Does Healthy Food Cost More?
Some people have the idea that healthy food costs more than taking junk food. You will hear someone tell you they cannot eat healthy because it costs more. With increased media attention on healthy living, more people have embraced healthy food. You don’t need to get fast payday loan to eat right as there are slight adjustments you could make to maintain a healthy diet. But taken pound for pound, junk food could be cheaper than healthy food, begging the question, is food cost going up?
But, what’s the average cost of food per month as this would help to compare between junk and healthy food? In the US, groceries cost on average $387. With people eating out less, this cost is likely to go up. The national averages vary as they depend on where you live.
Healthy Eating Habits
While there’s a conversation on the best healthy diet to embrace, including low-carb diets, most people agree that healthy eating begins with embracing better choices. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, it’s recommended to have the following in your diet:
· Vegetables and fruits
· Whole grains
· Proteins (e.g., lean meats, seafood, legumes, and eggs)
· Whole grains
Understanding how food cost is calculated will help you to limit the intake of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. All these are common components of junk food.
Why People Choose Unhealthy Food Alternatives
Learning how to calculate food costs will help you understand why people often opt for junk food. Here are reasons some people choose junk food over healthy eating:
· Junk food tends to be cheaper – By calculating how much food costs per month, you would find some junk food varieties are cheaper. The reason is that it’s cheaper to prepare these foods as you don’t need quality ingredients. If you’re feeding a large family, it could cost less going with the dollar menu.
· Unhealthy foods are more convenient – The process of preparing healthy food is something that could also push some people into eating junk. All you need is to pop the food into the microwave or do a stop at the drive-thru. If you’re juggling jobs and children, junk may seem a more attractive option.
How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
To deal with the cost of healthy food, there are few adjustments you could make:
· Plan means for a week by creating a shopping list that contains healthy foods. Stick to the list to avoid spending mindlessly.
· Buy frozen fruits and vegetables as these foods offer a longer shelf life.
· Cut up your vegetables and fruits. Buying pre-cut produce is convenient, but it will cost more. Pre-cut pineapple chunks (16 oz) cost about $2, but a whole apple goes for $2.
· Buy in bulk at places like Costco, where you can find quality food that you can buy for less. Freeze portions until you need to consume them.
· Skip organic as these will hike your bill. Unless your budget can accommodate such options, you should opt for conventionally farmed vegetables and fruits.
· Prepare large batches and preserve portions. The art of having leftovers will save you money as you don’t need to throw any food away.
Conclusion
Eating healthy will not cost more than eating junk if you know how to manage your budget. Shop in bulk and prepare your own vegetables and fruits. It will save you money if you also eliminate habits that take a lot of your money, like drinking and smoking.
What’s your routine for healthy eating on a budget? Leave a comment below.
