It's a myth that healthy food costs more, experts say. True, cer
It's a myth that healthy food costs more, experts say.
True, certain foods, like baked chips or reduced-sugar or reduced-fat products, may cost more per ounce. But when you compare the costs of these foods to a serving of fruits or vegetables, the produce usually wins (except maybe when you're splurging on out-of-season produce). And let's face it, reduced-sugar cookies and baked snack foods aren't "must-haves" on anyone's food pyramid.
"When my clients start eating more healthfully, their grocery bills plummet," says Diet Simple author and nutritionist Katherine Tallmadge, RD.
She recommends comparing food prices based on the number of servings provided, along with the food's nutritional contribution. For example, one pound of peaches yields 3-4 servings. So when you divide the cost per pound, the cost is usually quite reasonable.
"The ideal food is nutrient-dense, not calorie-dense," Tallmadge says.
Healthy Foods Stretch Food Dollars
Healthier foods can actually save you money, according to 2002 a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The researchers found that when families went on weight loss diets, they not only lost weight but reduced their food budgets.
The savings came from reducing portion sizes, and from buying fewer high-calorie foods, which tend to increase the amount spent at the grocery store, according to the authors of the yearlong study. People tend to spend a lot on the "extras" -- foods that add calories but little nutritional value, such as sodas, bakery items, and chips
