It's cheaper to be fat! Yes, you heard me correctly..... As an African-American male pre-disposed to Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and every other health risk out there; I am trying to do my part and eat better. What does it entail? Well, I buy better groceries, drink more water, joined a gym, and cut back on the fast food! However, one thing I have noticed is that, as I get lighter, so do my pockets.... Healthy food is expensive!!! I looked at my last few grocery bills and the total keep getting higher and higher, yet my grocery cart is getting emptier! Some people can't afford a gym membership, spring water, and yogurt shakes!
Just think about the TV commercials that we see from competing franchises.... 99 cent double cheeseburgers, 5 dollar large pizzas, 8 dollar buckets of chicken, pasta night, wing night! For someone with a family of five to feed, it sounds so convenient.... As I stared out the window of a local diner I eat at, I just happened to be across the street from a McDonald's. 4 out of every 5 people that came out of that door was obese. So, it made me wonder; Are people eating there because it's cheap? Because, I'm sorry McD's is not a 4 star establishment.
It also made me look at a few obesity statistics.... Blacks had 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity, and Hispanics had 21 percent higher obesity prevalence compared with whites. Greater prevalences of obesity for blacks and whites were found in the South and Midwest than in the West and Northeast. Hispanics in the Northeast had lower obesity prevalence than Hispanics in the Midwest, South or West. Have you noticed that the areas of the country with better paying jobs have better stats? Do you mean to tell me that we are oppressed, socially, politically, financially and now physically??? This is outrageous!
I mean really... Shouldn't we(society) encourage healthy living? Is it deliberate oppression? Why is the unhealty food so inexpensive? I shouldn't have to break the bank to keep trash out of my body. What processes are being skipped that cause the food to be so cheap? It makes you wonder doesn't it! I know certain races prepare food differently than other races, but it's not that different. The next time you go to lunch, dinner, or whatever time you eat out; take a look around and see what category you fall in. Take a look and see who is eating where you eat at.
Thoughts Please!
I agree - healthier food is more expensive BUT you DON'T have to shop at Whole Foods/Harris Teeter (the more expensive chains). You can find healthy- yet more affordable options at Giant, Safeway, or Shoppers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I do not advocate joining a gym. Why pay $40 a month when putting good ole feet to pavement is FREE-99? Yes, you may need to get the occasional lift in but there are definitely cheaper options.
You don't necessarily have to break the bank to be healthier.
Just my two cents