What then leads us to buy frozen pizza instead of frozen berries? Why then do we choose burritos and jalapeno poppers over fresh fruits and vegetables? Some would say taste has a lot to do with it. Others might say emotional satisfaction. Researchers at the University of Washington say that it boils down to economics. They assert that it is not a question of awareness, but that healthy food has a higher economic impact on cash-strapped households.
According to an article published by Reuters in August of this year, “Pablo Monsivais, acting assistant professor at the University of Washington and one of the study's authors, said the government should consider the economic impact of food guidelines.” Should economics play into the food choices we make? Consider the monetary schism between high calorie, energy dense foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. According to the same study quoted by the New York Times, a 2,000 calorie junk food diet costs (in 2007 dollars) about $3.50 per day while low density, healthy food costs around $36.00 per day. The real rub here is that junk food, because it is higher density calories, stick in the stomach much longer. Anyone who has eaten a salad knows that hunger returns after only a couple of hours. The problem is further exacerbated when junk food and healthy food compete for the same percentage of a shrinking household budget. At the end of the day, junk food bought at the grocery store gets a bigger bang for the buck.
So, what is the solution? In the long run, a healthy lifestyle has economic benefits as well. For example, the studies that show a decreased expenditure on health care due to diet are indeed manifold. It is simply a question of spending more now for greater savings later. Furthermore, there are tips to follow that will increase your nutrients while decreasing your food bill. In the end, this will all depend upon whether or not you wish to sacrifice a few dollars now for a longer, healthier life later.
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