The Surprising Truth About Healthy Eating

The Daily Difference

When it comes to healthy eating, one of the biggest misconceptions is that it has to break the bank. But just how much extra does a healthy diet really cost? According to a study by Harvard researchers, eating a healthier diet will set you back an additional $1.50 per day. That may not seem like a lot, but for a family of four, that adds up to $2,016 extra per year. For singles, the cost is $548 more annually.

A Financial Burden for Some

While the extra cost may be manageable for some, for others, replacing processed foods with lean meats, vegetables, and nuts can be a significant financial strain. However, it’s not just low-income communities that struggle with healthy eating. The study found that Americans at all income levels allocate too little of their food budgets towards healthy foods.

The Long-Term Costs of Unhealthy Eating

The cumulative cost of eating a little healthier every day is often far smaller than the long-term costs associated with unhealthy eating. In fact, high body mass index (BMI) is one of the leading causes of disability in the US, with 14% of disabilities attributed to poor dietary choices.

Making Healthy Eating Affordable and Enjoyable

So, how can we make healthy eating an affordable and enjoyable experience? The good news is that there are plenty of ways to do so. By making small changes to our daily habits and exploring new recipes, we can keep ourselves healthy today and 50 years down the line.