Dieting and Cost – Is it Really More Expensive?

So, you have likely heard it before (or you may have spoken the words yourself): “Healthier foods are more expensive, so I can’t stick with a low carb or other healthy diet.” And if you have ever perused the menu at a fast food restaurant, it is easy to see that this is a true statement for this type of purchase – sure, McDonald’s offers a salad instead of a cheeseburger, but it does so at a much higher cost. Considering that most people have been tightening their belts (figuratively, not necessarily literally) in recent times due to economic downturn, this mentality of healthier foods costing more keeps them from sticking to their low carb or other diets. According to MSNBC’s Today Health, many Americans do not eat healthfully the majority of the time, and one of the most decisive factors is the cost, whether perceived or real. But, is it really true that eating on a low carb or other healthy diet costs more than eating foods that are worse for your health?

Eliminate the Fast Food Consideration

Yes, it is absolutely true that if you opt for the “healthy” options at a fast food restaurant, you will pay more than you will for their less healthy options. However, the food at any fast food location is not truly healthy, and simply purchasing your foods fresh at a supermarket will cost less than their typical unhealthy meal. By eliminating fast food purchases altogether, you will accomplish many goals – you won’t be tempted by the lower-priced foods that are bad for you, you will be able to spend that same amount of money on healthy low carb or sugar free foods from a grocery store, and you will be getting much healthier options.

Consider the Real Cost

In grocery stores all across the country, lower fat milk is cheaper than higher fat milk. For those who decide on purchases based on their budget for the week, buying lower fat milk will save money and it’s more healthy at the same time. When it comes to things such as pasta, whole wheat pasta is often similar in price as the traditional counterparts. Even when it does cost more, the healthier options often fill you up faster, requiring that you eat less – this makes the purchase last longer resulting in a lower overall cost. This makes it easier to stick with a low carb or other healthy diet.

Consider the Cost Down the Road

Although it may seem like low carb or other healthier options cost more upfront, consider it an investment. Just as you invest in your retirement so that you can live a life without struggle once you retire from work, spending a little more on healthier low carb or sugar free foods works the same way. You are investing in your health, which means less expense later in life for medical care and medications. By opting to spend a little more on each food purchase, you can be potentially eliminating the expenses it could cost in the future due to a lifelong commitment to less expensive bad-for-you foods.

Browse our wide selection of great low carb and other healthy options for foods at our Linda’s Diet Delites store. We consistently offer sales and special promotions to help save you even more money on your healthy purchases.

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