Can Less Money Equal Better Eating?

[jeffrey]

The less money you have, the better you can eat.

That sounds odd, but it can be true. So often people think that only when you're in the chips (cash, not the potato kind) can you have a good diet. Raspberries in February, organic baby veggies from Spain, 89-grain organic bread that was made at the hand of Bolivian monks who never watch television, meat from cows that spent time in a spa -- you name it...

I understand the point he is trying to make - that even on a tight budget it's possible to eat healthy, but I think the statement "the less money you have, the better you can eat" is a bit of a stretch. If people weren't eating healthy when they had a lot of money, they probably aren't going to change much when they have less because junk food is still cheaper than health food. That being said, there are some foods that are good for you that aren't outrageously expensive.

ABC News: How to Eat Better on Less Money

[ThriftoRama]

A more accurate theory: The more free time you have the better you can eat. It's hard to cook a healthy meal when you're always rushing off somewhere.

[rob62521]

I would say it wasn't accurate -- those folks who have less money are probably going to fill up on starches and fillers. Ironic that on the same page there is a story: "Healthy Diet Unavailable to the Poor."

[gamecock43]

Hahahaha Rob. that is a funny point.

[disneysteve]

Great article and very true. Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a lot. Junk food is expensive and not all that filling.

Just this morning, I happened to be in Dunkin Donuts (we were out of town) and I was shocked to see that a donut was $0.99. I had no idea they were that expensive. I think a cup of coffee was $1.39. So a quick breakfast on the go would be $2.38. Wow! Much cheaper to buy a box of store-brand cereal for $3.00 and a gallon of milk for $3.00 (a bit less actually around here) and have breakfast for 7 days or more. And considering the length of the line this morning, it would have been quicker to eat at home, too.

People who think eating healthy is too expensive often aren't doing it right.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

My college kid has been eating extremely frugally until this summer. His summer job gives him a little more money and he says he is not eating as healthily since he has more money. He says now he is eating more and eating things from the freezer aisle of the grocery store. He gave breaded mozzarella sticks that get baked in the oven as an example. During the school year he cooked from scratch,

[disneysteve]

My college kid has been eating extremely frugally until this summer. His summer job gives him a little more money and he says he is not eating as healthily since he has more money. He says now he is eating more and eating things from the freezer aisle of the grocery store. He gave breaded mozzarella sticks that get baked in the oven as an example. During the school year he cooked from scratch,

Exactly. More money gives you more options, but more doesn't necessarily mean better. More money means you can afford more processed convenience foods. More money means you can afford to eat out more often. But those aren't good things.

There is a lower limit, of course. Below a certain amount, you can't eat well. But above that line, cutting back on spending tends to improve one's diet. I know that when we start paying more attention to the food bill, we eat a healthier diet and cut out a lot of the junk (which is more costly).

[glock35ipsc]

Like Steve said, more money means you can eat out. Fast food is not healthy, and if you think going to a restaurant is any healthier, think again. Check out the "nutrition facts" sections of most restaurants. The amount of calories, fat, simple carbs, sodium....... it's nuts.

I started eating better when I wanted to gain more lean mass. I totally swore off fast food (much like credit cards!) and started making my meals at home and bringing lunch. Chicken breasts are cheap, and can be cooked hundreds of different ways. Same with salmon and other fish. I eat fresh veggies now, I had NEVER done that before! And all in all, I am spending LESS money on meals now.

I have gained 32 pounds since December 2007, and my body fat only increased 4% (from 7% to 11%). Had I kept wolfing fast foods and eating at restaurants, I am certain I would have gained more fat than muscle.

[rob62521]

Here's a story of how someone tried to cut their food budget to $100 a week for a family of four:

Can a family eat on $100 a week? - MSN Money

[stressedmama]

Interesting article. We have had other threads that have talked about how much we spend on groceries. $400/month is very doable for a family of four. Our family of four manage to do it by going to Aldi for the vast majority of our items instead of a big supermarket chain unlike the author of the article mentioned. Planning a week or month of meals makes a huge difference in keeping costs down. Plus I still manage to buy a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables (unlike the suthor of the article). You just have to buy what is in season and/or on sale.

[rob62521]

Here's another article that talks about companies making product sizes smaller, but charging the same price:

The incredible shrinking Doritos bag - MSN Money

[disneysteve]

Here's another article that talks about companies making product sizes smaller, but charging the same price:

That happens a lot. We spoke about it on another thread recently. And they are really sneaky about it. They keep the package the exact same size but put less in it.