Bee Strong: STUDY SHOWS MANY AMERICANS CAN’T AFFORD TO EAT HEALTHFULLY
Irene Ross is a NYC-based Health Coach, CHHC, and AADP. For more information, visit her website at www.eating4achieving.com
Does anyone remember the advertisement that showed separate photos of a pair of hamburgers and one salad? While the burgers showed one price, the salad showed a price a couple of dollars higher.
A study, released today, shows that the updated US Food Pyramid of 2010 calls for more potassium, fiber, Vitamin D and calcium in diets; yet, adding these would also add hundreds of dollars to one’s annual food bill.
While the wealthier population comes closer to meeting the guidelines, those with lower incomes tend to eat more foods that are higher in saturated fats and sugars–some assume they eat these for the taste, but the truth is, they cannot afford the price of fruits and vegetables.
Many feel the government should do more to help consumers eat more healthfully. While many food-assistance programs do provide coupons for fruits and vegetables, some do place additional obstacles that can impact the poorer populations; for example, a guideline in Washington State makes it difficult for women with children to purchase potatoes, which are also one of the least expensive sources of potassium.
To read more of the story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/healthy-food-eating-rich-_n_918053.html
What do you think–should the government help more with this cost?
Tags:Eating Healthy, Health