Is it really more expensive to eat Healthy?

We all know that many of the most tasty foods are also the ones that are not so healthy for us. Many of these foods are packed with preservatives, sodium and other less healthy items to make them taste better and to last longer. The alternative is to buy fresh foods that are not packed with additives. However, many are saying it’s much more expensive to buy these fresh foods. In my opinion its all how you look at it. Yes, many of the fresh items can be more expensive than their unhealthy counter parts. Here are some other ways to look at it.

 

Eat Healthy Now To Save Money Later

Eating healthy now can prevent future health problems. It may be a few dollars more to stick to fresh and healthy, but eating a lifetime of unhealthy could rack up with future doctors visit expenses. Even going to the doctor for small issues can cost hundreds of dollars. Preventing diseases starts with your diet and developing long term health problems from an unhealthy diet could break the bank. Not to mention cost you more in health insurance for years to come.

Healthy Eating with Less Quantity

Many healthy eaters choose to eat less portions because they are also trying to stay at healthy weights. Compare purchasing a variety of fresh fruits and nuts to buying packages of cookies and sweets. You will most likely find the healthy alternative to be less expensive. You are also less likely to return to the kitchen for more when eating the healthy items verses the unhealthy. You will actually buy less of the healthy items in the long term.

How to Know Which Foods to Eat

Being educated on what foods are healthy and what to look for when choosing foods is the first step. Many times brands will provide false information by claiming to be healthy when they really are not. One of the best ways to start a healthy diet is to follow a standardized eating plan. They are a variety of healthy eating plans that may work, you just need to make sure you like and will eat the foods allowed. Many of these diets advertise as weight loss diets, but they are also great for general healthy eating plans. One diet we’ve found to be a healthy eating plan, that could be used by mostly anyone is the Dash Diet. This diet promotes fresh food consumption that is low in sodium. It’s meant for people with high blood pressure to reduce their sodium intake, but is an overall healthy diet. There are many ways to cook using the Dash Diet and a simple online search will provide tons of Dash diet recipes and meal choices. Its always best to explore the eating plan first and make sure you will like what is offered.

Conclusion:

Yes, it may cost a little more money right now to eat a healthier diet. Your average grocery bill might be a few dollars extra when purchasing fresh meats and unprocessed meals. The long term amount of money in health related issues due to eating unhealthy is huge. For most it will be unaffordable. Eating healthy today will overwhelmingly save you and your family money in the future.