Healthy Living
Cheap and easy
While the economy was making its way down the tubes, saving money scrambled to the top of many people’s priority list, including mine. Whether I’m riding a bike/walking instead of driving, eating in rather than out, or cutting extras like going to movies or shows, I’m minimizing spending and keeping my budget central.
I’ve picked up a few tricks to try to maintain a reasonably healthy lifestyle, because although saving is important, I believe health to be even more so. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
For example, I’ve discovered frozen dinners made by Kashi. They’re under four dollars and fill me up, and they include an assortment of flavors ranging from Southwest Style Chicken to Lime Cilantro Shrimp. The dinners are flavorful, hot and nutritious, and though this isn’t a plug for Kashi brand foods, I have to admit I do appreciate the brand’s attention to taste and variety.
Another thing I’ve found is the Web site for buy one get one free sales at Publix: http://www.publix.com/bogo/
I can pretty much base my grocery list on these sales. This week’s special includes Juicy Juice, Publix Salad blend and Bush’s Best Homestyle Chili—not to mention non-food items like glass cleaner and Bic razors.
Besides chain grocery stores, Gainesville residents are lucky to have farmers’ markets and local grocery stores. Ward’s Supermarket on Northwest 23rd Avenue and the farmers’ market, which takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Sun Center Plaza, are great examples. Both offer seasonal produce at a really good price— especially the farmers’ market, depending on who you talk to. I’ve gotten large brown bags of sweet, sweet oranges and grapefruit for just a few dollars, thanks to the generosity of farmers selling me their products. Non-commercial sellers have that kind of flexibility. Since they grew the food, they can sell it for any price.
Whatever you’re looking for, there are ways to save and still maintain your standard of living. Taste, health and enjoyment of everyday activities don’t have to be compromised on account of the economy.
Renee is a senior journalism student at the University of Florida. Her focus is photography, and she hopes to document her experiences while working overseas with a humanitarian organization. After graduation, she will most likely teach English in Korea, where her mother’s side of the family lives.
Renee enjoys short, stunted walks on the beach, bulgogi, reading influential political novels such as Martha Stewart’s The Martha Rules, and large sunglasses. She sometimes finds herself laughing to herself as she replays the Katie Couric/Sarah Palin interview in her head. She doesn’t enjoy public speaking to any capacity, despite her desire to teach in a foreign country.