The notion of eating healthy isn’t something new, but it’s a concept that’s much more prevalent in America over the past few years. There’s even a brand new ABC reality show called Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution where the host sets out to change eating habits in America’s unhealthiest cities.
Not only is he taking on the uphill struggle of getting Americans away from our beloved junk food, but the obstacle that’s not talked about is the cost of eating healthy. I don’t want to suggest that we’re unhealthy eaters because it’s cheaper. Generally I believe that our unwholesome dieting is due largely in part to our processed / fast-food / supersized / deep-fry-everything culture.
The truth however is that eating healthy does actually cost more. A University of Washington study done a little over 2 years ago stated that “calorie for calorie, junk foods not only cost less than fruits and vegetables, but junk food prices also are less likely to rise as a result of inflation.” This according to a New York Times article on the costs of eating healthy.
Why Eating Healthy Costs More
The study compared prices per calories. A somewhat odd methodology, but I like it because junk food tends to be calorie dense and more filling than low-calorie fruits and vegetables. According to the survey junk food costs about $1.76 per 1,000 calories while more nutritional food’s price tag was at $18.16 per 1,000 calories.
That wasn’t the only bit of startling data to come from the study. Apparently, during the course of the study, a little over 2 years, the price of nutritious food increased almost 20 percent, whereas junk food prices dropped 2 percent.
Budget Conscious Means You’re Eating Junk
“If you have $3 to feed yourself, your choices gravitate toward foods which give you the most calories per dollar,’’ said Dr. Drewnowski, author of the study. “Not only are the empty calories cheaper, but the healthy foods are becoming more and more expensive. Vegetables and fruits are rapidly becoming luxury goods.”
It’s difficult to separate the financial woes that many Americans are facing from the concept that we are a nation of unhealthy eaters. Given the option to fill up on a bag of chips or an apple that costs the same amount, many are opting for junk food since it’s generally considered more filling.
Of course choosing to eat empty calories over nutritious food might save you money, or “fill you up” a little more, but the cost ends up being repaid through bad health and shorter life expectancies.
On Wednesday I’ll blog my tips on eating healthy on a budget. Because you shouldn’t have to choose between eating healthy and breaking the bank.
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