Why does eating healthy cost so much 🤷♀️
Replies
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Compared to very unhealthy food: it costs more to buy McDonalds for 1 adult than a quiche/meat pies/ dumplings/lamb shanks from Aldi to serve 2-4.
This.
I keep my mouth shut in general, IRL, unless specifically asked for input. Diet and spending habits tend to be highly charged emotional topics and people I love and respect make some choices that are somewhat painful for me to watch, but it’s not my place.
I don’t have kids, I don’t know what that additional responsibility feels like, costs, or what that stress might drive me to do.
It’s still hard to see friends whi struggle with money and have children (especially those kids with behavioral stuff that could be helped with diet) take the family thru the drive-thru. Feeding a family of 6 fast food seems to cost upwards of $30.
At my local chain grocery, this could translate to:
2x rotisserie chicken @ $5 each, a store special (=$10)
1 giant tub mixed greens ($5)
English cucumber ($3)
Pint of grape tomatoes ($4)
Yogurt-based ranch dressing ($4)
2 boxes couscous with spice mix (2 for $5)
=$31, assuming nothing is on sale - and using many higher cost ‘shortcut’ foods (precooked meat, prewashed greens, ready made dressing, flavored just add water grain dish.)
15 minutes to shop if done at the worst possible time, 10 minutes if better planning.
@ home:
Add 5 minutes for prep-
Boil the water for couscous while pulling the chicken. Add couscous to hot water and cover, then chop the cuke, dump the cucumber and tomato over the spinach. Stir the couscous. Serve.
Time cost of 20 minutes, minimal kitchen equipment or experience needed, save for the ability to boil water and slice a cucumber.
I know people who wait longer in the drive-thru, or drive thru multiple places to make the whole family.’
I get it- everybody is doing their best. People are tired.
But we pick our battles.
I think it’s a cultural responsibility to teach people how to prepare simple, sustaining meals.
Yes, there are areas where this isn’t possible. Let’s change that. Let’s kill off the BS myth that eating well is hard and expensive.14 -
purplefizzy wrote: »Compared to very unhealthy food: it costs more to buy McDonalds for 1 adult than a quiche/meat pies/ dumplings/lamb shanks from Aldi to serve 2-4.
This.
I keep my mouth shut in general, IRL, unless specifically asked for input. Diet and spending habits tend to be highly charged emotional topics and people I love and respect make some choices that are somewhat painful for me to watch, but it’s not my place.
I don’t have kids, I don’t know what that additional responsibility feels like, costs, or what that stress might drive me to do.
It’s still hard to see friends whi struggle with money and have children (especially those kids with behavioral stuff that could be helped with diet) take the family thru the drive-thru. Feeding a family of 6 fast food seems to cost upwards of $30.
At my local chain grocery, this could translate to:
2x rotisserie chicken @ $5 each, a store special (=$10)
1 giant tub mixed greens ($5)
English cucumber ($3)
Pint of grape tomatoes ($4)
Yogurt-based ranch dressing ($4)
2 boxes couscous with spice mix (2 for $5)
=$31, assuming nothing is on sale - and using many higher cost ‘shortcut’ foods (precooked meat, prewashed greens, ready made dressing, flavored just add water grain dish.)
15 minutes to shop if done at the worst possible time, 10 minutes if better planning.
@ home:
Add 5 minutes for prep-
Boil the water for couscous while pulling the chicken. Add couscous to hot water and cover, then chop the cuke, dump the cucumber and tomato over the spinach. Stir the couscous. Serve.
Time cost of 20 minutes, minimal kitchen equipment or experience needed, save for the ability to boil water and slice a cucumber.
I know people who wait longer in the drive-thru, or drive thru multiple places to make the whole family.’
I get it- everybody is doing their best. People are tired.
But we pick our battles.
I think it’s a cultural responsibility to teach people how to prepare simple, sustaining meals.
Yes, there are areas where this isn’t possible. Let’s change that. Let’s kill off the BS myth that eating well is hard and expensive.
You also have to factor in multiple people's food preferences though. Of your shopping list example above I'd be the only one who'd actually eat everything on your list, of my family, (and I'd only eat the cucumber if I had to lol). I have 5 different lists of food preferences/likes/dislikes that I have to work with, it's definitely appealing to run through a drive-through and letting everyone order what they want. Just another perspective
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never mind. Don't feel like getting in this argument again.9
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cmriverside wrote: »purplefizzy wrote: »Compared to very unhealthy food: it costs more to buy McDonalds for 1 adult than a quiche/meat pies/ dumplings/lamb shanks from Aldi to serve 2-4.
This.
I keep my mouth shut in general, IRL, unless specifically asked for input. Diet and spending habits tend to be highly charged emotional topics and people I love and respect make some choices that are somewhat painful for me to watch, but it’s not my place.
I don’t have kids, I don’t know what that additional responsibility feels like, costs, or what that stress might drive me to do.
It’s still hard to see friends whi struggle with money and have children (especially those kids with behavioral stuff that could be helped with diet) take the family thru the drive-thru. Feeding a family of 6 fast food seems to cost upwards of $30.
At my local chain grocery, this could translate to:
2x rotisserie chicken @ $5 each, a store special (=$10)
1 giant tub mixed greens ($5)
English cucumber ($3)
Pint of grape tomatoes ($4)
Yogurt-based ranch dressing ($4)
2 boxes couscous with spice mix (2 for $5)
=$31, assuming nothing is on sale - and using many higher cost ‘shortcut’ foods (precooked meat, prewashed greens, ready made dressing, flavored just add water grain dish.)
15 minutes to shop if done at the worst possible time, 10 minutes if better planning.
@ home:
Add 5 minutes for prep-
Boil the water for couscous while pulling the chicken. Add couscous to hot water and cover, then chop the cuke, dump the cucumber and tomato over the spinach. Stir the couscous. Serve.
Time cost of 20 minutes, minimal kitchen equipment or experience needed, save for the ability to boil water and slice a cucumber.
I know people who wait longer in the drive-thru, or drive thru multiple places to make the whole family.’
I get it- everybody is doing their best. People are tired.
But we pick our battles.
I think it’s a cultural responsibility to teach people how to prepare simple, sustaining meals.
Yes, there are areas where this isn’t possible. Let’s change that. Let’s kill off the BS myth that eating well is hard and expensive.
You also have to factor in multiple people's food preferences though. Of your shopping list example above I'd be the only one who'd actually eat everything on your list, of my family, (and I'd only eat the cucumber if I had to lol). I have 5 different lists of food preferences/likes/dislikes that I have to work with, it's definitely appealing to run through a drive-through and letting everyone order what they want. Just another perspective
Maybe you've created those "food preferences" by allowing it? I ate what everyone else was eating as a kid, or I didn't eat.
Just saying, we create our own problems. No wonder so many people are "entitled" these days.
Nope, each of my husband/kids have their own set of likes and dislikes, that are different. My husband also has IBS, one of my kids is lactose intolerant and one has eating issues that stem from his ADHD. And then throw in my specific eating preferences DASH/pescetarian leaning, and meal time can be challenging, to say the least. We have a very small grocery budget and I make it work, but I get the appeal of just going out/running through drive-through.
Also, as a kid we were forced to eat whatever was served. Interestingly, everyone in my family struggles with their weight, (including one who has an ED). I could say a lot more about this, but I'll refrain.10 -
I thought it interesting at how many people said that grocery bill was B.S. I call, B.S. on that. If a person wanted to eat clean fresh veggies and untainted meat it would absolutely be expensive. I live in Chicago and haven't seen shrimp for under 9.99/lb in years. Want organic milk $5/gallon. Throw in a basket of fresh organic vegetables and $100 is right around the corner. Some cities are over-priced but if you live there it is what it is. Going from standard to organic foods more than doubled my bill. Someone mentioned not buying out of season produce. That's definitely a money saver. You can buy it in bulk when it's in season and freeze or can. Organic Processed foods are a huge no no. If you want fresh marinara you should make a bunch of jars yourself. Otherwise buying it at $4/jar can get pricey. You can get organic labeled processed foods from places like Aldi, Walmart, or Pete's if you have those but its about your preference of store and whether you want to go around to three stores to get groceries for one. The same goes for meat, and dairy buy when on sale and freeze. Eggs will just have to be expensive if you eat them. My number one tip for cheap produce, this might only apply to my area, is Farmer's Markets. Real farmers bringing out produce that you can shop for once a week. I have found that farmer's markets are fantastic ways to get fresh veggies on the cheap. If you have a local one they will also take orders form you. Want to make a few jars of sauce ask for the price of a case of tomatoes. You will save. That's my 2-cents anyway.21
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cmriverside wrote: »purplefizzy wrote: »Compared to very unhealthy food: it costs more to buy McDonalds for 1 adult than a quiche/meat pies/ dumplings/lamb shanks from Aldi to serve 2-4.
This.
I keep my mouth shut in general, IRL, unless specifically asked for input. Diet and spending habits tend to be highly charged emotional topics and people I love and respect make some choices that are somewhat painful for me to watch, but it’s not my place.
I don’t have kids, I don’t know what that additional responsibility feels like, costs, or what that stress might drive me to do.
It’s still hard to see friends whi struggle with money and have children (especially those kids with behavioral stuff that could be helped with diet) take the family thru the drive-thru. Feeding a family of 6 fast food seems to cost upwards of $30.
At my local chain grocery, this could translate to:
2x rotisserie chicken @ $5 each, a store special (=$10)
1 giant tub mixed greens ($5)
English cucumber ($3)
Pint of grape tomatoes ($4)
Yogurt-based ranch dressing ($4)
2 boxes couscous with spice mix (2 for $5)
=$31, assuming nothing is on sale - and using many higher cost ‘shortcut’ foods (precooked meat, prewashed greens, ready made dressing, flavored just add water grain dish.)
15 minutes to shop if done at the worst possible time, 10 minutes if better planning.
@ home:
Add 5 minutes for prep-
Boil the water for couscous while pulling the chicken. Add couscous to hot water and cover, then chop the cuke, dump the cucumber and tomato over the spinach. Stir the couscous. Serve.
Time cost of 20 minutes, minimal kitchen equipment or experience needed, save for the ability to boil water and slice a cucumber.
I know people who wait longer in the drive-thru, or drive thru multiple places to make the whole family.’
I get it- everybody is doing their best. People are tired.
But we pick our battles.
I think it’s a cultural responsibility to teach people how to prepare simple, sustaining meals.
Yes, there are areas where this isn’t possible. Let’s change that. Let’s kill off the BS myth that eating well is hard and expensive.
You also have to factor in multiple people's food preferences though. Of your shopping list example above I'd be the only one who'd actually eat everything on your list, of my family, (and I'd only eat the cucumber if I had to lol). I have 5 different lists of food preferences/likes/dislikes that I have to work with, it's definitely appealing to run through a drive-through and letting everyone order what they want. Just another perspective
Maybe you've created those "food preferences" by allowing it? I ate what everyone else was eating as a kid, or I didn't eat.
Just saying, we create our own problems. No wonder so many people are "entitled" these days.
Nope, each of my husband/kids have their own set of likes and dislikes, that are different. My husband also has IBS, one of my kids is lactose intolerant and one has eating issues that stem from his ADHD. And then throw in my specific eating preferences DASH/pescetarian leaning, and meal time can be challenging, to say the least. We have a very small grocery budget and I make it work, but I get the appeal of just going out/running through drive-through.
I'm surprised that a drive-thru is even a workable option in this situation.9 -
No way to tell if the bill is BS or not without knowing quantities, but it seems high to me too.
I live in Chicago and a quick search on instacart turns up a lot of options for shrimp under $9.99/lb. That is the current instacart price for shrimp from WF. Even if it were $10, that leaves $80 for fruits and salad?
Btw, fresh veg at this time of year is something of a mirage, since it's going to come from far away, organic is not necessary for healthy eating (nothing wrong with getting it if you want, but when people claim that eating healthy costs a fortune they are usually choosing the more expensive items like that, and I think it's a shame to mislead people into thinking they to eat healthfully will require them to spend more than they are comfortable with, it can be done without breaking the bank). Among other things, at this time of year you can save money (organic or not) by buying frozen. I buy a lot "fresh" since I prefer cooking them than the frozen, but at this time of year frozen is likely more nutritious.
Not much fresh produce available at a farmer's market this time of year either, which is why most of them aren't running. Green City (which is not cheap, although I like it) is open only every other week.
I'm picky about tomatoes (prefer to grow my own or get them from a farm, rather than buy tasteless ones out of season and picked early for transport), so at this time of year I prefer canned. Luckily that saves money.7 -
cmriverside wrote: »purplefizzy wrote: »Compared to very unhealthy food: it costs more to buy McDonalds for 1 adult than a quiche/meat pies/ dumplings/lamb shanks from Aldi to serve 2-4.
This.
I keep my mouth shut in general, IRL, unless specifically asked for input. Diet and spending habits tend to be highly charged emotional topics and people I love and respect make some choices that are somewhat painful for me to watch, but it’s not my place.
I don’t have kids, I don’t know what that additional responsibility feels like, costs, or what that stress might drive me to do.
It’s still hard to see friends whi struggle with money and have children (especially those kids with behavioral stuff that could be helped with diet) take the family thru the drive-thru. Feeding a family of 6 fast food seems to cost upwards of $30.
At my local chain grocery, this could translate to:
2x rotisserie chicken @ $5 each, a store special (=$10)
1 giant tub mixed greens ($5)
English cucumber ($3)
Pint of grape tomatoes ($4)
Yogurt-based ranch dressing ($4)
2 boxes couscous with spice mix (2 for $5)
=$31, assuming nothing is on sale - and using many higher cost ‘shortcut’ foods (precooked meat, prewashed greens, ready made dressing, flavored just add water grain dish.)
15 minutes to shop if done at the worst possible time, 10 minutes if better planning.
@ home:
Add 5 minutes for prep-
Boil the water for couscous while pulling the chicken. Add couscous to hot water and cover, then chop the cuke, dump the cucumber and tomato over the spinach. Stir the couscous. Serve.
Time cost of 20 minutes, minimal kitchen equipment or experience needed, save for the ability to boil water and slice a cucumber.
I know people who wait longer in the drive-thru, or drive thru multiple places to make the whole family.’
I get it- everybody is doing their best. People are tired.
But we pick our battles.
I think it’s a cultural responsibility to teach people how to prepare simple, sustaining meals.
Yes, there are areas where this isn’t possible. Let’s change that. Let’s kill off the BS myth that eating well is hard and expensive.
You also have to factor in multiple people's food preferences though. Of your shopping list example above I'd be the only one who'd actually eat everything on your list, of my family, (and I'd only eat the cucumber if I had to lol). I have 5 different lists of food preferences/likes/dislikes that I have to work with, it's definitely appealing to run through a drive-through and letting everyone order what they want. Just another perspective
Maybe you've created those "food preferences" by allowing it? I ate what everyone else was eating as a kid, or I didn't eat.
Just saying, we create our own problems. No wonder so many people are "entitled" these days.
Nope, each of my husband/kids have their own set of likes and dislikes, that are different. My husband also has IBS, one of my kids is lactose intolerant and one has eating issues that stem from his ADHD. And then throw in my specific eating preferences DASH/pescetarian leaning, and meal time can be challenging, to say the least. We have a very small grocery budget and I make it work, but I get the appeal of just going out/running through drive-through.
I'm surprised that a drive-thru is even a workable option in this situation.
It is, though when we do go out it's to very specific places. And we use coupons lol.1 -
britishbombshell08 wrote: »Bought fruits, salad, and shrimp from the grocery store and it came to $90.33 🤷♀️🤦♀️😂 Oh well, now to devour it all
How much did you buy??
Healthy eating is NOT expensive unless you are picky, impulse shop, or live in a food desert somewhere. You can buy produce in season and local (so buy the stuff that's plentiful and cheap), buy bagged frozen store brand veggies, and then there's eggs, cabbage, potatoes, dried or canned beans, oats, and canned tuna which are always pretty affordable.
I don't mean to pick OP, but the myth that "eating healthy" is expensive is usually based around an overly-privileged view of what constitutes healthy food, and the myth often keeps people who can't afford expensive stuff from even trying.
This ^
The idea that, to be healthy, a diet has to be comprised entirely of fresh, organic fruits & veggies and one of the most expensive lean proteins is mistaken to say the least.10 -
I live in Indianapolis (actually in a more expensive area near by). I spent $80 between Aldi and Meijer yesterday. that included groceries for a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus snacks (yogurt, popcorn, and even ice cream). It also included kitty litter, a bunch of OTC meds I needed (stupid allergies), an extra pack of ground chicken (yay sales), a case of Bubly, and more.
The OP is being picky and choosy about what they are reporting and sadly people will see it and think "eating healthy" is just too expensive for them.15 -
I live in Indianapolis (actually in a more expensive area near by). I spent $80 between Aldi and Meijer yesterday. that included groceries for a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus snacks (yogurt, popcorn, and even ice cream). It also included kitty litter, a bunch of OTC meds I needed (stupid allergies), an extra pack of ground chicken (yay sales), a case of Bubly, and more.
The OP is being picky and choosy about what they are reporting and sadly people will see it and think "eating healthy" is just too expensive for them.
Also, eating "healthy" is arbitrary. Some will insist it means bio everything and that's fine, if it's affordable. I feed a family and cook everyday. I stock up on fruits and vegetables, what's on sale and in season. In Rome we have a climate that gives us variable fruits and veggies fresh all year round. I use frozen too. Fish--ocean caught, is expensive, but if I hit a sale, so worth it (it tastes so much better). I do buy farmed fish (depends on where it's raised), and meats are a labyrinth and you have to educate yourself. I grew up on a farm, and we knew where our food came from. Living in the city is different. So if you're eating "healthy" depends on where you are and educating yourself as to your options. I am not a fanatic. I do the best I can without going overboard.4 -
It depends on if your making your own food. I personally spend $30 on grocery for the week, and I don't eat out because that would bring the expenses up some more, especially since I live New York City.2
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She's in UK... May be wrong conversion.. pounds/Euros to dollars.?
I think 90$ are about £70?
I guess like everywhere else in the world, prices in supermarkets vary greatly. Also, there's a huge difference if you buy pre-cut fruit and veggies. For example, at Tesco, 200grams of pre-cut carrots costs £1, while 1kg of carrots costs 59p.
I just went shopping to Tesco and Aldi. I spent £2 on 10 chicken sausages, 39p for a swede, 75p for a bag of oranges, 90p for two round lettuces, £1.50 for 12 tomatoes, 69p for a white cabbage, 79p for a red cabbage, 50p for 1kg of onions,...
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Still waiting for a definition of “healthy”.4
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Lidl in the UK are selling 5kg box of fruit and veg for £1.50 most people could afford this I think. Any boxes not sold by 12pm will be donated to a food charity. I think all supermarkets should do this to save waste.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6855977/Lidl-launches-5kg-box-damaged-fruits-vegetables-1-50.html6 -
I thought it interesting at how many people said that grocery bill was B.S. I call, B.S. on that. If a person wanted to eat clean fresh veggies and untainted meat it would absolutely be expensive. I live in Chicago and haven't seen shrimp for under 9.99/lb in years. Want organic milk $5/gallon. Throw in a basket of fresh organic vegetables and $100 is right around the corner.
How many pounds of shrimp and gallons of milk are you buying?
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I thought it interesting at how many people said that grocery bill was B.S. I call, B.S. on that. If a person wanted to eat clean fresh veggies and untainted meat it would absolutely be expensive. I live in Chicago and haven't seen shrimp for under 9.99/lb in years. Want organic milk $5/gallon. Throw in a basket of fresh organic vegetables and $100 is right around the corner. Some cities are over-priced but if you live there it is what it is. Going from standard to organic foods more than doubled my bill. Someone mentioned not buying out of season produce. That's definitely a money saver. You can buy it in bulk when it's in season and freeze or can. Organic Processed foods are a huge no no. If you want fresh marinara you should make a bunch of jars yourself. Otherwise buying it at $4/jar can get pricey. You can get organic labeled processed foods from places like Aldi, Walmart, or Pete's if you have those but its about your preference of store and whether you want to go around to three stores to get groceries for one. The same goes for meat, and dairy buy when on sale and freeze. Eggs will just have to be expensive if you eat them. My number one tip for cheap produce, this might only apply to my area, is Farmer's Markets. Real farmers bringing out produce that you can shop for once a week. I have found that farmer's markets are fantastic ways to get fresh veggies on the cheap. If you have a local one they will also take orders form you. Want to make a few jars of sauce ask for the price of a case of tomatoes. You will save. That's my 2-cents anyway.
Do you really think stores are selling tainted meat? And my veggies are clean because I wash them, not quite sure what you're trying to say here? Do you mean spoiled?
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I thought it interesting at how many people said that grocery bill was B.S. I call, B.S. on that. If a person wanted to eat clean fresh veggies and untainted meat it would absolutely be expensive. I live in Chicago and haven't seen shrimp for under 9.99/lb in years. Want organic milk $5/gallon. Throw in a basket of fresh organic vegetables and $100 is right around the corner. Some cities are over-priced but if you live there it is what it is. Going from standard to organic foods more than doubled my bill. Someone mentioned not buying out of season produce. That's definitely a money saver. You can buy it in bulk when it's in season and freeze or can. Organic Processed foods are a huge no no. If you want fresh marinara you should make a bunch of jars yourself. Otherwise buying it at $4/jar can get pricey. You can get organic labeled processed foods from places like Aldi, Walmart, or Pete's if you have those but its about your preference of store and whether you want to go around to three stores to get groceries for one. The same goes for meat, and dairy buy when on sale and freeze. Eggs will just have to be expensive if you eat them. My number one tip for cheap produce, this might only apply to my area, is Farmer's Markets. Real farmers bringing out produce that you can shop for once a week. I have found that farmer's markets are fantastic ways to get fresh veggies on the cheap. If you have a local one they will also take orders form you. Want to make a few jars of sauce ask for the price of a case of tomatoes. You will save. That's my 2-cents anyway.
Do you really think stores are selling tainted meat? And my veggies are clean because I wash them, not quite sure what you're trying to say here? Do you mean spoiled?
I think it goes like something something Monsanto something something GMOs something something.
It's worth pointing out however that organic food at least as likely to cause foodborne illness as conventionally produced food.7 -
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My boyfriend and I feed ourselves for a week on $100 to $120 total, so no more than $60 per person. This is for chicken breast, pork chops, brown rice, chicken stock, hummus, pretzels, bananas, carrots, dark chocolate, oats, corn, cucumbers, almond milk, greek yogurt, eggs, and granola. We dont eat out ever, so this covers breakfast lunch and dinner for 7 days, and I live in New Zealand, where everything is always more expensive than the US no matter what Haha. Sometimes we even fit in a $10 pint of halo top.5
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My grocery budget went up slightly when I started buying less junk food and more produce. Last night I spent $121.00 for two people, but we had a lot of non-food items as well. That is a slightly low price for the two of us, when stocking up on staples, the bill can go as high as $200.00--but again usually contains 1/4 non-food items. I'm lucky in that I have a freezer full of venison (whitetail and axis) and some fish from a bay fishing excursion--I don't have to buy a lot of meat. I usually try to have chicken, and pork once a week. I never buy frozen or canned fruits and veggies (except for tomato products).0
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Does no one eat beans and rice, beans and cornmeal, cabbage, onions, winter squash, etc., anymore?
Lots of traditional peasant foods are still pretty cheap and tasty, and quite affordable even organic if that's your jam. There are local and seasonal variations in what's cheap, especially among the veggies, but bulk dry beans and rice tend to be affordable in most places.
LOL at picking special upscale-ish choices, then complaining about the cost of being healthy. Price trades off against effort (cook from scratch) and fanciness (cuts of meat, "special" fresh veggies/fruits). Gotta pick your tradeoffs . . . and I don't think health needs to be one of them.
There was a period in my young adult life where I pretty much lived on homemade beans, homemade whole wheat bread, homemade yogurt (used powdered milk), canned tomatoes (sometimes home canned), homemade canned sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, canned tomatoes, whatever veggies we could garden or get from friends who did, and the like. Cheap, cheap, cheap; pretty healthy. In a gustatory sense, I look back fondly on that time.
Personally, I think it's common unhealthy ways of eating that are expensive (full menu of fast foods, frozen whole meals, pre-prepped veggies/sauce thingies, snack foods, energy drinks, soda . . . .), let alone restaurants.11 -
OP, I have no idea where you are but in many parts of the world, a diet centered on in-season fruits and vegetables, canned vegetables, grains like oats and rice, frozen fruits and vegetables, pasta, and beans is going to be affordable and provide a lot of nutrients. It's also usually possible for me to get good prices on fruits/vegetables like cabbage, carrots, apples, onions, and hot peppers year-round, as well as things like peanut butter and condiments like soy sauce, mustard, and hot sauce.
If you can't make healthy meals from the staples in your area, maybe that's a good place to start.4 -
Does no one eat beans and rice, beans and cornmeal, cabbage, onions, winter squash, etc., anymore? Lots of traditional peasant foods are still pretty cheap and tasty, and quite affordable even organic if that's your jam. There are local and seasonal variations in what's cheap, especially among the veggies, but bulk dry beans and rice tend to be affordable in most places.
LOL at picking special upscale-ish choices, then complaining about the cost of being healthy. Price trades off against effort (cook from scratch) and fanciness (cuts of meat, "special" fresh veggies/fruits). Gotta pick your tradeoffs . . . and I don't think health needs to be one of them.
There was a period in my young adult life where I pretty much lived on homemade beans, homemade whole wheat bread, homemade yogurt (used powdered milk), canned tomatoes (sometimes home canned), homemade canned sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, canned tomatoes, whatever veggies we could garden or get from friends who did, and the like. Cheap, cheap, cheap; pretty healthy. In a gustatory sense, I look back fondly on that time.
Personally, I think it's common unhealthy ways of eating that are expensive (full menu of fast foods, frozen whole meals, pre-prepped veggies/sauce thingies, snack foods, energy drinks, soda . . . .), let alone restaurants.
I identify with a lot of this. I eat some type of legumes cooked from dry and cabbage every single day. Love the stuff. We're almost empty nesters, but when I had 3 teenagers at home and they put snack food (chips, crackers, candy) on the grocery list, those were often the most expensive items on the list. You can get a whole chicken for <$5, it will last many meals and it will make a rich delicious stock (much better than any you could buy).4 -
Does no one eat beans and rice, beans and cornmeal, cabbage, onions, winter squash, etc., anymore? Lots of traditional peasant foods are still pretty cheap and tasty, and quite affordable even organic if that's your jam. There are local and seasonal variations in what's cheap, especially among the veggies, but bulk dry beans and rice tend to be affordable in most places.
LOL at picking special upscale-ish choices, then complaining about the cost of being healthy. Price trades off against effort (cook from scratch) and fanciness (cuts of meat, "special" fresh veggies/fruits). Gotta pick your tradeoffs . . . and I don't think health needs to be one of them.
There was a period in my young adult life where I pretty much lived on homemade beans, homemade whole wheat bread, homemade yogurt (used powdered milk), canned tomatoes (sometimes home canned), homemade canned sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, canned tomatoes, whatever veggies we could garden or get from friends who did, and the like. Cheap, cheap, cheap; pretty healthy. In a gustatory sense, I look back fondly on that time.
Personally, I think it's common unhealthy ways of eating that are expensive (full menu of fast foods, frozen whole meals, pre-prepped veggies/sauce thingies, snack foods, energy drinks, soda . . . .), let alone restaurants.
Where I live, the local food, which is quite healthy, like rice/beans/fruits/chicken, etc, is the cheap food. The processed stuff, like frozen meals and chips and candy are all imported and super expensive.3 -
britishbombshell08 wrote: »Bought fruits, salad, and shrimp from the grocery store and it came to $90.33 🤷♀️🤦♀️😂 Oh well, now to devour it all
Eating a nutritionally sound diet isn't inherently expensive. You're just doing it wrong. Shrimp is the only expensive thing you listed...there are numerous options besides shrimp. Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless are cheap and delicious and a perfectly nutritionally sound choice.
Still, I'd really like to know what kind of salad and fruit you bought to come out to $93 even with shrimp. You're doing something majorly wrong and need to learn to shop.7 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »britishbombshell08 wrote: »Bought fruits, salad, and shrimp from the grocery store and it came to $90.33 🤷♀️🤦♀️😂 Oh well, now to devour it all
Eating a nutritionally sound diet isn't inherently expensive. You're just doing it wrong. Shrimp is the only expensive thing you listed...there are numerous options besides shrimp. Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless are cheap and delicious and a perfectly nutritionally sound choice.
Still, I'd really like to know what kind of salad and fruit you bought to come out to $93 even with shrimp. You're doing something majorly wrong and need to learn to shop.
I've never actually done this, but if one was planning on just eating fresh fruit, greens, and shrimp for a week, that could easily add up to $90 for a week just because that would be a whole lot of each of them, especially if you're buying "fancier" fruits and greens. To get an appropriate amount of calories each day on these foods, it would probably be a lot of them, which is why many people would consider it to be a luxury especially in March (assuming OP is some place with cold winters).
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janejellyroll wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »britishbombshell08 wrote: »Bought fruits, salad, and shrimp from the grocery store and it came to $90.33 🤷♀️🤦♀️😂 Oh well, now to devour it all
Eating a nutritionally sound diet isn't inherently expensive. You're just doing it wrong. Shrimp is the only expensive thing you listed...there are numerous options besides shrimp. Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless are cheap and delicious and a perfectly nutritionally sound choice.
Still, I'd really like to know what kind of salad and fruit you bought to come out to $93 even with shrimp. You're doing something majorly wrong and need to learn to shop.
I've never actually done this, but if one was planning on just eating fresh fruit, greens, and shrimp for a week, that could easily add up to $90 for a week just because that would be a whole lot of each of them, especially if you're buying "fancier" fruits and greens. To get an appropriate amount of calories each day on these foods, it would probably be a lot of them, which is why many people would consider it to be a luxury especially in March (assuming OP is some place with cold winters).
Yeah, out of season fruit with prepped shrimp can really add up in price. I remember buying a bag of grapes one time not thinking, and the bag was pretty big (probably almost 2lb) but it was still like $16, lol. That lasted me the week.0 -
RelCanonical wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »britishbombshell08 wrote: »Bought fruits, salad, and shrimp from the grocery store and it came to $90.33 🤷♀️🤦♀️😂 Oh well, now to devour it all
Eating a nutritionally sound diet isn't inherently expensive. You're just doing it wrong. Shrimp is the only expensive thing you listed...there are numerous options besides shrimp. Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless are cheap and delicious and a perfectly nutritionally sound choice.
Still, I'd really like to know what kind of salad and fruit you bought to come out to $93 even with shrimp. You're doing something majorly wrong and need to learn to shop.
I've never actually done this, but if one was planning on just eating fresh fruit, greens, and shrimp for a week, that could easily add up to $90 for a week just because that would be a whole lot of each of them, especially if you're buying "fancier" fruits and greens. To get an appropriate amount of calories each day on these foods, it would probably be a lot of them, which is why many people would consider it to be a luxury especially in March (assuming OP is some place with cold winters).
Yeah, out of season fruit with prepped shrimp can really add up in price. I remember buying a bag of grapes one time not thinking, and the bag was pretty big (probably almost 2lb) but it was still like $16, lol. That lasted me the week.
Yeah, buying prepped shrimp and greens, along with more expensive fruits . . . I can totally see this being possible.
I've seen organic berries that cost $4-5 for just a tiny container.2
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