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I have been trying to eat better lately and the one thing I have noticed is that the foods that are "better for you" are also much more expensive then the old regular versions. Well if we truly want to bring health care costs down, why not make the prices on these items at least comparable? Many people today face limited grocery budgets and those on food stamps are equally challenged. I realize that it is often more expensive (at least I believe that, if I'm wrong somebody let me know) to make these "good" foods so they are more expensive. I also realize that if they were more affordable not everyone would buy them as they don't like them. Is there a way to bring down the costs of these foods? Would more people buying them reduce the companies that produce thse items costs? Are there cheap at home, good tasting, alternatives? It would seem that in the long run, people who could afford to eat healthier would use less health care thus reducing costs. I know this isn't a solution that would start saving immediately, but overall in the long run it could. We are looking at things like restoring P.E. classes in school, which I also believe would be a good idea and yet the costs savings wouldn't be seen until later. Is all of it worth it for the nation as a whole to be healthier? Please share your comments, and ideas! (And I would rather this didn't turn into some back and forth over the health care bill, such comments will be considered off topic and reported as such/and or deleted!)
An easy way to bring down the cost of helth care, cheaper "good for you foods"
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I just went to the store today and It's shocking the difference we pay for healthier foods!
I know all food is expensive these days to average consumer but for those who are trying to make "healthier" choices it seems you can choose anorexia with healthier foods since you can't buy as much, or heart disease and a satisfied appetite!)
Bon appitete
- 1 vote
#1 - Tue Mar 9, 2010 10:50 PM ESTA lot of it has to do with the way the DoA subsidizes farmers. Fruits and vegetables receive about 0.37% of the overall subsidies while Meat and dairy receive around 73%.
- 2 votes
Do you happen to live in an area which has a food store offering a bulk food section? Such as a health food store? Now most of these stores are outrageously expensive in all other areas, except for the bulk food section. Buying your brown rice, beans, lentils, granola, popcorn, cornmeal, baking flour, etc, you get the idea.............these are all easy to make, happy to tell you how if you want to know.
Anyway, shopping in bulk section helps to offset the expense of other good foods, such as veggies (generally cheaper than fruit, which we rarely buy, again too expensive) and fish or chicken is SO good but also SO expensive (lean protein..........but then so is cottage cheese or eggs and they are not as expensive).
Think up what you like to eat, stay away from pre-packaged stuff as much as possible, buy up the whole grain pasta (it tastes awesome) when it is on sale, and don't shy away from the coupons...........
Yesterday we were out shopping and me and my bad knee stood for a 15 minute (felt like 15 hour) presentation/sales pitch for a free paring knife. I saved 5 bucks, it was worth it.......
Anyway, it does depend on what you have access to in your town or city and I wish you luck and nice to see you again, Tom
PS We are eating better too, and feeling better. We still do get those monster "cravings", and I would just about kill for chocolate right now, but we don't keep it in the house anymore and the chocolate shop is closed, so I made it for today!! Success............LOL
- 2 votes
#2 - Wed Mar 10, 2010 12:52 AM ESTTom,
Probably the best way to accomplish what your talking about is for more people to partake in home gardening. Vegetables are one of the biggest expenses because they are limited in availability much of the year and have to be transported over large distances to keep "fresh" produce in the coolers at the grocery store. Frozen vegetables in the microwave steam bags are a good alternative for winter as they have none of the salt added to canned foods as a preservative. These frozen veggies are also quite often available on sale for $1 a bag at many large chain retailers.
There are several nice gardening groups here on newsvine that would be worth looking at for healthier living. You don't need a big yard just an area with some sunshine or an indoor spot with grow lights to start creating your own healthy vegetables and herbs for pennies on the dollar compared to store bought. Gardening Vine and Newsvine Gardeners are groups worth looking at.
- 3 votes
#3 - Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:14 PM ESTpartake in home gardening
Indeed, Amused. That's one of the reasons I'm glad I don't live up in NoVa. My dad and his neighbor consolidated their garden this year, it's now 150' long by 50' wide. Can't wait till summer time, we'll have plenty. Also going to freeze and can what we're able to for winter time.
- 2 votes
In the past I've had a 30' X 20' garden myself but this year I'm adding a couple extra plots and expanding the old one. I'll probably end up with about the square footage your dad is planting. It's 64 degrees here right now and such a welcome break from the cold I've been outside working on getting the plots ready today even though it's still a little too wet.
I can't think of many things that compare to the satisfaction of picking the vegetables you've grown yourself and can't wait to get some growing this year.
- 2 votes
Nice! It's supposed to be near 70 here in Roanoke today.. might take a little walk outside here in a bit since I took a short lunch.
Agreed.. things just taste better when they're grown in your own backyard.
- 2 votes
Thanks for the link, AmusedinVA........I am absolutely determined to start by planting some tomatoes and an herb garden, using pots or perhaps my husband would be willing to build containers with some wood scraps..........my mouth waters for home grown tomatoes, nothing tastes like those with a little salt for a summer's breakfast. And I've always wanted to grow fresh herbs I can just go clip off and make the pasta/risotto or whatever come alive!! yes definately a goal for springtime.
- 2 votes
Tom, have you seen any of these comments??
Where are you.............yes I know, you are outraged on another topic. I support equal rights all the way...........and I am on your friends list.
A lot of us gave some ideas here..............hope you are able to drop back into this article some time to see them..............All the Best, Theresa
- 1 vote
#4 - Wed Mar 17, 2010 12:14 AM EDTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
