It is often thought that eating healthy is expensive, while junk food is much more cost-effective. This idea has been popularized by the media, but is it really true?
Is healthy food really more expensive than junk food? The answer is not so simple.
It depends on the type of food being compared and the context in which it is purchased. For example, if comparing a single apple with a single candy bar, chances are that the candy bar will be cheaper. However, if looking at an entire meal, such as buying a grocery store rotisserie chicken with sides versus ordering pizza delivery or takeout from a restaurant, then the grocery store meal may be less expensive in most cases.
When considering cost, it’s important to take into account not only the price of the food itself but also other hidden costs associated with eating unhealthy foods. For instance, consuming large amounts of processed and unhealthy foods can lead to health issues down the road such as diabetes or heart disease which will cause additional medical expenses. Additionally, unhealthy foods often contain additives and preservatives which can have adverse effects on health as well.
In addition to monetary costs associated with unhealthy eating habits, there are other hidden costs including time spent shopping for and preparing meals. Eating healthy often requires more time spent in the kitchen preparing meals from scratch rather than picking up pre-packaged items or ordering takeout. That said, there are ways to save time while still eating healthy such as meal prepping and using frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones which can help reduce overall costs.
In conclusion, depending on what types of food are being compared and how they are purchased/prepared, healthy foods may not necessarily be more expensive than junk foods. There are other factors at play such as long-term health issues associated with unhealthy eating habits that must be taken into account when looking at overall cost.