Ever wonder what makes fast food so popular? Fries, pizza, hot dogs, and other goodies are not only delicious, but convenient too. For just a few dollars, you can buy two or three meals that will keep you full and delight your taste buds. Unfortunately, fast food is anything but healthy. In the long run, it may lead to obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.
Is Cheap Food Making You Fat?
Health experts are blaming cheap food for America’s obesity epidemic. Potato chips, soda, deli meats, and sandwiches are inexpensive and taste great. For instance, a cheeseburger costs as little as 99 cents at most fast food restaurants. A salad is $4.99 or more. You only have to pay one dollar for soda. Bottled water, on the other hand, costs about two dollars.
The rising prices of healthy food contribute to the obesity crisis. However, this is only part of the problem. Even though more and more Americans are choosing fresh produce over junk food, obesity rates keep going up. That’s because most times, fruits and vegetables are simply consumed in addition to everything else.
A High Price for Healthy Food
The truth is eating healthy comes at a price. Calorie for calorie, processed foods cost less than fruits, veggies, and fresh meats. This explains why obesity rates are higher among people of lower income. A sedentary lifestyle, stress, and health problems only make things worse.
However, there are ways to eat healthy without breaking the wallet. The key is to be a savvy buyer, compare prices, and plan your meals ahead. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the effort. Take the time to shop around, buy healthy food in bulk, and use coupons to cut costs. Learn to cook with leftovers and reduce food waste. Prepare your own meals instead of eating out, create weekly menus, and buy seasonal produce to save money.
