I talk to my best friend every day. She listens to me about my new healthy recipes. She always says the same thing. It's expensive to eat healthy. This is a common misconception.
I've heard this over and over again from people all over the country. I go into health food grocery stores and see the high prices. I start to think we're paying for healthier food. I flip the product around and read the back of packages to see how much better this product actually is versus cheaper versions. I'm shocked!
I spend just as much time reading on the products in a regular large chain grocery store as grocery stores that specialize in healthier options. Over two-thirds of the products I research still contain some nasty preservatives. I just get the privilege of paying more. This is why there is a misconception about healthy food being expensive.
This really isn't the case. I love small fresh vegetable stands. They can be reasonably priced. If you don't have one close by, see if you have a local co-op or Seventh Day Adventist grocery store, The local one in Wildwood, GA is fantastic. An even easier option is a local chain of grocery stores like Ingles. They have 4' sections where they stock healthier options which makes them easier to find. The most interesting option is Walmart. Believe it or not, they have been adding some healthier options.
You see healthier food options are becoming more reasonably priced. There are some other things to know about buying good food without breaking the bank... buy vegetables when they are in season. They tend to be cheaper due to less cost in growing the crop. Another interesting fact is that as people start to eat healthier options, large companies will have to order in larger quantities at a reduced price. Good companies will pass a portion of that savings on the consumer.
In the end, the largest expense is time. Healthier living takes an interest in finding healthier options for shopping and eating. People have to want to learn and then implement change. It isn't tough to do. One change per week, that you actually like, can make a huge difference over time. Now are you willing to invest in your health?
This week's healthy recipe is avocado brownies. I can't take the credit for this recipe. I found it while looking for healthy diabetic sweet recipes a year ago. I just can't find where I found this one. I did find topping this amazing recipe with sunflower butter from Walmart not only tastes great but also provides a protein to slow the processing of sugar from this treat not to mention the benefits of the healthy fat from the avocado. The benefits of the avocado in this recipe are listed in the Amazing Avocados article.
Ingredients:
- 1 large avocado
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup sugar free syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine avocado, applesauce, syrup and vanilla in a food processor. Blend until the avocado is mixed well with the other ingredients.
Put the mix into a bowl and whisk in the eggs.
Combine coconut flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
Mix in the dry ingredients above until well blended.
Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan with coconut oil and add the brownie mix.
Cook for 25 minutes for soft brownies or add 5 more minutes for drier cake brownies.
Cool for 20 minutes. The recipe makes 16 servings.
I hope after you try these brownies, you will taste how amazing healthy eating can be. Not only are you improving your health; but healthy recipes can taste fantastic. I've been watching the effects of food on my mother as she goes through chemo treatments. So the recipes that I've been working on this week have been more towards being acceptable to a chemo affected tummy. More on that later... Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please comment, like, share, and come back next week for more recipes, ideas, and tips. Subscribe to the website, if you would like weekly email reminders to add more recipes to your recipe book.
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Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, but a compilation of research from medical sites. Make sure to see your doctor and have up to date lab work.