This is a subject that I feel incredibly passionate about and I want to get this message out to as many people as possible because a healthy lifestyle really does transform you. It makes you feel invincible, powerful, and refreshed (except for those times when you work out so hard that there is a pool of sweat on you!). I truly believe that more and more people need to take into consideration what they are putting into their body.
It's exciting to see this sort of lifestyle becoming more popular these days, but there is still one thing that really irks me. The cost. That's it. You heard me right. The cost of organic, whole and nutritious foods are off the charts compared to processed foods.
No matter how hard I try I can't seem to wrap my head around this idea.
If society wants us to eat healthier, then why are the natural foods more expensive and relatively harder to obtain?
Yes, I know that I'm a college student and I'm on a budget, but there's a certain extent to which people can spend money on essentials because not only food is needed for survival. You need to pay for gas, insurance, tuition, books, activities, and obviously that Amazon Prime membership (hey it's pretty important!). Having a high cost of healthier foods makes it harder for people who are on a budget.
Realistically speaking, most people are going to want to spend their cash on food that doesn't cost as much. This food is significantly unhealthier. They are loaded with processed and refined sugars/flours, trans fats, and chemicals that no normal human being can pronounce without a PhD.
Oh, you know what kind of food this is at the grocery stores and at restaurants. I'm talking about you, Doritos Locos Tacos, go take your saturated fats elsewhere. Don't take it personally, I'm a personal fan of treating yourself once in a while, but when this becomes your diet every day and you're feeling miserable, we've got some talking to do.
The healthier options are relatively more priced because it probably takes more time to grow the separate components naturally and effectively. Because of this, it's more likely to take time. All in all, natural whole foods are more expensive.
I understand where this is getting from, but when there's a significant difference between the stuffed french toast and green smoothie bowl, then it's a little worrisome. No wonder why people have a hard time transitioning into a healthy lifestyle. Even if someone that has gone from wanting to eat donuts for breakfast every day to incorporating more balanced organic foods, I'm even a little personally intimidated by the cost of some of these foods.
The expense of sustainable foods needs to be lowered so that it is more affordable for people who want to continue this lifestyle on the daily.
Making it more affordable encourages people to pursue this lifestyle. Even though I believe it's worth it to put in the money now rather than pay more for the consequences that arise in the future, it makes it a little difficult when there is so much of a difference between the price.
Action needs to be taken sooner or later for the purposing of bettering people's lives. It's important to respect what you put into your body. After all, it's taking really good care of you and even allowing you to pull of all-nighters! The cost needs to be lowered so more people feel encouraged to pursue healthier eating habits. The "greens" from the pocket should be worth it for the greens on the plate!
