Convenience Vs. Health

I was just at the grocery store picking up a few items, thinking about what to write about next when the woman in the checkout aisle next to mine spoon fed me this topic, so to speak. As she was unpacking her cart (loaded with processed foods), she pre-emptively states to everyone within earshot, "Don't judge me," as she unloads four boxes of frozen pizza. She proceeds to tell the woman behind her how busy she is with kids and how the pizza is a quick, cheap meal. I get it. I have two active kids myself and eating healthy is expensive.




This encounter highlighted to me how real the tradeoff is between cost/convenience and eating healthy. It's made every day in every grocery store. However, the cost/convenience choice is flawed and shortsighted- it's the choice of least resistance, but it's a poor one at best. The problem does not lie with an occasional convenience meal or a dinner out, but when these choices become the norm.


Eating healthier, organic foods is more costly, at least while checking out at the grocery store. But what about the long-term health benefits they provide? How do you put a price on that? People invest for college and retirement. Why don't people invest for longevity and wellness? People buy life insurance. Why not consider organic food expenditures as insurance against illness and debilitating conditions that could hinder your lifestyle later in life? Conversely, I would ask, is childhood obesity convenient? Is diabetes cheap?




I would also argue that eating organic fruits, vegetables, and lean protein would help with energy levels. Refined and processed foods are not only loaded with dangerous chemicals, they also carry little nutrition. I assure you that athletes, who need more energy than anyone (except maybe parents), don't eat food stuffed with saturated fats, sugar/sweeteners, and sodium with few vitamins and minerals.




If you want more energy now and a healthier, more active lifestyle later in life, there is only one choice. A few extra bucks saved at the grocery store or the time saved by microwaving a frozen pizza as opposed to cooking a whole food meal is not worth the tradeoff.