Guest Blog: Healthy Cookie

The Cost of Healthy

I was recently checking out at Wal-Mart and couldn't help but notice the overflowing basket of the woman checking out in front of me. The basket was filled to the brim with unhealthy foods including donuts, Pop Tarts, fried chicken, cookies, and Kool-Aid. There were two young children hanging from the cart, begging to break into the cookies because they were 'starving.' It bothered me to see such terrible food options in the car for these children. According to the government, more than a third of American adults are obese, and it is projected that the number will reach 42% by 2030. 

That does not surprise me when I look at the way our youth is eating. Now don't get me wrong, I definitely ate cookies and candies growing up, but my mom also made sure I ate my fruits and vegetables and kept my diet balanced. I just wanted to tell this woman that there are healthier options out there! She could have bought chicken breasts, frozen vegetables, whole grain pasta or rice, all for an equal or lesser price. Instead she was purchasing foods that cost less but would only temporarily fill up herself and her children.

An article was recently published by the Associated Press called "Study debunks pricey eating" that disparages the myth that it is more expensive to eat healthy. According to the article, "Cheap food that provides few nutrients may actually be expensive for the consumer from a nutritional economy perspective, whereas food with a higher retail price that provides large amounts of nutrients may actually be quite cheap." In other words, while it may be more convenient to grab a side of fries from the McDonald's drive-thru, it is actually cheaper to eat a banana and a handful of nuts. While the healthier option may cost a few more cents, it will keep you more full than the fries will.

So next time you're shopping, try to compare the cost of food by weight or portion size rather than comparing the price per calorie. Instead of reaching for the junk food, reach for more filling foods. Avoid the three C's - cookies, crackers, and croissants - which are all made up of processed and sugary ingredients that will fill up temporarily but will eventually cause more hunger. Some suggestions instead: Eggs, yogurt (especially Greek!), fruit (apples and bananas fill you up the most), oatmeal, beans, and whole graints.

I've also included this infograph about the satiety of varying foods [source: MassiveHealth.com]