The United States is well known for having one of the lowest percentages of incomes going to food. That is the case, if one eats a diet of inexpensive, heavily processed food. If one eats a diet that avoids processed food, eats natural and organic products and if one has food sensitivities, the US diet is anything but inexpensive.
I have done a lot of research on nutrition. I also have been tested for food sensitivities. While I do not have many food sensitivities, I have some that have far-reaching implications. As a result, I seek alternative products, and my food bills have skyrocketed. My granddaughter, who often has several meals a week, with me has numerous food sensitivities that were making her sick. Therefore I have to keep her sensitivities in mind when I shop. That further escalates the cost.
The bottom line has far reaching implications. American food is cheap if one eats a basic diet heavy on processed and fast food. When we avoid processed and fast food, the American diet is as pricey as if we lived in Scandinavia.
I frequently travel to Europe and have the opportunity to enjoy healthy breakfast buffets in a variety of countries. These are expensive items. Similarly, to buy those items here is also costly.
To be gluten free, for example, is a costly choice. Although I do not have high sensitivity to gluten, I have chosen to avoid gluten laden items because I am supposed to avoid starches, flours, yeast, sugars, etc.
When Americans review their budgets, food often is a last choice, rather than a first choice. Our electronic toys are very expensive. Yet we prioritize them over the needs of our bodies for a healthy diet. As a country we eat greasy fast food or empty calorie-laden foods that are sweet and tasty rather than choices packed with good nutrition. But, at which price, in the long run? The price of health...
