Do You Like a Good Deal?

I've read two very interesting pieces of information lately about how people often make food-related buying decisions. The first was a summary of a study from Vanderbilt University in Women's Health Magazine that states,

Scoring a bargain feels good - so good that it can trump healthy eating. Study participants, even those who were watching their fat and calorie intake, chose the largest size of movie-theater popcorn because it was the best value. People think of buying food as a business transaction, not a time to improve nutrition, stays study author Kelly Haws, Ph.D., of Vanderbilt University. Those who focused on the health benefits of eating well were less tempted to supersize, so think of your wellness, not your wallet, when your order your next meal.

The other article from ScienceDaily.com is along the same lines. The summary states that,

An important factor fueling the obesity epidemic has been identified by a new review: Americans now have the cheapest food available in history. Today, two in three Americans are overweight or obese, with rates climbing steadily over the past several decades. Many factors have been suggested as causes: snack food, automobiles, television, fast food, computer use, vending machines, suburban housing developments, and portion size. But after examining available evidence, the authors say widespread availability of inexpensive food appears to have the strongest link to obesity.

Action Item: Do you find yourself buying food because it is "such a good deal" or "supersizing" because it's an even better deal? If/when you are eating out, order the portion size you want not the one the restaurant is hoping you'll buy to provide them with a bigger profit.

For Further Reading: Inexpensive Food a Key Factor in Rising Obesity and 10 Cheap and Healthy Foods to Buy on a Tight Budget