Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 44)

1 TALK ABOUT MONEY. Money causes anxiety, and if we’re struggling ﬁnancially, it can be hard to talk about it, says Brad Klontz, Psy.D., co-author of Mind Over Money. “So, we avoid thinking about it and talking about it, which makes the stress worse in the long run,” he notes. He advises that people examine their ﬁnancial values and where those values stem from. Those insights, he says, can be extremely valuable, as you prioritize your spending and relate to your partner. 2 TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL. A big mistake, Klontz says, is externalizing the problem. It’s easy to demonize banks or corporations and blame others for the situation we’re facing. By acknowledging and taking responsibility, you might be surprised at the effect. “When you identify your own role in your ﬁnancial stress, rather than making you feel down, it’s actually going to make you feel empowered,” he says. “If we don’t look at our role, we’re doomed to repeat it. That’s counterintuitive, but it actually opens the door to change.” Recognizing just how much control you have over your ﬁnancial destiny can make a difference. One area where we have control is a monthly budget—a “spending plan,” as Klontz calls it. Understand your monthly bills, such as housing, food, insurance, transportation, entertainment, student loans and credit cards. And, when possible, budget for your rainy-day fund and retirement — which can ease stress later. you can get a lot more for your money if you know how to do it,” Dobbins says. Start by remembering your produce options. Canned, dried and frozen fruits and vegetables are great options, she says. For the best deals, buy produce that’s in season. Next, decide when convenience is your top priority. It comes down to this question, Dobbins says: “Do I have more time or more money?” For example, shredded cheese costs more than a block you have to shred yourself. Precut veggies and “snack packs” cost more than when you do your own prep work. “It’s easier to grab those quick, easy things that cost more,” Dobbins notes, but if you’re on a budget, cutting back on convenience foods is key. And if you can’t afford organic fruits and veggies, she says, don’t worry. “Eating fruits and veggies far outweighs any risk of pesticides … we have an amazingly safe food supply,” she adds. You don’t even need to buy special produce washes. Water and a scrub brush are all you need to clean produce, she says. Lastly, when you’re trying to save on groceries and other household items, coupons are tempting. But, Dobbins cautions, use coupons only for the products you were planning to buy anyway. Buying something just because you have a coupon drives up your grocery bill. 4 PLAN AHEAD. 3 SHOP SMARTER. Melissa Joy Dobbins, a registered dietitian and a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, often hears the argument that eating healthfully is expensive. “If all the fruits and veggies are fresh and organic, then being healthy is more expensive,” she says. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.” The grocery bill for a family of four can run high. But there are ways to eat healthier—and save money at the same time. “If you’re going to the grocery store, “Make sure your money isn’t going down the garbage disposal,” Dobbins says. “Food waste is a huge waste of money.” To cut down on waste, buy only what you plan to eat. That means making a grocery list and being honest with yourself about your time. Dobbins notes that buying in bulk may save money, but be careful about stocking up on fresh produce at your local wholesale club. “Don’t buy more than you can use,” she advises. Eat the perishable fruits and vegetables ﬁrst, she says, and supplement with frozen and canned. And don’t forget to eat leftovers. Pack them for tomorrow’s lunch or “repurpose” them when possible. If you have leftover tomato sauce from lasagna, for example, save it to pour over spaghetti squash or quinoa pasta. Leftover whole-wheat bread can be used in a breakfast casserole, and that shredded pork or beef from two nights ago can be combined with beans and veggies for a healthy enchilada ﬁlling. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THINKSTOCK 44 Vim & Vigor · W I N TER 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi