The Hidden Cost Of Cheap Eats

These are tough times and everyone is looking for a deal. When it comes to cheap eats, you don’t have to look far.

Despite gloomy economic conditions, the Fast Food industry is booming, growing at faster pace than it was growing before we entered a recession.

There’s no real surprise as to ‘why’. Fast food chains are practically giving food away with their dollar menu’s and $5 12-inch subs.

And if you’re thinking you want to go the organic route you may think again when you realize that organic food continues to cost on average several times more than its conventional counterparts.

The reality is, there are bargains to be had and Americans are spending a smaller and smaller portion of their incomes on food.

That may sound good, but at what cost are you paying for those ‘savings’?

As reported in Time Magazine, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a dollar could buy 1,200 calories of potato ships or 875 calories of soda but just 250 calories of vegetables or 170 calories of fresh fruit.

Given that, it's no surprise we're so fat; it simply costs too much to be thin.

Or does it?

In looking at research between 1960 and 2004, there is a clear indication that as Americans spend a smaller percentage of their incomes of food, there is a rise in both Obesity and Diabetes.

That's the health perspective. Now let us consider the economic impact of cheap eats.

In just 10 years, the US is expected to spend over $343 billion on health care costs that are attributable to obesity if rates continue to increase at their current levels.

In 2018, the cost of obesity at a national level is projected to be $1,425 per person, rising from $361 per adult today.

If you believe as I do that "you are what you eat", consider spending the extra money on your grocery bill today. It may save you a small fortune over the coming years.

If you have a different opinion, post it! The more we all discuss these issues, the more we will all benefit.

Train hard; stay strong; let me know what you think!

Peace.

Susan

Note: This blog posting is in loving memory of my beautiful mother, Alice, who passed away on 3/31/2011. My Mom suffered from Parkinson's disease - one of many debilitating inflammatory diseases that can potentially be avoided through proper nutrition.