Our society has not made it easy for us to live a healthful life.

We are constantly stimulated from corporations to want something, to crave something.

You walk into the grocery store and what’s thrown at you is packaged food that has been made in a factory.

The food we consume should be coming from the ground, from the earth. That is why it’s here, for us to eat.

Eating healthy should be simple, not confusing.

We shouldn’t be eating protein drinks that contain 15 non-pronounceable ingredients as meals.

We shouldn’t be eating cheap fast-food hamburgers and French fries every meal.

These things should be luxuries, not the status quo.

Our society is exactly the opposite of that—fresh fruits and vegetables are considered luxuries and the trip to McDonalds is the norm.

We have been brainwashed into thinking that healthy eating is unaffordable, unattainable, not easy, complicated, and hard.

When in reality, it’s not—we have just been constantly told over and over again that it is.

I’m here this month to show you how to eat healthful, nourishing, and affordable food in a society where we are told it’s not attainable:

1. Buy produce from farmers markets: Not only is this good for the local economy and ecosystem, but it is also good for our health! Buying produce from farmers markets ensures you get the freshest food that is in season, packed with the most nutrients. Produce bought at farmers markets are also cheaper than buying at the grocery store. Here, you aren’t paying for the middleman or transport of the food, you’re solely paying for the food itself. So that’s and win, win, win!

2. Plan the meals you want to eat: Taking only one trip to the grocery store a week or buying your groceries online can save a ton of money since you can avoid impulse buying. On top of that, shopping with a plan ensures that you only buy what you need, and you can plan around sales and coupons. Planning also avoids the guessing game that comes with figuring out what to eat for dinner every single night. There’s another win, win, win!

3. Shift your mindset: Processed foods are a treat, fresh foods are the norm. Don’t let the packaged foods at the grocery store or the drive thru be the norm in your day-to-day life. Think of these foods as treats, foods that supplement your life. Instead, center your day on foods that are whole and minimally processed. These foods will help keep you fuller for longer and satisfy you more.

Give yourself permission this month to choose the foods that will actually satisfy and nourish your body first over foods that were made to be addictive and non-nourishing.

Think and act smarter, not harder.

Let these three tips guide you through the next month and see for yourself how eating nourishing and healthful food can be easy and affordable!