Why is it so expensive to eat healthy foods? That was the big question I asked this week as I got started on the “road to a healthier 2012.” With holiday feasts behind me, I thought I would begin my quest for better living with a trip to Whole Foods.
A new store recently opened in my town and seemed to beckon me. Mark and the kids joined me (the kids didn’t really have a choice) for a trip to the market and we definitely had no problem filling our cart. The fruits and veggies looked delicious, the kids were thrilled to grind their own peanut butter, we bought fresh seafood, dairy, etc.
Everything seemed to be looking up until we reached the register. OUCH!
Mentally, I had some idea of what I spent every week on groceries. This bill was almost double that and I hadn’t made a visit to my regular grocery store (Stop & Shop) for all the stuff Whole Foods doesn’t carry. At this rate, a healthier lifestyle for the family will nearly double our monthly food expenses compared to last year. The question I have is . . . WHY?
Personally, I blame Uncle Sam. As a society, Americans are overweight. It’s a fact. And, while our government is not force feeding us junk food, they are certainly making it much more attractive. Have you ever wondered what our government is paying you to eat? The top 3 products that are subsidized are corn, wheat, and soybeans-- three major components in processed “unhealthy” foods. By doing so, all this junk food becomes cheaper and in this economy, cheaper foods are almost always more appealing. Rice and Beer round out the top 5.
Now I'm not saying we should stop subsidizing foods (I'm in full support of American farmers) but, with the rates of obesity rising each year, don't you think our government should figure out a way to make ALL FOODS a little more affordable?
That right there is the #1 reason for poor diets. If you can not afford good healthy food then you eat what is affordable.
Posted by: lynette355 | January 06, 2012 at 10:04 AM