THE REAL COST OF CHEAP FOOD

One of the most common things we hear when people begin a healthy eating lifestyle is that it costs so much more – that it’s so very expensive. There is a valid point to that statement; however, it really only considers one side of that equation.

Food isn’t cheap if it leads to obesity, diabetes and all sorts of chronic diseases. But unfortunately, the grocery bill is a reality for everyone. A big part of the problem is that most people don’t really realize the negative effects of so many of the foods they are eating, whether it’s in the moment or long term.

The sad truth is that the true cost of unhealthy food isn’t just the price tag. The real costs are hidden. While cheap fast foods, processed foods and junk foods might look lower in price than whole foods in the short term, the total cost you will pay isn’t reflected in how much you pay for your meal in the moment. It’s the cumulative cost of those decisions over a lifetime. Your diabetes, obesity and heart disease didn’t arrive overnight. It happened one meal at a time and over a long period of time.

And it’s not just the low cost that is a factor in Americans eating certain foods… a big part of it is also the convenience. A large study done in 2015 suggested that under 60% of meals are made at home. And even then, home-cooked meals included prepackaged meals from the shelves or freezer section, such as frozen pizzas or cans of soup. Not exactly home-cooked, but more like home-heated.

This observation is not meant to condemn or judge, it is just a reality that gets us into trouble with our weight and our health. We can’t control the types of fats (99% inflammatory ones), high-glycemic nature, or even the quality of the foods when we aren’t preparing them ourselves. And it can land us in trouble.

When we eat unhealthy foods, the costs of medical visits, co-pays, medications and other health services skyrocket, along with the non-economic costs of eating poorly. We reduce our ability to enjoy life in the moment due to fatigue, pain, discomfort, depression, obesity, and a host of other physical complaints. Eating well isn’t just about preventing disease and its high cost later… the biggest advantage is being able to enjoy each day to its fullest right now.

In order to turn the ship around in our thinking, we need to start somewhere. Even a small step in the right direction can make a big difference. You may have to learn some new ways of shopping and eating in order to make your health and nutrition a priority. Even if it’s hard in the beginning – after all, any change can be hard – you will not only begin to feel better physically, but you will feel better about yourself, as well.

Look at it as a journey. Every week and month that goes by, you understand more because it’s all about the application. Words don’t make you understand, applying what you learn does.

We may have to re-arrange our priorities sometimes in order to afford to eat certain healthy foods, but it’s worth it on so many levels. Don’t get caught up in the thinking that you can change tomorrow or that you have plenty of time for you and your family. It really does need to start now. Simply switching from processed foods to a whole food diet is a huge step in the right direction for cost savings today and certainly down the road.