If obesity is such a huge issue, then why is it so expensive to be healthy?

Question

My primary ex. is the cost of food. Bottom line, eating healthy is expensive.

Answer 1

I totally agree with you. Eating healthy IS expensive, no matter what other people say. My fiance is a vegetarian, and veggie stuff is WAY more expensive. $4 for a 1/2 gallon of soymilk, almost $4 for an ultra-small jar of veggie mayo, $3.50 for a pack of 12 slices of veggie cheese, about the same price for an uber-small pack of veggie lunch meat. And has anybody priced wheat bread lately? White bread, $1.29 per loaf, wheat bread $1.69 per loaf, store brand. Fresh fruits and veggies are also expensive, which is why we're going to plant our own garden. Pre-packaged, processed foods are cheaper because they are in demand, cheaper to produce, and lower-quality. They are also filled with a bunch of crap that we don't need. I know for a fact that when I have a limited amount of money to spend at the store, I stay away from the fresh, healthy foods in favor of the cheaper, more for your money foods.
And to PP, I'm not fat, I'm not lazy, I just think that if healthy foods were cheaper, and thus more easily accessible to poorer people, the obesity problem wouldn't be so great. And I challenge anyone to look in the cookie/cracker aisle of the grocery store. South Beach Diet cookies, 100 calorie packs, all those diet snacks are upwards of $3.50 for a pack of 6. You can get 2 pounds of store brand chocolate cream cookies for $1.99. Tell me that it's not more expensive to eat healthy.

Answer 2

OK lets think about this, shall we?

Processed foods are cheaper to make because the meats packed into things like hot dogs and burgers are all spare meat from the animal. All the meats from Mc Donalds and Burger King are all processed, thus, they are cheaper.

Now, Healthy foods don't have any chemicals or have been processed. They are of quality and are more expensive.

Its also an economic thing. The demand for crap food is high, because your country is fat, and thus the price will go down.
If the demand is low, such as healthy and organic foods, the price will be high.

Law of supply and demand, son.

And by the way, healthy food can be just as inexpensive. You just have to make it yourself.
C'mon American!

Jeeze I'm Glad im a Spaniard.

Answer 3

That's a great question, and you have actually answered it yourself. Unfortunately, it is expensive because it is a known issue for so many and as a result, there is a large demand for products, foods, equipment, services, etc. with the potential to help. It is really unfortunate but this need and other needs are used for marketing and economic purposes. It is great for business but difficult for people, especially when it comes to their health and trying to improve it. Food is so crucial to offering us the nourishment our bodies need, and special products that can be healthier are more expensive (and can be more expensive if there is less of a demand). It is a shame but ''easier'' and more convenient products (that can often be less healthy) are produced in such large quantities are obviously sold for less, making it more fitting to an average income budget. Also, though in some cases obesity is caused by medical issues, in many cases, obesity is caused by lack of exercise and wrong judgement in terms of food choices and portions.

Answer 4

Tayla
Now why would you assume from that question that the OP is obese? Perhaps they are just financially strapped. I happen to agree with him fresh vegetables and fruit out of season ARE expensive many pre fab foods which are low in nutritional value are also cheap. It can be a bit on the expensive side to eat healthier but the key to it is to eat smaller portions and make use of what is in season.
Strawberries in winter are going to be expensive but bananas cost about the same year round.
Shopping with an eye to healthy eating and a healthy budget can be challenging but its not impossible at all.
Oh and snide remarks and insults arent exactly motivating to those who ARE trying to change their weight and lifestyle!

Answer 5

You're right, some healthy food does cost more than junk food they sell at the dollar store.
But--preparing healthy meals at home can be very low-cost. Frozen veggies can be steamed, eggs are inexpensive source of protein, etc. Buying groceries and making meals that will make leftovers is almost always cheaper than going out to eat all the time.
People just need to plan ahead a little and stop making excuses for themselves.
Exercise also can be cheap/free--go jog outside or do an aerobics video inside at home (which I do). Once you buy handweights you never have to pay for them again,and you can lift while you watch tv even!

Answer 6

Why is it expensive? I am a vegan. I shop at Whole Foods, an expensive store which sells lots of organic food and 'health food,' and I would be willing to bet you I spend significantly less than the average American on groceries because I don't buy anything extra. I don't buy soda, juice, candy, baked goods, alcohol, chips, ice cream, etc. I spend more per unit, but I've cut out all the garbage. It's very reasonable if you live that way.

Answer 7

Healthy eating is expensive. With all the organic stuff out there too. There are ways around it though. On our budget, we are able to manage a pretty healthy menu. Frozen foods are just as good as fresh. And they last longer. If your going to buy fresh fruit, keep them in whatever conditions they need to stay fresh longer. Banana hangers for bananas, etc. Essentially, you don't need all the vitamin boost pills and stuff that promise to help you loose weight. Even buying weight watchers meals get expensive. Try creating your own meals from fresh foods, preparing them and then freezing them for later instead. Don't overcook foods, the more vitamins they will loose. Buy snacks that come in packets for portion control. Canned foods have more preservatives so they last longer. Avoid that. Clip coupons, look for sales (especially in Publix), and good luck~ dont give up

Answer 8

believe it or not, but the obesity in america is a lot like the obesity in the UK [from friends that have told me] ... I've got rl friends from the Ukraine who said all the news would say about America is how fat everyone is, so they seriously thought when coming here that *every* American was obese. They also said they were amazed on how average we were [as in compared to their country] .... Sure there are some lards, but doesn't a lot of other places have them? Sorry, but I can obviously tell by that you haven't even stepped foot on American soil.

Answer 9

It's only expensive because the demand for healthier food isn't as high as it is with junk food, soda, candy, etc. Therefore, lowering the cost of crap food so that almost anyone can afford it.

Answer 10

Oh my.
Looking for another way to blame being fat on someone/something other than yourself.

being healthy isn't expensive.
Drink lots of water
Dont eat to excess
And exercise regulary

And healthy food is not more expensive then fattier food, keep looking for excuses

Which one of them is expensive?