The reason why healthy foods cost so much

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  Posted by C Mon Jun 9, 2008 5:28am PDT

  They aren't really "healthy" foods, just a decent portion of a snack. Its "convenience" that sells them, along with the appearance of being "healthy". Give me almonds any day of the week, or a bag of celery sticks.

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  Posted by Beth Mon Jun 9, 2008 9:34am PDT

  Granted, these 100 calorie pack snacks aren't really healthy, real healthy food is indeed a lot more expensive. You can spend at least twice as much more buying fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread products than if you bought processed foods. And if you want to go the organic route, that can cost you even more. I buy a little bit of everything so I have compared the prices.

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  Posted by Fabulousity Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:25am PDT

  I think that you are absolutley right, Americans including myself waste too much money on simplifing life. You get the same results and probably burn more calories if we ere to package our own 100 calorie snacks.

  Great article!!!! You actually got me thinking.

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  Posted by Allthatglitterz Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:22am PDT

  Being an American myself I totally agree with your post. I think that it will save us money and probably burn more calories if we took a little more time to package our own snacks and food.

  Great Article!!! It actually put me to think that maybe I should stop buying into these diet fads and shop cheaper at the same time lern to not be so lazy....

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  Posted by Meriel Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:33am PDT

  I like them because I really don't have the time or inclination to divvy out portions on my own. I do have one trick, though; instead of buying them at the supermarket, I head to Big Lots. I can find the exact same thing as on the grocery store shelf (brand name!) for a half to a third of the cost. I usually try to get non-perishables there to stock up and save my money at the grocery store for fresh fruit and veggies.

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  Posted by victoria Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:37am PDT

  Quality, not quantity....those 100 cal paks never even put a dent in my hunger.

  Those Oreo thin crisps actually do taste good, though. Try em with some Lite Cool Whip.....WOW!

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  Posted by Ines Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:06am PDT

  We, Americans, think that if we grab a quick bite to eat, we saved time in our "busy" lives. Preparing a real, healthy, natural (organic) meal doesn't take up much time. On top of that, we are saving our lives by eating healthier, setting an example for our children as well as saving our dear planet.

  I am completely against fast food, processed food, and any kind of "diet products", i.e. diet coke, 100 calorie snacks etc. Yes, I buy only organic food and most importantly, I prepare my meals and snacks.

  Hey, but this is America. The faster, the better.... the bigger, the better. Most Americans will always choose quantity over quality, unfortunately.

  By the way, great article!!!!

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  Posted by KieraH Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:00pm PDT

  The idea of all the trash created by these snacks is alarming, in addition to the cost. However there are some huge benefits you didn't see. My family eats very minimal "junk food" for example I constantly find myself throwing away boxes of cookies that have become stale because we only wanted a few. The 100 calorie packs satisfy the need for a little junk food and then entire boxes don't go to waste. When we want junk food, we have portion controlled junk food that is not stale. The oreo thin crisps and lorna doones are the best! My family eats one box (5-6 indiviual packets a month).

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  Posted by Cool Breeze Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:30pm PDT

  Another example of the "paying more for less" phenomenon is those baby cans of soda. I don't know the percentage, but they DEFINITELY cost far more per ounce than the standard size, and much much more than a 2-liter.

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  Posted by Mark Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:32am PDT

  RON Said 'eat "whole, real foods" close to their natural forms' This is the number one good thing for people to do. But then RON says 'whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds--and optionally, lean animal proteins and low fat dairy.' Ron, since you say you have patients, I assume you are in the medical profession. Telling people to locate meat with little fat content and low fat dairy goes against what was a good main point. Animal protein and fat is what humans evolved on for millions of years and trying to make it lean and low fat detracts from its nutritional value. Please do some research. People look up to you. http://www.westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/characteristics.html

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