Food Fight! Costs of GMO-food
Pull back your spoon and aim — the debate about GMO food could impact your wallet.
Genetically Modified Organism (”GMO”) foods are a hot topic across political lines. A French documentary on food-giant Monsanto was recently pulled off of several online sites, again sparking the debate between food, profits, and the associated costs. (See the pulled video here).
Here are the simplified arguments, and how GMO foods could impact your financial future:
Pro
On the “pro-GMO” side of the table proponents claim that:
Genetically modified food only speeds up the natural selection process. Its use makes food cheaper and more accessible to a larger number of hungry people.
They argue that labeling GMO food increases prices, making staples more expensive.
Con
On the “against GMO” side of the table, proponents claim that:
Genetically-modified food poses an unknown risk to millions of people that needs political action. (See Barbara Boxer D-CA).
They claim the additional costs of labeling GMO food (or buying natural alternatives) is worth the extra cost, even if this means more expense for the consumer.
So how could GMO foods impact your personal finances?
First, consider your stock holdings. Public outcry over GMO foods are driving down the prices of agribusiness stocks like Monsanto. Depending on your investing ethics, this presents a “buy” situation to some. Conversely, it could spell tumbling stock prices to anyone unaware they are invested in this sector (for example, those who hold mutual funds but do not know their fund’s main investments).
Second, consider your food budget. You’ll likely pay a premium to avoid GMO food. This is worth it to some. Others do not have the luxury of choice. If that latter statement bothers you, consider political action.
Third: food is getting more expensive. This is due to a variety of factors ranging from increased gasoline prices, to environmental consequences. We Americans are spoiled by artificially low food prices compared to other countries. Could price spikes also reveal we are collectively beginning to realize the true costs associated with our food?
Bottom line: the debate over GMO foods will increase. How you spend and invest your money will influence this issue.
Related:
Save on Food: Tips for Eating Local Produce
4 Tips for Dealing with Food Price Increases
Why The Midwest Floods Could Impact The Cost Of Your Coke And Your Burger
Disability Insurance
Imagine being out of work for a few months or even years! How would you get by without income? I know many of us (if not all of us) never want to find out. But if it does happen, it is best to take preventative action.
Not everyone has disability insurance and some may think they will never need it. However, disability insurance may be more important than life insurance due to the fact that you are more likely to get injured than to die (although neither is pleasant).
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and an article on MSN.com, “Every year, 12% of the adult U.S. population suffers a long-term disability. One out of every seven workers will suffer a five-year or longer period of disability before age 65, and if you’re 35 now, your chances of experiencing a three-month or longer disability before you reach age 65 are 50%.” These statistics are greater than you would think.
Only being 22 years old, disability insurance has never even crossed my mind. I always assumed that it was for older people closer to the age of retirement.
Our partners on MainStreet.com explain that long-term disability insurance usually costs about 1% - 3% of your yearly income and protects you against the loss of your ability to get income. This seems minimal to me when you think about how much it can save you if something critical happens.
Long-term disability insurance typically covers an injury that lasts 6 months or longer where you aren’t able to earn an income.
MainStreet.com explains further that you will not regain all of your income while you are disabled and will usually get about 60% back.
The reason for this is clear – why would an insurance company want to pay you back all of your income? What incentive would you then have to return to your previous job?
Unfortunately, many companies do not offer their employees disability insurance and life insurance appears to be more popular. However, often your company may offer you workers compensation but it will not always cover as large amount as disability insurance and for different lengths of time. Make sure you know what your company offers before making a decision on disability insurance!
Different insurance companies will offer different plans with varying costs. Although it is impossible to predict what the future holds, preparing yourself for the worst possible outcome will be beneficial. Better to sacrifice a small percent of your income now than to lose it all in the future.
Photo: Stuart Whitmore
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How To Stay Fit on a Budget
I have been putting off getting a gym membership because they all seem expensive. At school it was great, the gym was only 5 minutes away and “free” with the cost of my tuition. But now that I have graduated, I’m not sure where to start looking or what to do!
I live in a tiny town in Massachusetts that doesn’t even have street lights, so obviously the nearest gym is about 20 minutes away. This puts another cost onto my trip to the gym…GAS! I’m so reluctant to put money into a gym membership when the gas to go to and from the gym is just as expensive.
So I started looking into other things I am able to do that can fit into my budget.
Crunches, Jumping Jacks, and Push-Ups – Okay, so this doesn’t seem like much, but they really do work out your body. Although they seem like a minimal workout, doing these each day doesn’t cost you a thing and also helps you to stay fit. TJMaxx and Marshalls sell many workout products on the cheap that can supplement your workout. I am often tempted to buy them, but have told myself that I need to get myself into a routine first and then add the products. These products include things like ankle weights, those blow up balls that help with your crunches, and small hand weights. Also, if you are into yoga, sometimes you can find those products (yoga mats, videos, etc.) at these locations as well.
Running/Walking Outside – Again, this costs you nothing! However, I can see when this isn’t always the easiest thing to do. On those hot summer days/nights it is hard to motivate yourself to run outside (and obviously, this becomes a bit more difficult in the winter if you live somewhere where it snows). Walking is one of the best exercises for your body and so easy to do! If you like to hike you could even do this on the weekends for some great outdoor activity/exercise for your body.
Eat Out Less – Making your own food helps! Not only are you not spending that extra money (plus a tip) on food, you are making sure that you are cooking the things the way you like it. There has been so many times this summer where I have gone out to eat and not been satisfied by what I ordered. At home my meals usually consist of all vegetables and some meat. This is much better for me and I try to make a sandwich for lunch instead of stopping somewhere for fast food.
Use Work Benefits – According to an article on MainStreet.com by Lyneka Little, 46% of employers offer or plan to offer financial incentives to promote health. Many companies are also including a gym at the workplace that you can use for free (or at a discounted price). Take advantage of these benefits! Even joining a softball team that your company may have going is great exercise and gets you out of the office with your peers to do something fun!
Gym Membership – If you still feel like you need to get a gym membership to motivate you to actually work out (which many people do), do your research before signing up! Some gyms are overly expensive for what they offer you. Figure out what each of the gyms near you offers and find which one is the best for you. Don’t skip the research just to find out you could have saved over $100!
I know it seems easy to let go of your fitness when the economy is tough, but you will regret it in the long-run. Just make sure to do something each day (even if it is going for a quick walk outside on your lunch break). Too often people are caught behind their desks all day at work…break the habit and take advantage of any free time you may find to stay healthy and fit (hopefully for free)!
Photo: jzlomek
Related Articles:
7 Tips for Starting a Fitness Center
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Is Paying for a Massage Money Well Spent?
Will You Still Receive Health Insurance When You Retire?
With the economy currently in a downturn, people who are planning and saving for retirement are even more worried about how to make ends meet. Those that are already in retirement find it harder to ride out this bumpy downturn in the economy with the money that they have saved.
Retirees are also being affected by changes in health care insurance. Many companies are not providing the same amount of health insurance coverage as they have in the past.
An article from our partners at TheStreet.com by Gavin Magor explains why health coverage changes after the age of 65 and what you can do about it.
Retiree Health Coverage On the Decline
By: Gavin Magor - TheStreet.com
It is not just the retirees of distressed or bankrupt companies such as Bethlehem Steel, Chrysler, Ford, and GM who are finding that the health care that they had anticipated receiving in retirement will no longer be provided.
According to the Kaiser Foundation, back in 1988, 66% of retirees had company health coverage. By 2003 this had dropped to 38%, and in 2007 it was 33%.
With more companies due to announce similar cutbacks before the Medicare enrollment period, company-paid health coverage in retirement seems to be disappearing into the sunset alongside the defined-benefit pension plan.
Not so fast. The perk of health care in retirement may appear to be going away, but the reality for existing retirees and for many current employees is very different.
Early Retirees Still Covered
Despite the headlines, 30% of companies employing 200 or more, including GM, are leaving health coverage in place until retirees reach 65 and qualify for Medicare, so younger retirees have coverage. Of those companies, 23% continue to offer health care for the Medicare eligible.
The issue is that companies have taken differing approaches to the over-65 group.
Health Care Alternatives
Some companies have stopped providing health care altogether for older retirees, leaving them to obtain coverage under Medicare when they qualify. Others have taken an approach that, in essence, results in company-sponsored health care remaining.
Although there are no current statistics available to demonstrate the extent of the trend, there are several examples of traditional industrial corporations that have removed large health care liabilities from balance sheets.
Instead, companies have substituted these expenses with a smaller quantifiable amount that no longer is included as a health care liability and presents the illusion that health care is no longer provided.
If we look at GM, for example, despite the withdrawal-of-health care announcement, salaried retirees or their surviving spouse at 65 will receive a discretionary taxable increase to their pension of $300 per month. This gives a retiree complete flexibility as to where they spend this money and has been said by some to be more than fair as it represents a significant health care subsidy.
As another approach, both Chrysler and Ford retirees over 65 receive an allowance that is paid into a pooled Health Reimbursement Arrangement. This fund is administered on behalf of the company and the retiree and operates as a source of reimbursement of health care expenses. As the account is shared, either spouse can have their medical bills reimbursed from the HRA, to the limit of the balance in the account.
So, headlines aside it seems that in reality companies are continuing to provide health care, albeit in a different form. This may not satisfy the affected retiree but it is significantly better than the alternative.
Continue to read this article at TheStreet.com…
© Photo Courtesy of Kenn W. Kiser
Related Articles About Retirement and Health Insurance:
Health Insurance Coverage
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Save on Food: Tips for Eating Local Produce
Save on Food: Tips for Eating Local Produce
By Debra Borchardt | MainStreet.com
Floods in the Midwest and fuel surcharges have pushed up food prices at the chain supermarkets so high that becoming a locavore might be the answer.
Locavores generally eat only foods from within a 100-mile radius. But you might not need to go to those extremes to save money — just shop at local farmers markets and roadside food stands. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but you also get a fresher, better-quality product.
Make a Trip to the Farmers Market
Nina Planck, an expert on farmers markets, runs the farmers market in Washington D.C. and agrees that shipping and packing are much cheaper when it comes to local foods.
“Just about everything about local and traditional food makes it relatively cheaper when fossil fuel gets expensive,” Ms. Planck says.
Most large grocery chains buy produce from wholesalers and in bulk, which traditionally has given them a low-price advantage. The farmers markets tended to be higher priced, but consumers accepted that you paid extra for better quality.
But now, that food chain has been interrupted, with less product coming from the large corporate farms of the Midwest due to destructive weather patterns. Plus, wholesalers are tacking on fuel surcharges.
Restaurants are Buying Local, Too
Agnes Devereaux of the Village Tearoom in New Paltz, N.Y., has some farmers deliver directly to her and makes trips to others. Her restaurant tries to buy as much locally as possible, and while some products are more expensive, like dairy, others are cheaper when she picks it up herself.
“I cut out the middleman. The wholesalers would just have to buy from the farm and then resale to me,” said Devereaux.
Laura Pensiero of Gigi’s Trattoria in Rhinebeck, N.Y., changes her restaurant menu every quarter according to local availability. For example, she says, “strawberries are abundant and much cheaper in June, so lots of strawberries on the menu then.”
Don’t Pass By the Roadside Stand
No matter whether you by a ton of stuff or just a bit, you can save money.
Raychel O’Shea Patino was able to buy two boxes of strawberries in a farm stand in Rochester, N.Y. for $3, when it normally costs her the same price for one box. Abby Goldstein stopped at a roadside stand in Maine and found the prices to be cheaper than in her local grocery store. Kristi Conn of Orange, Texas, said that while driving down Highway 87, she passed numerous trucks filled with vegetables and watermelons.
Some states are able to grow more variety than others, like Texas, but most states do have small farms nearby. Even New York City has access to many farms located in the Hudson Valley that provide products sold at Greenmarkets throughout the city.
By being flexible in purchasing decisions, such as buying what’s in season, a consumer can cut the food budget without cutting back on quality.
Buy a Farm Share
Another way to save is through CSAs, or community supported agriculture. A person can buy a share of a farmer’s crop for a set amount of money. Each week, they get a variety of the items the farm grows.
The consumer does accept the risk of vagaries in the crops; i.e., tomatoes may be bad one year, while the onion crop is outstanding.
Devereaux says there were only two CSAs when she moved up to New Paltz years ago, and now there are six — and they are sold out.
“Several deliver to New York City,” she pointed out.
Shares can be a family size, basic size or larger and can run roughly $450 to $500 for a basic share depending on the farm.
Be a smart shopper. Saving money on food doesn’t necessarily mean eating Ramen noodles. You can support your local farmers and cut costs.
Resources to find local foods include the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, Local Harvest and the Rodale Institute.
Health Insurance Coverage
I am currently still covered by my parent’s health insurance but only for the next 2 months! Yesterday I went to the doctor to receive a shot and realized that health insurance isn’t such a simple topic and it really depends on which insurance you have to know whether or not you are covered for certain things.
First of all, the shot that I received is the new Gardasil shot that they are recommending for women under the age of 26. Although this shot may be life changing for many, you must receive 3 shots and the shot costs around $350 PER SHOT…crazy huh? I couldn’t believe it…and after calling my insurance we still aren’t sure if they will cover it because many still don’t.
Secondly, health insurance coverage had never really been an issue or a concern for me. Always being covered under my parents has been nice, but I have also seen my fair share of emergency visits (migraines, allergies to bee stings, etc.) in the past few years and I am starting to wonder which coverage will be best for me when I start my new job. And within the price range that I am willing to pay each month of course!
I came home from my doctor’s appointment worried that I wouldn’t quite be ready in September for choosing the right health care plan for me unless I did some research first.
An article on MainStreet.com by Juliana Bunim titled “Just Got a Diploma? Here’s What You Need to Know About Health Insurance” seemed to pop right out at me and be exactly what I needed! The article explains that about 34% of college graduates aren’t covered by health insurance (I definitely did not want to be another statistic)!!
The article put things into perspective for me. Although another cost (especially for insurance) is not something that graduates want to pay out of their own pockets, health insurance is extremely important. Things may be going great for you right now (and hopefully nothing will happen) but if something were to go wrong, the cost of emergency fees, doctors’ visits and things along those lines can add up and become extremely expensive if you do not have a health insurance policy.
Short term health insurance is also available! If you are waiting to receive a job offer or are in between jobs, still make sure you are covered by some type of insurance. eHealthInsurance.com allows you to compare plans, figure out how much you can afford, and even sign up online!
After realizing how much one shot can cost, I hate to think what other tests and doctors visits can cost as well. Don’t put your financial certainty at risk. Use Geezeo to manage your budget and make sure to include your health insurance in there as well. Definitely better to be safe than sorry in the future!
Picture: Andrea Church
unexpected bundle of joy - unexpected costs?
My sister has gone and gotten herself knocked up — to the delight of two families. Like many couples this was a “happy surprise”. In other words, a complete surprise.
So how do you financially prepare for a stork surprise? Here are some steps my sister and brother-in-law are taking:
Starting a baby fund for “upfront costs”. They are each routing money from their paychecks into a special fund to purchase all the baby stuff new parents need. This fund will also pay for any delivery costs above what health insurance will pay. They will continue this savings account for upcoming kid-specific costs.
Starting a college fund. Since the happy parents met at college they’ve already started an account. The idea is to move this money into a state-sponsored 529 Plan when the baby is born.
Hey - I’m gonna be a first-time aunt! What does this mean for my pocketbook? Here’s one financial commitment I’ve made to a friend’s kids. Now I’ll do the same for my sister’s kid!
Are you a first time parent? What are you financial concerns? Discuss them in these related groups: Saving for a Wedding, Wanting to Adopt, Financially Frugal Families, and Couples and Money.
migraine money: no health insurance?
Have you ever suddenly lost your vision? Yesterday it happened to me. It’s very frightening.
Like many of us I’ve played the health insurance “gamble”. Since college graduation I’ve had health insurance benefits only 20% of the time. So, based on budget and a general feeling of “healthy” I did without. You might know this method as “CYF Health Insurance” — Cross Your Fingers.
We all know this approach can have potentially life- and financial-threatening implications. Despite these serious consequences I laughed it off and continued the gamble. After all, the most serious medical situation in our household thus far was on a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio. My boyfriend was bitten by a police-mounted horse. (I mean really… that’s kind of funny..! What’s not funny is he doesn’t have health insurance, either).
So back to yesterday. I was working when suddenly I started to have difficulty seeing directly in front of me on the screen. “That’s weird”, I thought, as I adjusted the light on the monitor and in the room. I put on my reading glasses. No help.
Then I started to get dizzy. Maybe I just need a small snack? A rest from the computer screen? No, in fact…it got worse. The pounding in my head grew in intensity. At this point I knew something was really wrong because what vision I had was dark and getting dimmer. You know how the alien pops out of Sigourney Weaver in Aliens? That’s how it felt — like my brain was going to burst out my eye sockets and splatter across the wall.
That’s when I freaked out. I don’t know what a stroke feels like. But a stroke killed my grandfather. Could I be having a stroke? As I left my apartment I could barely walk, see, and felt sure I was going to throw up. I was in a panic.
By the time I got to the emergency clinic I had regained most but not all my vision. Once it was determined I wasn’t having a life or death situation it dawned on me: how much will this cost? No insurance and it’s all out-of-pocket.
Let’s see:
First: the emergency cab ride - $10 — didn’t wait to count change or tip
Next: my minimal insurance ($50/mo) doesn’t cover anything. (That’s why it’s called “minimal” - it basically gives me the right to see a doctor!).
The local emergency clinic operates on a sliding fee scale. They charged me $91 to see an emergency doctor. Then another $91 to see the eye specialist. All this and they said, “You probably had a migraine”.
Talk about the pounding headache continuing! I’ve never had a migraine and it doesn’t run in my family. Nor is it something I’d ever like to encounter again. I spent the bulk of my day there routed through various lines to get my pupils dilated, my blood checked, and all the other things you do when there is something wrong.
But… the really wrong thing is that despite being a generally healthy, employed person, I cannot obtain health insurance that doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars a month.
One strategy I’ve used is to sign up for health insurance under the umbrella of my freelance company (through which I do contract work). But even that is cost-prohibitive. Even though I know better I will probably continue with this minimal coverage for as long as possible. And that really puts my financial life at risk if my physical life is endangered.
I guess this is a good reminder of one real issue at the heart of this election. If you’ve got opinions on health insurance, voice them at the Geezeo Group “Health Insurance - AHH!”.
Is paying for massage money well spent?
“A business owner knows that creativity and productivity are their greatest resources. Stress kills them both. If your business is generating high revenues, the cost of massage to help you stay on your game is very small in comparison”.
Okay: hands up if you associate massage with sweaty groping on a sofa, or at the other extreme, a decadent luxury most people can’t afford?
I sat down with Christina Dille, owner of Pressure Massage Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. I wanted to know more about her massage techniques and her view on the financial benefits of regular massage. What kinds of clients “invest” in massage, and why do they feel it’s money well spent?
Tell us about the kinds of massage do you offer. I don’t think everyone knows how many types there are and what they can do for you.
My work is an integrative massage that I call a Therapeutic Massage. Basically I focus on addressing the goals of the client based on my physical evaluation of overall health. The session might include one or more of the following: Swedish, deep tissue, stretching, aromatherapy, and hot or cold therapy. I work to ensure that clients leave with their specific needs addressed and with the results they want. I’ve learned from experience that’s hard to do if you just stick to one set of techniques.
I also specialize in Aromatherapy and offer several options for Aromatherapy massage. I love working with hot stones as well so I offer Hot Stone Massage and the Sport Stone Massage which is a deep tissue/sports massage performed with hot stones. It’s pretty intense and awesome.
Why should people pay for massage?
People should pay for massage because it’s an investment in their health and well being. Massage has countless benefits but #1 is stress relief. Stress is a direct factor in many of the leading health problems people experience, especially heart disease.
When you are under stress your body has to work harder to function normally. If you allow stresses to accumulate (physical, emotional, & chemical) you put strain on all of your body systems. You run on high speed, all the time, and it’s not sustainable. Your natural defense and healing systems don’t work as well and you become more susceptible to illness. Eventually you are forced to shut down.
In the end being sick or becoming a victim of disease will cost you more time and money than having a massage on a regular basis. It’s about being proactive and taking control of your health rather than scrambling to cope once something goes wrong.
Why do people tend to think of massage as a luxury and not an economic necessity?
The spa industry has had the most influence on the way people view massage and other personal services. Luxury is a big selling point. The images we see are of attractive, seemingly wealthy people in beautiful surroundings being waited on and pampered by staff. Based on these images, the average American couldn’t be expected to know there are roughly 125,000 independent massage therapists working in this country. We have our own offices, we’re not connected to spas, most of us don’t offer plush robes or wet rooms, we just focus on getting great results for clients.
The concept of massage as a luxury is reinforced because people don’t know the benefits of massage beyond feeling pampered and relaxed. They don’t know that regular massage can alleviate their sciatica, or low back pain. Instead many Americans are taking medication to deal with the pain of these conditions, not knowing that medication only masks the pain, it doesn’t fix the problem. They may not consider massage therapy as a solution because of the idea that massage is a luxury and not an effective therapy.
What kinds of clients typically invest in massage?
People who invest in regular massage tend to fit into three categories:
First, health conscious people in general – as you expect, they make the effort to eat right, exercise, engage in regular stress relieving activity. These people also stay mentally active by reading or learning new things.
Secondly, “Go-Getters”. Successful people are busy and need the restorative benefits a massage provides. They know that in order to function at a high level they must take care of their body and give the mind time to rest. As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Third, “solution people”. These clients view massage as a way to improve physical performance or to reverse a chronic condition without drugs or surgery. These are not the kind of people who complain about their back hurting every time you see them (we all know one of those). If they have a problem, they seek a solution.
Why do you think your clients feel it is “worth it” in economic terms?
Regular clients know that ‘downtime’ is going to cost more in time, money, and decreased quality of life than the investment they make in getting massages.
A business owner knows that creativity and productivity are their greatest resources. Stress kills them both. If your business is generating high revenues, the cost of massage to help you stay on your game is very small in comparison.
In appropriate situations, paying $600-$1500 to treat a condition with massage therapy sure beats the total cost of getting surgery and the subsequent rehab.
For our physical and mental health we all need to feel accepted, feel cared for, and make regular time to “get away from it all”. Most of us spend our days giving, giving, and giving. We take on everything and try to pile more on top of that. I provide an escape from that pressure. When people come here they aren’t expected to do anything, I don’t want anything from them. The massage session is an opportunity to recharge and build up positive energy. The cost is a great value for clients who can’t or don’t get that same peace at home.
Can you buy massage “at discount”?
I offer clients the Flex Account option and most massage therapists have some type of discount package for regular clients.
I like using an account system because it’s based on a dollar amount instead of a number of massages. This means that clients are free to choose any service anytime. The cost of the service is simply deducted from their account balance.
It’s easier to manage and regular clients save 10%-20% every day.
In your opinion, what are the top three health things a person should place their money on?
Proper nutrition - Get professional guidance if you can, and invest time in planning and cooking healthy meals and snacks.
Exercise - Join a gym, take a class, get out there and get your body moving everyday.
Stress relieving activity- This could be massage, yoga, painting, playing music, anything that removes the stress of the day and leaves you feeling renewed and ready to face the world again. For you to get this feeling your activity really needs to be something positive that also gives you a sense of accomplishment. Watching television doesn’t count.
Ironically, these three things don’t have to involve spending lots of money. If you need to pay for a dance class to get motivated to exercise, do it! If you have to pay for a cooking class to improve your eating habits don’t be put off by that, ultimately you’re making an investment in yourself.
So I guess the answer would be, YES! Paying for massage is totally worth it if you value your health. Professional massage is an investment in your mental and physical well-being that pays dividends. For these and other tips, check out Pressure Massage Therapy’s website. Thanks for answering our questions, Christina!
Why is “healthy” food “expensive”?
With the kick off of the new year many of us are vowing to improve our diets. One common excuse, however, is that purchasing healthy food is expensive. I spoke with Jennifer Cassetta, Holistic Health Counselor and founder of Health in the City, about the financial aspects of what goes into our shopping carts and our bodies.
Hi Jennifer, please tell us a little about what you do and your expertise in health and nutrition.
I grew up on wheat bread and natural peanutbutter and embarrassed that I was the only kid in class that never had junk food in my house. Somewhere along the way, probably in my college years, I lost my way and wound up a midnight pizza eater and barfly. Thank goodness I found my way back as well as my life mission about 8 years ago when I started my martial arts training at World Martial Arts Center in NYC. I traded my cigarettes for self defense and vodka for wheatgrass shots. I became an instructor and later a personal trainer. I studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, bundled my expertise and started my own business called Health and the City. I train and counsel busy, overstressed NY’ers on how to find balance amongst chaos and to maintain their ideal weight through exercise and diet. I teach my clients to incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle to ward off disease, manage stress, and maintain high levels of energy.
A lot of people complain that it is too expensive to buy “healthy” food. What do you say to a person that says that? What would be your suggestions for someone who feels they need to cut back on the food bill but still want to improve their health?
I was one of those people who complained about the cost of healthy, organic foods until I sat back and reevaluated the situation. I realized that I spent way more money eating out than I did on groceries. Not to mention the cost of drinks in the city, averaging about $8 each, can definitely pump up the price of any dinner. So, now I counsel my clients from experience. Cut back on the number of nights you eat out. Brown bag your lunches because lunch in NYC can be a $20 bill when you add up your morning lattes and post lunch sweet fix.
Also, the cost of eating healthy is miniscule compared to the cost of getting sick all the time due to poor nutrition and health. When you are eating healthy and pack your diet with fruits and vegetables that contain necessary nutrients and anti-oxidants, you are building your immune system to fight off sickness. If you are eating low quality, junk foods you are destroying your immune system little by little and have a much greater chance of “catching” flus and colds that keep you unproductive and out of work for days at a time. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who work for themselves and must rely on their health to keep them in business. (I am speaking from experience here!)
The cost of eating healthy is much smaller than the cost of hospital bills and sick days down the road.
What kinds of grocery items are “worth” paying a slight premium for?
When grocery shopping it is an absolute must to pay a premium for animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs. Unless you want a chicken breast with a side of antibiotics or a steak with a serving of growth hormones and other chemicals, I seriously suggest that you buy organic animal products. As a bonus, you are helping the environment as well. If you don’t believe me just do your research on conventionally grown meat products in the U.S. You will be shocked at what you find!
There is also a list called the Dirty Dozen that is put out annually by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which lists the most contaminated conventionally grown foods. The list usually contains spinach, peaches, strawberries, bell peppers, and grapes. So, if you can buy these fruits and vegetables organically then you are saving yourself from extra doses of pesticides.
What are some tips to keep a food bill low?
Eat out less and spend money on healthy groceries and it is possible to save money. Have friends over and they can bring the wine!
Go vegetarian a few days a week. Vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes are relatively inexpensive and a healthier alternative to meals based on meats and dairy which are more expensive. You can build meals around these ingredients alone that can last for days as leftovers so you can cook once, and eat for 3 days. Drink water (it’s free) and skip the chemical and sugar added juices, sodas and sports drinks that contain no nutritional value.
Do you recommend clients do more cooking, or learn to cook?
Absolutely! If you are on a budget, cooking is the most wallet-friendly practice. It can help shrink your waistline while keeping your budget in check. Take-out food, although convenient, is usually drowning in oil and loaded with highly caloric sauces that can contain large amounts of sugar, salt and chemicals like MSG. Restaurants don’t care about your health, they just want the food to taste good so you will come back for more. When you cook for yourself you can control all of the ingredients that go into your meal as well as the amount.
When budgeting for food what are three things to keep in mind to give your body and your wallet a happy outcome?
1 - Buy expensive items in bulk like olive oils and your cleaning products and paper goods.
2 - Plan your meals for the week so you don’t waste money on rotting produce in your refrigerator.
3 - Again, eat vegetarian for a few days a week and save money on costly items like fish, meat and dairy.
Obviously, exercise is the other half of the equation to being healthy. It too, in the same ways, is the best kind of health insurance there is. It helps boost your immune system, keeping you productive and able to take care of yourself, your work and your family. Exercise can also be done on a budget. No need for fancy equipment or high class facilities. Going for a walk or jog outside 4 to 5 times a week is just as good!
Thanks, Jennifer! These are great tips. I can vouch that brown-bagging lunches works. By doing that and faithfully transferring the weekly savings into a savings account I was finally able to create a “savings cushion”. It works!
If you’d like more health and fitness tips suitable for your body and your wallet, make sure to visit Health in the City. What are some food-budget tips you use? How many of you switch to vegetarian meals every once in awhile (aside from us full-timers)?
