years ago. I have the occasional pop, but am trying to cut back, although it is a vice for me, and I don't really have too many of those, so ... :) I've also been drinking a lot of water too. I love seafood, but again, it's expensive. A roast of beef is a real treat for us, so no worries there, I guess. We have lots of chicken, but I do have to use 'lean' ground beef, to help stretch our budget, etc. The cost of eating 'truly healthy' has always been a mystery to me, as you've said, and doesn't make good sense. I even found it hard, years ago, when I joined 'the group,' and I was working full time in an office then. Sadly, I know for a fact, that some of these health problems are definitely hereditary (in my case for sure), and very possibly in yours. Do you think so? We grew up on home grown vegetables, fruits, and other healthy homemade things, with no preservatives. We always had a garden, berry bushes etc. However, my mom was 'never well', and I have many of the same health issues she had, so ... Take care.
• Canada
9 Jan 08
I had a lot of fun 'there,' thanks.:) I too, realize this about peanut butter, but then ... I love seafood, and especially enjoy salmon, and I don't mean the canned variety. I like the canned stuff too, but the 'real deal,' is one of my favourites, and unfortunately, cost prohibitive for me (most of the time). I'll be interested to hear your theories, regarding your health concerns, 'elsewhere.'
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Hehe..yes I know you were elsewhere..hope you had fun there :) Mmm....I love peanut butter, and while yes, it's protein it's also pure fat too, and the worse is the commercial brands that have hydrogenated oil. I love seafood too and would rather eat more but as you say it's expensive...remember years ago, fish was actually cheaper than any other meat...then when people became more chloresterol conscious and ate less meat to switch to fish..boom the price of fish skyrocketed. I have some of my own theories about my now occurring health problems...maybe I'll get into that "elsewhere" ;)
1 person likes this
@slothgurl (569)
• Enumclaw, Washington
8 Jan 08
Since I live in a rural community, and the rest of my family does too, me and my three sisters all do different things for some of our food. Two of them have large gardens and they each grow different things. One also raises chickens. I like to go hunting and fishing alot. My sis that doesn't have much space grows herbs (the cooking kind). We spred all this around between us four, and our husbands and kids, and our Mom and Dad. It is alot cheaper than the Organic stuff at the grocery store.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
I think it's so much easier to get more "natural" foods in a rural area...I live in the Big Apple..so of course everything is so much more in cost and especially organic or natural foods.. :(
@BarBaraPrz (45226)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Jan 08
I have a small garden, so at least in the summer, I don't have to pay for organic veggies. And when I go to the food bank, if I have a choice I'll pick the organic peanut butter, etc. (lots of good bread is always available there, too, rarely any of the playdough kind). I was pleased to hear yesterday that a major supermarket chain's brand of organic baby food will now cost the same as "regular" baby food. It's a start, and a good one for babies.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
9 Jan 08
We have a few food banks around here, but the food they have is all canned stuff..I don't mind canned tuna but anything else like veggies, no as there's usually not too much nutrition in canned foods and a lot of salt..always hand out a lot of pasta products too, which I'm not too keen about either
@badkat83 (1620)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I ask my self this same question, why do i have to spend tons of money to eat good food. Last year I went on an all natural diet and lost 15 pounds. I didn't count calories or cut out snacks. Can you believe it. Just eating healthy. But...I spent a fortune. Makes me mad. So I planted peppers and cucumbers along my house instead of flowers and I had tons of cucumbers and peppers. That helped alittle (not alot) but I eat alot of cucumbers. This year I am going to add lettuce. Try something like this. You can even plant some in pots and put them on your deck if you don't have space.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Unfortunately I live in an apartment building so can't really grow anything..also I just don't seem to have a green thumb...I did try growing herbs and they kind of pooped out on me...I think my fault was I was killing them with kindness and overwatering..LOL
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
9 Jan 08
darn dont know what happened but my responec got all wiped out have to start over!.grrrr Of course puter room specialy in the early morning like now when I have the whole house to myself as every one is asleep. I n my part I have my desk and on the desk has my mahogany horse that was made in the phillapines(sp) years ago. has my MadeGGRa beads around its neck. then pictures and rocks and seashells and nick nacs. The res of the room have 2 sheleves of Elvis collection and on the walls Elvis pics and a plaque of him we call it the Elvis room . and then the back patio where I set and watch my garden grow and wait to see if any buterflies or hummingbirds come to visit alsl a lizard with his family some times come along the fence and when its real hot they look like they are doing pushup as they go along the wall. Then I would go to my grands and gramp to visit as a kid and would go to the barn early morning to milk cows gramps would squirt the milk into my mouth yup its warm. and so was the barn warmand cozy. Then I would grab a horse from any one I could and ride and race with the wind. Also climb the mountain behind my moms house to the waterfall and set and listen to it for ages. Love a river bank to set on and fish and read or just tan no matter if I catch any thing or not. and I love to explore old ghost and mining towns hubby and I did that alot when he had time off oh nd also old forts. GIve me land lots of land wide open spaces wher eya dont see a person for miles. and as you said Moab is a very beautiful place. In my travels with hubby going to and from jobs we coverd alot of roads . I like traveling Route 66 what parts are left since they put I 40 in. I have seen alot but there is still more I want to see Just hav eto ge tup the money to go. or win the lotto! lol
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
What kind of food do you grow on your patio garden..sounds so peaceful the way you describe it all. And that must have been such a great experience for you as a kid visiting your grandparents farm..LOL...were there any kitties nearby to grab the milk being squirted out too?..LOL Oh yes, I would love lots and lots of land myself..well, who knows maybe one day we'll both win the lotto. hehee
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I can seem to be able to only grow tomatoes. and am moving them to a more shaded area this year for last year altho the vines got about4 foot tal no tomatoes!But then had them right in the sun and it just was so hot last summer. also have pots and ponts hanging around with patunias in them the ones that have a scent to them. and roses. I have one rose in the back called a Judy Garland rose its yellow with red tips. It is so beautiful when blooming. TEhn in the front I have 2 rose bushes one get up to 4 inch blooms on it and is pink have to struggle with it tho wants to die on me but have had it there for all the years we have been here. the other one I call candy cane its white with red tips. My grand daughter is always pulling off the bloom and bringing them to me and says oh pretty!.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Jan 08
It sounds like you are eating the right things. I have always thought that the best way to get more people to eat healthy is to make it cheaper to eat healthy. Since you are eating right, maybe there is something that can add or remove to feel better.Check with your doctor.Good Luck. ps. I remember my mom had arthritis and she was told to avoid the nightshade vegetables . The only one I remember is tomatoes. So if you have arthritis,take tomatoes out of your diet and see how you feel.I hope you feel better soon.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Jan 08
My mom felt the same way.If I am remembering correctly, she tried it and it didn't make that much of a difference so she went back to eating nightshades.I hope that you will feel better And will be able to eat nightshades if this is possible.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Nuts...I love tomatoes..and potatoes..they're of the nightshade family too :( But maybe eliminating them for at least a week might be a good idea...if I feel better than maybe it is them causing the problem..then maybe as an experiment add it again to see if it triggers the pain again
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@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
14 Jan 08
Hey Pye, I haven't been on here for like weeks I think and I picked your post to read. Glad I did though, I really want to know how one can eat healthy on a budget myself. I quit trying to buy all those "good for you" products, after I was diagnosed with liver cancer, I blamed in part all the so called healthy foods, in reality I think they use chemicals to make things fat free, or healthy and I think all those chemicals and additives helped my cancer to develop & escalate into a life threathening situation. Now that I have it more or less under control for the moment, meaning no new tumors are yet visible... I have made my mind up to eat whatever I want too. If it sounds good, I listen to my body, it will tell me what I need. I love nothing better than a good salad with regular or maybe lite dressing, fat free is gross and non tasting & life is too short to have to eat disgusting flavored foods. But I feel better after a nice salad, with real bacon for bits, croutons, all kinds of veggies, I prefer to go to pizza hut and eat their salad with the pizza buffet,no guilt and I don't feel bad afterwards. I still want to read your posts from others who DO eat organic or healthy on a budget. Have a good one my friend : )
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Jan 08
Hi applsofgld.. missed seeing you here :) Grrr..don't tell me about the low-fat foods that taste like, well you know..LOL While a lot of people want to reduce their cholesterol level most will be tempted then to get the low-fat, fat-free foods like the any kind of the cheese from regular type cheese, to sour cream, cottage cheese, mayo, etc, etc...it seems to me the more a food strays away from the original the more "chemicals" it has in it and can't help wonder what effects all those added chemicals ARE doing to us--I gave up long time ago getting those type foods, one cause I just didn't like the taste of them and two, cause I just didn't like all those chemicals. I think we get enough "chemicals" in most regular processed, mass produced foods anyway..if you read labels of ingredients you practically have to be a bio-chemist to know what you're reading...That is why I really wish the REALLY healthier foods, the ones in their more natural state and without so many chemicals, and pesticides to grow them were cheaper---even the fresh produce one buys, so many of them are then additionally sprayed with that waxy substance to make them last longer......God knows what that is really doing to us too, they claim it's non toxic and edible..still don't like the idea of it...ever try to really wash that stuff off? You can't!
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
8 Jan 08
This is a subject that is close to my own heart, pyewacket, because I not only have a problem with being able to afford to eat the proper foods, but also getting to the grocery store. I don't know why all the things that might be benefical to our health are so darned expensive. On another note, I have a skin condition, eczema, which requires that I buy only special types of soaps, lotions, etc. They are all extremely expensive. So, it comes down to a choice. I could eat better for my overall health, or I can spend extra money for my skin care products which save me a lot of irritation when I get breakouts. Throw in the cost of paying for trips to each doctor, and it's a very costly set of circumstances. I will be eagerly looking forward to some good answers on this topic.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Thanks for the link, pyewacket. I have checked it out briefly, and found some things that could be very helpful to me. My eating habits are atrocious, I admit. Sugar is my worst enemy and I need to leave it alone.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I'm trying to cut back on my ice cream addiction..LOL... today when I went grocery shopping instead of getting another gallon of ice cream, I got yogurt instead..should give me a little sense of sweets for me and without being as fattening as the ice cream
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I was just hunting around about eczema and natural cures and diet...found this page ...maybe could give you some ideas??? http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/psoriasis.htm
@gmakesmoney (2923)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Organic food is the one thing I splurge on now. I've given up the designer makeup and endless shoe collection to afford it. I'm actually much happier than if I had the shoes or the makeup, as cleaning my room is 1,000 times easier w/out 100 pairs of shoes laying around, lol. I'm a creature of comfort and luxury so when I discovered organics I took to them right away. I think the taste and quality are so much higher that now if I eat the things or brands I used to I just want to cry. Now you're totally right the prices are retarded! It's insane how expensive it can be to eat organic. Some brands slap on the word organic on their products and charge an extra $3 just for calling it that. This is where one can save money though, when shopping for organics check for the USDA Certified Organic (see below) stamp of approval. Real organic food is stamped by the USDA which means they have been prooven to truly be organic products. A lot of products say organic but are not and often times try to make you think it's organic but get around needing the label by using the words "all natural". They still charge you the price of organic foods but what you're getting is still the regular product. Watching for the label can save you money from buying fake products. Another way I save on organic products is to get the Sunday paper and clip those coupons! You can almost always find some for every time of organic egg out there and for any major name brands that are putting out new organic lines. The other thing with the paper is to check out the sales flyers for good sales on organic products. And finally stores like Target specialize in their own line of organic products like Market Pantry Organic (or something like that) and it's fair priced and has a great quality. Target is also a good place to find lots of organic produce and other hard to find organic brands. Yet another way to save on organic produce and handmade organic products such as breads, honey, candles, soaps, rugs, pet care and snacks or desserts are farmer's markets. If you go to www.localharvest.org you can find some near you. On that site you can also find a co-op in your area, these are farms that work together to bring you fresh produce right to your door. This is cheaper, sometimes like $15 every other week for a crate of mixed produce fresh from the farm. $15 at the grocery store will buy you enough for a salad or two if you're lucky. The less farm to tummy time the more nutrients you get and the better it is for the earth... less CO2 since the veggies aren't traveling 1,000 miles from the farm to your plate and aren't being stored in some warehouse for days. I hope that all helps, happy eating!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I'll have to remember that, that when I do shop and try to get organic foods to look for that USDA certified label...you're right, so many things do say "all natural" but might not have that label--or and health food stores are totally insane with their prices though wow you must have a great Target that sells organic foods and produce..I do have one not too, too far from me and they don't have a food section :( I was looking at that site and there aren't any co-ops near by...out in Long Island or upstate NY maybe but that is far from where I am--as I pointed out in my PM to you...since I do rely on food stamps I don't know if these places that could delver would accept that Yes, I can just imagine the conditions that workers have to work under who are on factory farm type environments--many are probably illegals too, and get maybe a buck an hour, if that
• United States
9 Jan 08
I forgot to add... the reason why a lot of organic items cost more is because they cost more to produce. Not just in the growing of the products but because organic brands are held to higher standards employee wise too. They have to provide a healthy enviroment for their employees, as well as the appropriate care, wages and living conditions for places where the employees bunk there. Most major produce growers that are not eco-friendly are not employee-friendly either and most use undocumented workers who are forced to work 18 hour days no matter the weather and have to work around all the pestisides and things with no proper protection, health care or health monitoring. Organic farms are usually a lot smaller and family run and care not just morally for their employees but if they want to keep their USDA label provide proper enviroment and care. P.S... omg I so need a life, lol.
1 person likes this