The pace of the American economy has affected the way people budget for many things these days. People are spending less on entertainment, travel, and even groceries. There’s been a long-standing argument that healthy eating is expensive, and in tough times, it’s easier to eat only what’s available. While this may have been true in the 1930s, the new economy lends itself to more choice for everyone.
One of the biggest issues in the battle to eat well is the concept of organic food. Is it really good for you? Is it always expensive? It is true that organic food is good for you. Some organic foods may be better for you considering the alternative. For example, organic French fries have a much lower fat content than their non-organic counterparts, and since they’re a snack, they shouldn’t shock the wallet as much as a necessity. Many organic items, like salad greens, are quite expensive with little payoff in the difference in nutrition. From a financial standpoint, these foods can be made non-organic without sacrificing health.
Another way to eat healthy is to avoid fast food restaurants. It’s hard to avoid the easy burger joint, especially since they always seem to be on their way somewhere. The key to finding the willpower to avoid the double quarter pounder comes with a quick cost analysis. It may seem like the five bucks spent on a burger and fries is paltry, but a quick comparison shows a world of difference. By shopping at a grocery store, it is possible to make two sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, and milk for less than the cost of a hamburger. That includes whole wheat bread and cold cuts.
Good food doesn’t have to be expensive. Dessert can often be a divisive topic in the healthy eating debate. Certain “healthy” desserts cost an arm and a leg at the store, and it’s hard to cross dessert off the list forever. An alternative is to bake desserts at home. Use healthy ingredients and make desserts that taste better and are better for you.
Simple choices like this can lead to a happy bank account and a healthier diet. Healthy eating doesn’t mean bankruptcy, and a few simple choices can make daily dieting much less complex.
