Often when I start working with a new client there is a common misconception that organic and local foods are too expensive.

Sure, the initial price may be higher (in some cases it’s the same or lower than conventional foods), but the long-term benefits actually save you money.

Here’s How Buying Local Saves Money:

1. I want you to think of going local as your Rx for health and well-being. In other words, it’s actually more important than the drug prescriptions you get from your doctor because many of these drugs can be eliminated by simply eating real, whole foods, and eliminating processed junk foods. Now, get out a pad of paper and add up how much you pay per year for all drugs you currently take (including over the counter drugs like aspirin and antihistamines).
2. Are you a coffee drinker? I used to be a coffee fiend and couldn’t go one day without my venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks. Last I checked, this drink costs almost $5 (not including taxes and tip). 5 x 30 = $150 per month and contains a whopping 40 grams of sugar! When I was drinking coffee, this was my go-to drink at the dreaded 3pm slump. Now I have so much energy I don’t get the slump and I certainly don’t crave coffee anymore. Do you see where I’m going with this? Now add this amount to your pad of paper.
3. In your honest estimate, how many days out of the year do you get sick? Be honest. This is only for your benefit. Now think of how much more productive you could be if you didn’t have those sick days? If you have a job that does not offer time off in such circumstances, add up the total number of wages lost from being ill. Then add this and the total number of sick days to your pad of paper.
4. How much do you currently eat? Do you often feel like you can’t get enough, that your stomach is a bottomless pit, and that you can’t turn off your insatiable appetite? Add what you eat and how much per day to your pad of paper.
5. Now I want you to get really honest about how well you sleep, if your digestion is smooth and easy, what your energy levels are like, and if your skin is clear and glowing. Jot down all areas of your life that your’d like to change for the better.
6. Finally, how happy are you? Again, be honest. Are you caught up in self-hatred because you wish your life was different? How is this affecting your relationships? Your career? Your finances? Are you overweight, tired and frustrated with your body? Now really think about how much time you spend in this negative self-talk, worrying about your life and the future. Add this to your pad of paper.

What did you come up with?

My guess is that you realize eating local and organic foods isn’t so expensive after all, and in the long run, actually saves you money.

Just think about how amazing your life can be just by simply being conscious about what you put in your mouth. Think about how much less you will eat because local/organic foods are so nutrient dense you won’t need nearly as much compared to the processed stuff. Think about all the wonderful side-effects such as weight loss, glowing skin, boundless energy, perfect digestion, and amazing sleep.

Then think about how happy you will be because you feel so good in your body and how this happiness spills over into all other areas of your life.

Do you still think local and organic foods are too expensive?

Let me know in the comments below!