A healthy lifestyle, characterized by balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, helps reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. This, in turn, contributes to the maintenance of healthy bone density and promotes the well-being of hair and skin. Proper nutrition and fitness support the body’s overall vitality.

Ensuring a ‘Healthy Diet for All’ is more than just a mission—it’s a basic right. It’s about breaking down barriers, making sure that quality, nourishing food is accessible to every individual, regardless of their economic or social background. It’s a cause we can all get behind.

Tips

• Pre-planning is necessary. One needs to make millets a part of the grocery list and incorporate them religiously into our diet
• Consistency is the key One should not repeat the same food items. Bringing in variety is crucial as eating diverse fruits and vegetables lead to the generation of healthy gut bacteria
• The best option is to avoid all grains for dinner, which can be replaced with proteins
• Opt for whole, colourful foods, plan meals, and stay hydrated. Keep portions in check and limit processed stuff.
• The healthy food that one eats should be easily available and be affordable too. So eating local, seasonal and regional food will help to attain good health which is affordable too.
• Always go for the foods which are easily available in your locality, one it is the best in terms of nutrition, is also cheap as locally grown and goes with the palate or taste.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet by incorporating all food groups.
• Protein should be a part of every meal
• Healthy snacking in form of nuts like a handful of almonds can be taken
• Take lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid excess, sugar, salt, and fat in diet.
• Avoid fasting and feasting.
• Avoid eating food which are out of season as it is expensive and less nutritious.
• Control portion sizes to avoid overeating and unnecessary expenses.
• Limit consumption of processed and junk foods, which are often expensive and lacking in nutritional value.
• Try to minimize eating at restaurants or ordering takeout, as it can be costly and less healthy than homemade meals.
• Consider participating in or supporting community gardens, which can provide fresh produce at lower costs.
• Attend workshops or classes on budget-friendly cooking and nutrition to gain knowledge and skills.
• Team up with friends or neighbours to buy in bulk at discounted prices and share the cost.
• Supporting policies that incentivize affordable, healthy food options can have a broader impact on society.
• Promoting sustainable farming and consumption can contribute to a healthier diet while considering environmental impact.

A healthy diet going affordable for all signifies ensuring that nutritious and balanced food choices are accessible and financially feasible for every individual, regardless of their income or socioeconomic status. This goal encompasses making fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains more affordable and available, while reducing the cost disparities between healthy and unhealthy food options. It also involves addressing food deserts, promoting local and sustainable agriculture, and implementing policies that support affordability, such as subsidies or price controls. Ultimately, this concept strives to eliminate barriers to healthy eating, promoting overall well-being and reducing health disparities within communities.

Incorporating the theme of making a healthy diet affordable for all into daily life begins with conscious choices. Prioritize budget-friendly, nutrient-dense foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Plan meals, reduce food waste, and opt for home-cooked options over processed fast food. Explore local farmers’ markets or co-ops for affordable, fresh produce. Embrace plant-based proteins, which tend to be more cost-effective than meat. Experiment with batch cooking and freezing leftovers to save both money and time. Advocate for policies supporting food affordability and equitable access to nutritious options. Small steps collectively contribute to making healthy eating accessible to all.

Read the full story that first appeared in Money Control here: