Last time I talked about food policies that make unhealthy food cheap- and our healthy food expensive.
Let me first start by "inspiring you?" with some economics. Now come on, don't leave just because you see some numbers, bare with me here!
Economics:
Cost of Healthy diet: $1.50 more/day or $550more/person/yr
Poor diet: $1,200/person/yr (this is the cost of health care on diet-related conditions or diseases).
% of Income Spent on Food (1950s): 30%
% of Income Spent on Food (Today): 6%
Health care costs in this country are skyrocketing! Heart blood pressure, obesity and diabetes (all diet related conditions) are as well.
Compared to other developed nations, the U.S. spends more on health care per person and devotes a greater share of its GDP to health.
On the other hand, we are spending less in food than any other country in the world, including developed countries like all of Europe.
Correlation here?! I say for sure!
Priorities:
Let's examine priorities.
What are your priorities and values when it comes to spending?
Think about your spending patterns.
Where do you spend most of your money? is your spending aligned with your values? where can you save money so you can buy healthier foods?
In my case, health and the environment are values I hold dear and very high. Yet, I'm proud to keep driving our 8 year old car to the ground, haven't finished furnishing our 7 year old home, and really don't care for fancy jewelry!
I've seen clients with really limited incomes buying good, quality food and others with much more wealth say they can't afford the same, so I really know a big part of this comes to priorities.
Remember though: FOOD IS MEDICINE and HEALTH IS WEALTH!
Planning and Tips:
Now that you've examined your priorities and spending, here are a few tips to healthy shopping without breaking your budget and accommodating your (other) priorities! :)
P.S. If you need more help or to learn more on how to buy healthier foods (and what exactly these are!) try a Grocery Store Tour with me! Click here to read more.
Let me first start by "inspiring you?" with some economics. Now come on, don't leave just because you see some numbers, bare with me here!
Economics:
Cost of Healthy diet: $1.50 more/day or $550more/person/yr
Poor diet: $1,200/person/yr (this is the cost of health care on diet-related conditions or diseases).
% of Income Spent on Food (1950s): 30%
% of Income Spent on Food (Today): 6%
Health care costs in this country are skyrocketing! Heart blood pressure, obesity and diabetes (all diet related conditions) are as well.
Compared to other developed nations, the U.S. spends more on health care per person and devotes a greater share of its GDP to health.
On the other hand, we are spending less in food than any other country in the world, including developed countries like all of Europe.
Correlation here?! I say for sure!
Priorities:
Let's examine priorities.
What are your priorities and values when it comes to spending?
Think about your spending patterns.
Where do you spend most of your money? is your spending aligned with your values? where can you save money so you can buy healthier foods?
In my case, health and the environment are values I hold dear and very high. Yet, I'm proud to keep driving our 8 year old car to the ground, haven't finished furnishing our 7 year old home, and really don't care for fancy jewelry!
I've seen clients with really limited incomes buying good, quality food and others with much more wealth say they can't afford the same, so I really know a big part of this comes to priorities.
Remember though: FOOD IS MEDICINE and HEALTH IS WEALTH!
Planning and Tips:
Now that you've examined your priorities and spending, here are a few tips to healthy shopping without breaking your budget and accommodating your (other) priorities! :)
- Planning- Plan your weekly meals in advance of your shopping trip.
- Shopping list- Go to the store with a list and stick to it!
- Meat- Have at least 1 "Meatless Day" a week, and reduce your portions to 4-6 oz, since quality animal proteins are the most expensive part.
- Buy on SALE- While I said "stick to the list", if you had Cod in your list for fish and the salmon is on sale- do the salmon- and buy extra to freeze! Look at the SALE signs of items you normally buy anyway and STOCK UP! you can always freeze!
- Eat Out Less and In More- Eating out will almost ALWAYS be more expensive! By the time you add tip, your drink, and if you get lured into dessert, it won't only be more expensive but definitely less healthy!
P.S. If you need more help or to learn more on how to buy healthier foods (and what exactly these are!) try a Grocery Store Tour with me! Click here to read more.
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