the ward method

Tag: nutrition

  • Healthy-ish, not broke: 3 realistic ways to grocery shop on a budget.

    Healthy-ish, not broke: 3 realistic ways to grocery shop on a budget.

    (because not all of us can drop $17 on moon juice)

    Let’s be honest: we all want to eat well. Fresh produce, quality ingredients, meals that don’t come out of a packet. But sometimes your budget says “instant noodles,” while your Pinterest board screams “farmers’ market goddess.”

    Here are 3 actually realistic ways to grocery shop like a wellness girly, without going full Erewhon:

    1. Shop smart, not fancy
    No hate to the vibey stores with organic eucalyptus bouquets at checkout, but you can get affordable, healthy staples at everyday grocery stores.
    Think: oats, canned beans, frozen berries, brown rice, eggs, sweet potatoes, greens, peanut butter, lentils.
    These are the unsung heroes of healthy eating, and they won’t bankrupt you. Bonus: they’re versatile and can become a million different meals.

    Hot tip: Go in with a plan (and a snack). Walking in hungry = financial sabotage.

    2. Go for frozen over fresh
    Frozen fruit and veg are often just as nutritious as fresh, and way more budget-friendly. Plus, they last longer and save you from the guilt spiral of tossing that wilted spinach you swore you’d use.

    Smoothies, soups, stir-fries, frozen ingredients make it all easier (and cheaper).

    3. Buy in bulk (when it makes sense)
    Buying a five-kg bag of quinoa feels like a commitment… but hear me out. Bulk items like grains, pasta, nuts, and even spices can save you a lot over time.
    You don’t need a membership or an entire cupboard full, just pick a few things you use a lot and stock up when they’re on sale.

    Pro move: Reuse jars and containers so your kitchen still feels cute, even if your budget’s giving minimalist survivalist.

    You don’t need fancy adaptogens or a green juice budget to eat well. Start simple, stay consistent, and remember: good health isn’t about perfection, it’s about making what you can work for you.

    And if you do splurge on that overpriced almond butter every once in a while… no judgment.

  • If avocado toast were a personality.

    If avocado toast were a personality.

    So, here’s a fun fact you might not know: 70% of serotonin is made in your gut. Yup, that’s right. Your gut is basically the mood factory for your brain. Which means… what’s going on in there? It’s going to affect your mood, anxiety, focus, and even your mental health. Kind of a big deal, right?

    I’ve had my fair share of low-energy days when I feel like I’m running on fumes. My brain’s foggy, I’m irritated at everything, and if someone even mentions doing something I just want to throw a blanket over my head and call it a day. And it’s not that I don’t want to feel good, it’s just that sometimes, I forget how much the food I’m putting in my body actually plays a role. And when I’m eating like junk (the occasional pizza or mcflurry), my energy crashes. It’s a spiral, and it sucks.

    I feel like eating well is a form of self-care. It’s not just about looking good in a bikini or fitting into your favourite jeans. It’s about feeling good, inside and out. Because when you feed your body with good things, it responds. Better mood, better energy, clearer head (no crying to Gracie Abrams for an hour). It’s all connected. Sounds lame, but our body’s like a plant, give it the right nutrients, and it’ll thrive. Skip the water, and it’s going to start wilting.

    2 realistic ways to start bringing good eating habits into your routine.

    1. Start your day with protein.
      I know, I know, everyone says breakfast is important, but protein? What’s that even supposed to look like? It’s easy to roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and maybe a granola bar (if you’re feeling fancy). But listen, that’s not giving your body the fuel it needs. Starting your day with a solid dose of protein helps stabilize your blood sugar, boosts your energy, and keeps you full longer. Try scrambled eggs, a protein smoothie, or even a handful of nuts. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but your body will thank you.
    2. Swap one snack for something green.
      Okay, I’m not going to ask you to give up chips (unless you’re really feeling fancy), but just try swapping one snack for something green. Like, I don’t know… a handful of spinach (kidding), maybe some avocado on toast. Start small. You’d be surprised at how good you feel when you’ve got something fresh and green in your system. Plus, your gut? It’s going to love it, and your serotonin will thank you. Small swap, big difference. It’s basically like feeding your brain its daily dose of happiness.

    Eating well isn’t about being perfect or sticking to some crazy diet. Trust me, growing up, I’ve literally tried every diet or fad eating trend on the market and nothing works, but choosing to nourish your body properly.

    It’s about being kind to your body and feeding it the nutrients it needs to keep you feeling like the best version of yourself. Your gut and brain are connected, so when you start taking care of your body, your mood, focus, and energy will follow. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. Sometimes, it’s the little things like fueling your body with the right foods that make all the difference.

    So next time you’re feeling low, remember this: What you eat matters. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to swap that bag of chips for something that’ll make you feel real good.