I recently ran across an article in the Wall Street Journal about the effects the recession is having on America’s health.
“As the unemployment rate inches toward 10% and U.S. consumers continue to find themselves strapped for cash, many are turning to cheaper fare to better balance their budgets. That often means fast food and canned and frozen processed foods that are higher in fat and calories and are made with refined grains and sugars.”
In the past year, snack food sales have increased 22% as more and more consumers reach for low-priced, on-the-go foods like potato chips and cookies.
Don’t let tight pants happen to you! Skip the chips and reach for healthier snack options — like Chobani!
The author of the article gave these tips for healthier eating in tough economic times:
• Think ahead. Planning out your meals and snacks in advance forces you to think more about the types of foods you are eating.
• Make a shopping list. Studies show that people who make shopping lists — and stick to them — are less likely to make impulsive purchases of things like candy, chips or a box of donuts.
• Buy in bulk. Buying 32 ounces of yogurt can cost less than buying four eight-ounce containers. In some cases, the savings of buying in bulk versus the premium-preportioned packages can run upward of 50%, according to grocery-store price surveys.
• Make it yourself. You can find a multitude of 10-minute recipes online that use healthy and affordable ingredients. And you can be both time- and budget-conscious by making a few larger meals early in the week and freezing smaller portions for later use.
• Pack a lunch. Take leftovers for lunch and bring your own snacks to work. This will save you money and keep you from binging on vending-machine fare when hunger strikes.
• Cut down on sugary drinks. Water is cheaper — and better for you. If you still crave some flavor, squeeze the juice of a lime or lemon into the water.
This makes no sense at all. frozen processed foods and snack foods are very expensive. why would people be turning to those in tight budget times?
love the freshness N!
That’s true. Some processed foods come with high price tags. However, this article was referring to low cost, non-nutrient dense options like potato chips and candy.
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