Healthy food is not more expensive than bad food, we explain

Often we think that healthy eating people choose it because they have a better quality of life, because they have a higher salary, or because they can go to a nutritionist. However, this is not the case, as some factors intervene, so today We explain to you whether a healthy diet is not more expensive than a bad one.

The perception that healthy eating costs more than unhealthy eating, may vary depending on various factorssuch as geographic location, shopping habits, access to different types of food, and individual eating habits.

A study by university researcher Patricia Clarke, head of Department of Clinical Epidemiology of the Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez-UNAM Faculty of Medicine and applied to the diet of children and adolescents in Mexico, have shown that a healthy diet costs no more than a diet without nutritional value (full of processed, ultra-processed, hypercaloric or high-salt foods).

Having this on the scales, the specialist assured that this analysis was carried out because in National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut), 35.6% of children and 38.4% of adolescents. they were diagnosed as overweight or obese.

mexican diet has changed so much in recent years because we no longer eat what was in our grandmothers’ houses, such as stewed vegetables, quesadillas, rice, among other dishes and, according to Clark, new diets lead to serious health problems because “obesity is associated with the development of many other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and strokes.”

But surely you ask, what influenced this change? The expert found that this is related to production systems, namely:

“We used to be a self-sufficient country, but now we have to import food. Because of this, they cost more. Also the importation into Mexico of products from other cultures, such as large chains of hamburgers or donuts that were not available, or many others that we have already assimilated, such as fried foods. The marketing of these types of products is very good and they are widely available. They can be found in large quantities in stores across the country.”

In a study nominated for the best article on nutrition in Nutrients 2023 Best Paper Award characteristics diets in 2014 for children 4.5 and adolescents 20 years old, where the cost of food in each was determined, which resulted in the pattern children and adolescents of Mexico City and the metropolitan area they are very similar in scabs in healthy and unhealthy.

Thus, it is possible to break with the myth that healthy food is more expensive and to determine it, three regularities were evaluated: healthy, transient and unhealthy, visiting markets. Supermarkets and convenience stores by determining the average cost of food.

The study mentions that unhealthy food had a slight increase in average price compared to healthy food, which showed no change and emphasized that “the main difference between eating patterns is the frequency of consumption of each food.”

What is healthy and unhealthy eating?

researcher Patricia Clarksaid healthy eating “It is one that provides the nutrients the body needs to keep it functioning properly in our body. and to maintain or restore health and minimize the risk of illness.” This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains (e.g. lentils, beans, whole grains).

Bye, unhealthy eating includes processed or ultra-processed foods, foods and drinks that are high in energy, hypercaloric, high in salt or sugar, refined flour, and high in trans fats. Also pre-cooked food that is already pre-cooked.

How to eat healthy food without spending too much?

Choosing the best diet is possible if you follow our recommendations:

• Meal planning: Making a list before grocery shopping and planning meals for the week can help you avoid impulse shopping and make better use of food. Your pocket will thank you!

• Buy local and seasonal products: Fresh and seasonal products tend to be cheaper and have a peak in taste and quality. So go to the nearest small market to shop for the week.

• Buy in bulk: Some foods, such as whole grains, cereals, legumes, and nuts, may be cheaper when bought in bulk. In addition, you will only buy what you need, what you are likely to consume in the coming days.

• Cook at home: Cooking at home can be cheaper and allows you to control the ingredients and portions you actually need to consume.

In Directo al Paladar México you can also read | Myth or Reality: Can Skipping Meals Help You Lose Weight? Experts explain to us | These Surprise Boxes Help Fight Food Waste in Mexico | Myth or Reality: Is Drinking a Teaspoon of Olive Oil Every Day Good for Your Health? Experts explain to us