Lessons from a Dietitian: Smart Eating and Saving Money
Eating healthily without spending a fortune feels almost impossible to many. But quadcare dieticians believe that with the right guidance, everyone can master the art of nutritious yet economical living. Mihle, your quadcare dietitian provides a treasure trove of advice on making the best dietary choices while taking care of your wallet.
PRE APPOINTMENT PREPARATION
Before even setting foot into our clinic, there are specific steps that can be taken to guarantee a smooth communication process:
- Request Accommodations: Upon scheduling your appointment at quadcare, make sure to request communication accommodations. This could mean having a sign language interpreter, especially for those who communicate using South African Sign Language (SASL).
- Share Communication Preferences: Every individual has a distinct preference when it comes to communication. Some might be comfortable with lip reading, while others may prefer written communication. At quadcare, we want to cater to your unique needs, so it’s essential to inform our healthcare provider of your desired method. This might be a mix of SASL, lip reading, written communication, or others.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES DURING YOUR CONSULTATION
Money-saving Tips for Smart Shoppers:
- Know Your Kitchen: Before doing your grocery, have a clear grasp of what you already have already have. This prevents unnecessary repeat purchases.
- Make a Shopping List: Draft a grocery list and ensure you stick to it.
- Discount Detective: Every month, stores roll out a range of specials. Add to that the power of coupons, and you’re looking at substantial savings.
- Bulk Buying: While buying in bulk or in combos, ensure you’re getting products that won’t expire soon. This guarantees both savings and freshness.
- Local and Seasonal: From fruits to vegetables, what’s in season is not only fresher but often cheaper. Exploring local vendors, farmer’s markets, and butcheries also supports community businesses.
- Say No to Prepacked: Those prepackaged items might save time, but they can cost more. And when it comes to meat, less is often more.
- Home is Where the Heart (and Health) Is: Home-cooked meals give you full control over ingredients, ensuring health and savings. Also, the right storage of leftovers can be a lifesaver for the next meal.
- Quality Over Quantity: Cost-effective doesn’t mean cheap. It’s about getting the best quality food at a price that respects your budget.
Nutritious Choices to Add to Your Basket:
Starch: Fill up on high fibre options. This includes rice, mealie meal, bread, and the ever-popular sweet potatoes.
Protein: Balance is key. Consider chicken, livers, and gizzards, but limit the red meat intake.
Dairy Goodness: The essentials? Milk, Maas, and eggs.
Vegetables: Embrace the ones in season. And if you can’t plant some, why not start a food garden?
Fruit: Stick to those that are in season for maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.
Fats & Oils: Opt for the healthy range – sunflower, canola, olive, and let’s not forget the crunch of peanuts.
The Magic of a Food Garden:
For those with a patch of land or even a balcony, starting a food garden can be revolutionary. Not only does it ensure that you have a regular supply of fresh produce, but it’s also a cost-effective and therapeutic hobby. Quadcare has seen many community members benefit both physically and mentally from this endeavor.
In summary, healthy living doesn’t mean you have to stretch your budget. With meticulous planning and understanding of nutrition, anyone can achieve a harmonious balance between well-being and cost-effectiveness. With the continued support and resources from quadcare, your journey towards a healthier, affordable lifestyle is just beginning.
