Are you eating food that's bad for you just because it costs less?

That's an excuse I hear often -- and I'll admit there's some truth to it.

The issues behind our economy and why some foods cost less than others are complex, but I'll try to simplify it here.

There are two main points to remember:

First, the true cost of unhealthy food isn't just the price tag -- in fact, the real costs are hidden.

(More on that in a just a minute.)

Second, eating healthy doesn't have to cost more.

Sure, it seems cheaper to eat a burger, fries, and a soda from McDonald's than to eat a meal of whole foods. 

But there are healthier options.

I will give you suggestions to help you eat well for less -- and save you money and suffering.  You are not destined to be fat if you are poor!

You don't have to have lots of time -- or money -- on your hands to be healthy!

Yet that's one of most common misconceptions I hear.

I have been reading the responses to my blogs and deeply understand the challenges of trying to eat well with limited financial resources, limited time, or both.

But I promise you -- you don't have to be rich or retired to eat well and take care of yourself.

And that's not just lip service.

I know what it's like to live on very little.

In college and medical school, I lived on $300 a month (for rent, food, and entertainment). And in residency, I lived on $27,000 a year while supporting a wife and two children.  Even though that was 20 years ago, it still wasn't much for a family of four.

These days, I understand more than ever what it's like to have very little free time.