The High Quality Food Feud: How to Sync With Your Spouse on the Cost of Good Food

I often find myself skipping around the grocery store drooling over all the deliciousness, loading my cart with grass-fed this, raw that, only to get to the cashier, panic, and start putting a few things back as the thought of the hub’s reaction to the bill makes me think again. 

Well, I know I am not alone - many a mama I talk to seem to feel the same way.

We all have our vices, ya know? Mine just happens to be healthy food. However, when your vice seems to be draining the family bank account, and you just happen to notice the book on “Orthorexia” strategically placed on your in-law's coffee table, it’s never a good thing. The more I reflect on my food journey the more clearly I see my own need to reflect on my relationship to food and all its costs – and by costs I mean more than just monetary ones.

Strained relationships with extended family who feel judged for not buying

“Hilary standard” food, the uncomfortable exchange with a friend in the grocery store feeling embarrassed at the contents of their cart, or my own children’s fear of making a mistake when eating out. This is not what I wanted, but somehow I created a monster in more ways than one. 

When my hubs was diagnosed with throat cancer the value of good food became a more mutual value, and the investment was high but worth every penny. We both agree that staying healthy and balanced in the first place would have been much cheaper. When you’re faced with a sick child, or a sick loved one, quality food suddenly becomes foundational, and this realization becomes your reality overnight.

Five Ways to Sync with your Significant Other and Avoid the High Quality Food Feud

1. Communication – Sit down with your spouse and have an honest talk about prioritizing good quality food for the fam and divvying up responsibility in sourcing locally. The Weston A. Price Foundation has chapter leaders throughout the world ready to assist you in sourcing the best quality farm-fresh foods in your area.

2. Meal Planning –Meal planning makes for less waste, less stress, and is a fine remedy to the temptation to buy with your eyes at the grocery. Make your list and stick to it. If you need help with meal planning, check out realplans.com.

3. Budget Apps – The spending on groceries with no accountability is how it went to hell in a handbag for me. The overwhelm of life with 5 kiddos and a sick hubby allowed me to dismiss the need for accountability, but knowing stress is the biggest killer made me rethink this excuse – besides it’s the best lesson I can teach my children. Check out the budget apps available on your phone and get your kiddos involved – if they’re like mine, anything to do with the phone will entice them.

4. No Waste – When you decide to prioritize good food, you must commit to using it. Once a week look through your fridge and your cabinets and use up before reloading. It’s quite rewarding, and you’ll be amazed at your own creativity. We call it “The Pantry Purge.”

5. Eat in – Consider eating out a treat. It’s expensive, and unfortunately often filled with unhealthy ingredients. Commit to eating in and make sharing a meal and conversation around the kitchen table number one…I promise you won’t regret it. 

I still skip around the grocery stores and the farmer’s markets as I think food will always be my muse, but I now approach the check out with a newfound freedom knowing I too have done my part! To learn more and download my Top 10 Ways to Nourish Your Gut, go to www.liveyumyum.com.