Financial Burden

One of the first things people say when asked about  their eating habits, that it costs too much to eat healthy.  In one aspect, that's true.  A healthy meal will cost you more money because it costs more to grow and produce fresh foods.  Processed foods are easier to manufacture so companies can sell them for less.  Does that make them any better for you though? No.

If you look at the bigger picture, the cheaper food can eventually lead to health problems if it is consumed enough.  They are usually made with larger amounts of sodium or preservatives to keep the food items fresher longer. Some also have added sugar that increases the chances of diabetes.  Excess sugar in the body may also lead to the accumulation of excess fat.  Excess fat on the body can aid in the development of several illnesses or diseases.  If a person would make one simple change at a time, be it one less soda a day or one less sweet treat a day, they can greatly decrease their risk of these health problems.  Some see it easier to just buy the cheaper food, but, it may eventually have a direct affect on your health. If you spend the money now on healthier choices, you will save on medical expenses later on.

I have been working the same job for 5 years coming August. I make minimum wage in Louisiana.  That is $7.25 an hour.  I am only allowed to work 30 hours a week due to the College's budget.  Now before I had this job, I relied on my father to purchase food for me.  My family does not eat anywhere near as healthy as I do, so, my choices were limited.  That made my weight loss slow in the beginning because i wasn't able to provide all of the healthier foods that I need to help my body work properly.  Once I started working, it became a lot easier to buy what I needed. With limited income though, it was still hard to get all the nutrients I needed.  This caused me to learn to eat by the serving size and to also focus on the nutritional facts on the backs of products.  This is now second nature to me and I always watch for high sodium and high sugar content.  Once you start to live this way and realize what you're eating actually contains, you can see how these foods affect your body.

Just because an item is cheap or costs less, doesn't make it any better.  Same goes for all the "healthier" choices.  Too much of anything is bad for you.  Moderation is key.  Weight is gained due to either inactivity, poor eating choices, over eating and being inactive, and even genetics.  Don't let your family history or your blood line allow you to blame your unhealthy choices on anyone but yourself.  It is different while you are growing up because your parents make those choices for you.  Once you get older, you have the freedom to choose.  I say, make it a healthy one to ensure a long life and better future.