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

Seriously?

I read yesterday that Taco Bell was rolling out it's new waffle taco breakfast (link to the article is below). Seriously? These "foods" are completely unnecessary in my opinion, and probably yours if you are reading this. If you are even considering eating the waffle taco breakfast (or anything similar), please choose not to if you value your health. Not just because of the high fat content and the unnecessary calories, but I can only imagine the added ingredients to make it salty and addictive. In the time it takes to drive to a fast food restaurant and wait in line, I'm pretty certain you could toast some bread, add peanut butter and grab a banana for the road! It costs less, it's healthier and there's no wasted wrappers and containers. Win, win, win, win and win. OK, I went a little too far, but I've very passionate about skipping fast food restaurants completely and especially for the meal that sets the tone for the rest of your day!

In the coming days, I'll talk more about healthy meal options. If you have a favorite quick & healthy breakfast or lunch, email me at foodsthatfuelus@yahoo.com.


Action Item: If you eat at fast food restaurants regularly, try cutting back a little each week. Find other convenient ways to eat. Making your lunch in the morning will take extra time, but consider that if you make your lunch you could have time to sit quietly in the sun while enjoying a lunch that fuels you for the afternoon. If you run to Burger King, you're probably in a car, in traffic, waiting in line and rushing. Choose health.

For Further Reading: Taco Bell Rolls Out Waffle Taco Breakfast (If you really want to see what this "breakfast" looks like!) Check out Taco Bell's Ingredient Statement if you want to see what's in their food. I'm not picking on Taco Bell (I was gained my freshmen 15 by eating Taco Bell); I feel the same about most fast food restaurants. I'm sure you can now also find other restaurants nutritional info online.

And remember, there are still a few days left in National Nutrition Month. A great time for you to start or reinforce some healthy eating habits. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for more tips and advice: www.eatright.org.