Eating Healthy Is Worth Any Extra Cost

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According to a new review study published December 5, 2013, in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open that analyzed diet and price information from 10 different countries, eating a healthy diet does cost more.

A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish costs on average about $1.50 more per day than a less healthy diet based on processed foods, meats and refined grains.

That amounts to about $550 more per year for those who choose to eat healthy. However, most experts agree that the price of eating healthy is a good investment considering the lifetime cost of diet-related chronic diseases estimated to currently cost about $393 billion per year in the United States.  This equates to around $1,200 per year for each person which makes the cost of eating healthy look like a real bargain.

Researchers analyzed information from 27 previous studies and evaluated differences in food cost per serving, as well as per calorie. They compared prices for different food categories and overall diets.

The biggest differences were in meats and other proteins because healthier choices in this category cost about 30 cents more per serving.  According to the researchers, lean beef and skinless chicken may cost more because more processing is required, the researchers said.  In addition, food policies and subsidies have focused on producing inexpensive high-volume choices which has created an environment that favors processed foods.

Healthier foods are becoming more common due to increased demand by people that can afford them but only a government policy that supports the production, transportation and marketing of healthier foods will increase their availability and also reduce prices and subsequently healthier citizens.

That may take awhile so in the interim, follow the guidelines provided in TurboCharged, make eating healthy a top priority and purchase the best food choices you can afford.  Such an investment will pay dividends in increased health and longevity.

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.