The reality is: Can you afford not to eat healthy? In the financial world, I receive this question all of the time when I’m reviewing budgets. “We can’t spend more money on groceries!”
In fact, this question comes up all of the time in my household when we are reviewing our budget. I ask this question, sort of tongue in cheek, but, “If you don’t invest in your health then where are you putting your money?”
If we continue to feed our bodies with processed junk because it is “cheaper” then what is the logical next step in our medical future? Too much junk in our mouths leads to too much junk in the trunk leads which leads to increased medical costs.
High blood pressure, diabetes, and other obesity related diseases cost $147 billion in 2008 or approximately $500 per person in the United States. It is predicted to cost the USA about $344 billion by 2018 or approximately $1120 per person! So, if you are a family of four that is over $4400 dollars to TREAT obesity related diseases.
I guess the real question comes into play: What are your priorities? Is it taking care of your health or is it gambling, smoking, eating out, new clothes, electronics, boating, sporting events, or any other reason you can find to not invest in yourself.
The average family spends approximately $400-$1000 a month on groceries depending on family size, eating habits, and geographical location. You can find organic fruit and vegetable delivery for $40-$50 a week. Our family has a box delivered each week and we alternate between fruits and vegetables. Thus, the rest of the bill is spent on milk for the kids, almond milk for our Shakeology, various types of meats, seasonings and spices.
Fruit is worth the investment!
Honestly, if you are saving for retirement, but consuming meals out of boxes every night, then you may not enjoy your retirement savings. I understand that there needs to be a balance, but an investment in your health means that you get to enjoy life longer, you get to live a more fruitful life now, and your family will learn from your habits.
How do you stay healthy? Or, do you think that eating healthy is just not worth the cost? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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