It's easy to say that eating clean, real food is expensive, but have you thought about whether or not that statement is even true?

The reality is that eating better does a few cost-saving things. One of them is that real foods are satisfying/filling and nourishing. You may spend more on an item, but you will eat less overall because you are full and you are adequately fueled. Another cost-saving reality is that better food actually improves your health. It doesn't manage your symptoms, it heals your problems. Both of these save you money in the long run. Lots, and lots of money.

If you're still skeptical, just take a look at a bill you're willing to pay every month just anticipating your health problems: your health insurance. 

The average American family spends more than $1,000 per month on their portion of their health insurance premium. Their employer pays at least as much on their behalf, and then there are the deductibles and co-pays. If you want to use a practitioner or treatment that's not approved by your plan, then you're not covered at all and get to pay for health insurance plus your preferred treatment 100% out of pocket.  

This is expensive. Really, really expensive. If you're struggling with your health, you easily meet your deductible for thousands more dollars in a year out of pocket, and your co-pays and prescriptions add up too.

Expecting food to be super cheap is a belief built into us through messaging. It's not grounded in numbers, reality, facts or common sense. Running a hospital or doctor's office is expensive, but so is running a 5,000 acre farm. So is raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and acres and acres of wheat, corn, beans, and any amount of food that can feed more than just your family. 

Cheap food is almost always ultra processed. What you perceive to save up front at the cash register you will pay for later by the thousands. Your actual cost will come in the form of doctor's office visits and hospitalizations for diabetes, heart disease, metabolic issues, hormone issues, weight problems, and cancer. 

Paying more for healthcare and less for food isn't common sense. The good news is that you're actually in the drivers seat and can change this game at any time. Start investing in better food and watch your actual food bill and your healthcare expenses both go down over time.