The high cost of quick and cheap food.

I have to admit that I can be one cheap SOB, which may come as a surprise to friends and family. However, I am doing my best to think about the potential long-term costs of buying cheap and quick convenience foods. For example, I can probaly get fully-stuffed at a fast-food joint for about 3 or 4 dollars, but what will that do to my long-term health? Studies show Medicare spends $1,400 to $6,000 more anually on health care for an obese senior than for the non-obese.

Granted, It may take a little more time to eat healthy, but not as much as you may think. Really, how long does it take to chop up some apples, carrots, grapefruit and throw some walnuts on it or throw some ice, frozen berries, and orange juice in a blender and press start?

One good tip from Ingles Market Dietician Leah McGrath is to:

Determine how much you are spending on food right now. That would include not only what you are spending at the grocery store but also what you are spending at vending machines, eating out, coffee, etc. When that information is gathered look for changes that could save money, then nail down a realistic budget and plan-and stick to it.

To thrifty and healthy shopping.