How U.S. farm policy makes us fatter and sicker
The article is an interesting discussion of how farm subsidies contribute to the cheapness of processed foods, which encourages poorer people to buy more of those and fewer more expensive, less processed foods. This explains a phenomenon in the U.S. in which poorer people tend to have the highest rates of obesity.
I was interested by another aspect of the article though, something mentioned only briefly. The most processed, and most calorie-dense foods are in the center aisles of the supermarket. The less processed and lower-calorie foods tend to be on the outer edges of the supermarket. Where I shop fits the descriptiong: Fruits and vegetables up front, meats up the sides, milk and dairy in the back.
So, if you want to choose healthier foods, start shopping at the outer edges of the supermarket, right? Of course, that may be more expensive than what you’re currently buying. I’ve found ways to stretch our grocery bill though that may help.
1. Look for meats that are on sale. You can often find really good buys, but you’ll need to use or freeze the meat right away.
2. If fresh fruits and vegetables spoil too quickly for you, try frozen or even canned. Canned are cheaper than frozen, and you can sometimes find sales where they’re very cheap.
3. Buy store brands. In most cases, the quality is just as good, but the price is usually lower.
4. Shop around for some items. For example, milk in my area can vary from about 2.09 to 3.99 per gallon, depending on the store and brand. It’s worth it to stock up on the cheaper variety, even if it means stopping at a different store to do so.
5. Nothing, absolutely nothing, will help you save money like shopping from a list. Plan your menus for the week (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and put together a shopping list from that. You’ll buy only what you need, AND you’ll save by avoiding unnecessary trips to the store.
6. Waste less. I know we tend to throw away more leftovers than we should. Instead of that, use your dinner leftovers to pack lunch for the next day. You’ll save money and avoid fast food.
I hope these tips are helpful!
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