Healthy Food Doesn't Mean Expensive Food

[Noahwilson]

I think people sometimes make eating healthy way more complicated than it needs to be. You see all these videos about mousse, chia seeds, oats, and all kinds of “superfoods,” and suddenly it feels like you need to buy 20 different things just to eat well.

To me, eating well is more about getting a good mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from foods you actually enjoy.

I see a lot of teenagers, and honestly even plenty of people who work out, eating a lot of fried food, fast food, and sugary snacks. There's nothing wrong with enjoying those foods sometimes, but they shouldn't be doing all the heavy lifting in your diet.

You can keep things pretty simple with foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, oats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, and fortified soy milk.

You don't need a kitchen full of fancy “health foods.” Build a solid diet with simple foods, be consistent with it, and don't overthink it.

 

[Clockwerk50]

I agree with the general point, although the economics of eating healthy have gotten more complicated. Fast food is often surprisingly competitive with groceries now, especially once you factor in the cost of meat, dairy, and fresh produce. Healthy eating can certainly be inexpensive if you stick to staples like rice, beans, oats, potatoes, eggs, and frozen vegetables. But once you want more variety and higher-quality protein, the grocery bill adds up quickly. You also have to factor in the time involved in cooking, cleaning, and dealing with leftovers.

You can get around 70% of your daily calories from Taco Bell at lunch, then have a simple salad at home, and still come out to roughly $20 for the day. You can obviously eat cheaper by cooking large batches of basic foods, but when the difference is only a dollar or two per meal, the convenience of fast food becomes more appealing.

 

[nicksaiz65]

I agree with the general point, although the economics of eating healthy have gotten more complicated. Fast food is often surprisingly competitive with groceries now, especially once you factor in the cost of meat, dairy, and fresh produce. Healthy eating can certainly be inexpensive if you stick to staples like rice, beans, oats, potatoes, eggs, and frozen vegetables. But once you want more variety and higher-quality protein, the grocery bill adds up quickly. You also have to factor in the time involved in cooking, cleaning, and dealing with leftovers.

You can get around 70% of your daily calories from Taco Bell at lunch, then have a simple salad at home, and still come out to roughly $20 for the day. You can obviously eat cheaper by cooking large batches of basic foods, but when the difference is only a dollar or two per meal, the convenience of fast food becomes more appealing.

A lot of previously “cheap” protein sources have gone through the roof. Ground beef is now basically a luxury protein, unfortunately. Luckily, chicken drumsticks & thighs are delicious and remain cheap.

 

[EyeBRollin]

Ground beef was always a luxury protein. Kings eat meat, peasants eat wheat.

If you want some cheap protein, get yourself some tofu, rice & beans, and Greek yogurt. All are $2 / lb or less. If you’re feeling extra frisky, pick up some tuna or pacific whiting. Canned fish runs about $4-5 / lb and you’ll get your omega 3s

 

[nicksaiz65]

Ground beef was always a luxury protein. Kings eat meat, peasants eat wheat.

If you want some cheap protein, get yourself some tofu, rice & beans, and Greek yogurt. All are $2 / lb or less. If you’re feeling extra frisky, pick up some tuna or pacific whiting. Canned fish runs about $4-5 / lb and you’ll get your omega 3s

Oh yeah, Greek yogurt is goated for sure. I’ll make fish cakes here & there if I feel like it lol