The True Cost of Cheap Food
Isn’t healthy food really expensive? I couldn’t possibly buy organic food – it’s way out of my budget.
With the economy going the way it is at the moment, I find people are more reluctant than ever to put money where their mouth is and often look for the cheaper options for them.
According to research by the Sustainable Food Trust, however, what you pay at the till only shows half the true cost of food.
We pay a lot more for cleaning up the mess left behind by mass-manufactured so called ‘cheap’ foods. Here are a few (unseen) costs to eating cheap foods:
>> Cleaning the environment from pesticides, herbicides and other toxic, harmful chemicals
>> Ridding the planet of plastic packaging (and above-mentioned pollution)
>> Chronic and serious diseases that are overwhelming global medical systems
>> Devastating consequences to our health and our children’s children’s health
>> The destruction of species and vast amounts of land due to mass agricultural and animal farming practices.
Solutions?
I know that many do not have access to better quality food – which isn’t acceptable and needs to be addressed. Some organisations, such as the Food Foundation (UK) (foodfoundation.org.uk) are actively working towards a sustainable food system that delivers health and wellbeing for all.
But how about starting with schools and introducing clever, economical cooking as part of their curricula? This would not only help reduce food waste and pollution, but would also mean healthier, cheaper options for children who are increasingly becoming unhealthy and reliant on processed ‘polluting’ foods.
How can you help reduce that cost?
If you’re looking to save money on your food bill, consider batch cooking from scratch and eating nutrient-rich, ‘cleaner’ food that will also surprisingly make you feel fuller for longer. This will also also help to reduce the need for chocolate or biscuits to counter the afternoon-slump, which all add up to the same true cost of cheap food.
Consider giving up animal protein once or twice a week. The devastating impact of animal breeding on deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use is well worth skipping a weekly burger and full-breakfast. (watch the eye-opening documentary “Cowspiracy”, packed full of enlightening facts.)
Foods to always buy organic (where possible): chicken (or at least ‘free-range’), strawberries, fruit and vegetables you don’t peel.
Every little helps – Ultimately, your health (waistline), your bank account and the environment will all benefit with every step you take towards eradicating ‘cheap’ food from your shopping list.
If you would like some help in exploring how your habits and mind may be keeping your body stuck in repeating negative health patterns, book a free online consultation with me, this link
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