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Too many people think eating healthy is too time consuming and expensive.  I thought the same way until recently.  I conducted an experiment and found that eating healthy is cheaper and sometimes quicker.

Healthy Food is Cheap Food

I was under the assumption, like many people, that a healthy diet required expensive food.  But after several trips to the grocery store, I've found that healthy food is cheaper.

Before, we would buy many boxes of crackers, protein bars, granola bars and frozen meals.  Now the only frozen foods I buy are fruits and vegetables.  The frozen fruit is great in smoothies especially in the summer time.

I load up the cart with fresh meat, vegetables and fruit.  The first time I did that I thought my bill would be high.  It was actually about $20 less.  I couldn't believe it.  I purchased a lot of healthy food for less money than the boxed stuff.  For instance, organic carrots are less than $1 dollar a bag.

The secret is replacing the boxed carb's (cookies, candy, crackers and bars) with fresh fruits and vegetables.  In fact this is the only adjustment I made to my diet and I lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks.

Healthy Food Is Easy Food

My wife and I were eating way too many convenience foods (granola bars, crackers, pizza, etc).  Most of this was due to the birth of our son.  We just didn't have the time to prepare a healthy meal.  Or we thought we didn't.

It turns out healthy eating is a lot easier than it sounds.  When I want something to eat, I grab a carrot or some apples and peanut butter.  I don't eat starchy foods like bread and potatoes.

Healthy Food Is Filling Food

Since we've started eating so much fresh fruit, I just don't crave sweets anymore.  In fact my appetite has decreased.  I find myself skipping meals sometimes because I'm just not hungry.  I believe it has to do with the choice of foods.

For dinner, I usually prepare meat or fish with lots of vegetables and fruit.  After a filling meal like that, I just don't have the urge to snack like I did before.

Here's a list of the long term benefits of healthy eating.  All of these have economic costs associated with them.

• Health

  Your really can't put a price on health.   With the increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer, being overweight is one of the biggest threats to your health and wealth.

  Don't forget the wear and tear on your joints.  Being overweight puts a lot more stress on your joints.  Hip, knee and ankle replacements aren't fun and they aren't cheap.

• Health Care Costs

  As health care costs go up, health care plans will eventually charge unhealthy people more for insurance.  In fact some do already.

• Life Insurance

  You'll get a lower rate if you are healthy.  A big part of that determination is your weight.

• Happiness

  Healthy better feel better.  I can't believe how much better I feel now.  I have a lot more energy.

• Wardrobe

  If you gain weight, you need new clothes.

• Weight Based Air Fare

  Some airlines are considering charging more for overweight passengers.  Think of the embarrassment of being called out of line because you're too heavy.

• Wear and Tear on Furniture

  You're going to wear out your furniture much faster if you're overweight.

In the long run a healthy lifestyle will contribute to your financial goals.  I couldn't believe I actually saved money by eating healthy but my grocery bill proves it.  Saving money is a nice side effect of a healthy lifestyle decision.

Tags    Diet    Eating    Grocery Bill    Health & Lifestyle    Health Care    Health Insurance    Life Insurance    Saving Money

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