Blog to follow about Boot Core.
So this morning I went to the grocery store after the gym. I have figured out that early morning is the best time to go because NO one is there, except a few other crazies who I have also seen just working out.
Anyway, there was an article a few weeks ago in Time about what makes American kids fat. I have only read part of it, but one of the things they stated was the rising cost of food. I used to not believe this theory that food prices were really rising. I also didn't believe that it was cheaper to buy processed foods. But this past week I have been doing some major examination of my finances. I can really tell a noticeable strain over the past few months. I am hoping that is due to the extra $250/month that has been coming out of my paycheck for my flexible spending account. So, I was thinking about my grocery store bill. I averaged about $50 a week last month and about $75 a week eating (drinking) out. I don't feel I eat out a ridiculous amount. I try to limit my lunches out to 1-2 times a week, preferably just one. I usually eat dinner out about 3 nights a week being maybe one day during the week and Friday or Saturday, and Sunday. And at least one of those meals I have leftovers.
So back to my grocery trip this morning. I bought a whopping 12 items that came to $40.73.
20 oz Diet Coke 1.39
Salad Dressing 2.99
Peanut Butter 3.15
Salt and Pepper Kettle Chips 3.50
Granola 1.89
About 2 lbs of grapes 3.68
Broccoli 2.00
Grape Tomatoes 2.29
Organic Mixed Greens 4.39
Strawberries 2.50
Raspberries 2.50
Cut pineapple 7.39
Now I probably didn't need to buy that soda or the granola or the cut pineapple. But I really didn't buy anything out of the ordinary. I didn't buy any meat or cheese. I also really didn't buy any processed foods.
I can now see how it can cost more to eat healthy. However, I am willing to pay more for my health.
6 comments:
Grocery prices are definitely going up---for me and my husband, that and the gas price increase has played a bit of havoc with our budget but not too badly. i keep thinking i need to play with our numbers for july to adjust things.
You did buy processed foods, though: if it didn't come from the earth as you bought it, it's processed somewhat (like the pineapple, for which you paid a real premium to have someone slice it for you). And diet coke, salad dressing, peanut butter, and potato chips are all (or can all be, depending on brand) extremely processed foods with major chemical additives.
think about fast food- its much cheaper to get a big bucket of KFC than it is for you to buy healthy food for yourself; dollar cheeseburgers?
good grief!
I don't want to tell you how much I spend on red bell peppers a week :)
hope your finances ease up a bit!
i have noticed the same strain. We need to rework our budget as well. I bought chocolate chips last week and they were 3.79! I almost choked.
A good reason not to buy them I guess!
I think my farmer's market is much cheaper these days - a great reason to continue to buy there!
all costs seem to be goingup.... its important to stay committeed to the purchase....it will be worth it in the long run... I agree with nikki- Farmers Markets all the way (if you have one in your town) :)
I wonder if you could buy frozen fruit instead of fresh. Really, unless you're planning on serving it to a guest, I think it's a good way to go.
Thanks for your nice comments today!
Totally agree. If you're not going to spend on your HEALTH, what are you gonna spend on, right?
:)
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