I was behind a woman in the checkout who had a full cart. I only had a few things but wasn't in a hurry, so I waited. I watched, a little horrified, as things went across the scanner. Sugar cereal (3 kinds), a 12 pack of Gatorade, 10(!) bags of Chex mix, Hamburger Helper, frozen pre-formed chicken patties, Wonder Bread, instant scalloped potatoes, Chunky soup and a deli chicken. Cheetos, Ruffles, Doritos, and diet soda. The damage? $129 and a family full of clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and fat bellies, I'll bet.
I wasn't completely guiltless, either. I had a bag of carrots, some frozen chicken breasts, a tub of Rainbow Sherbet and a case of Coke, but the Coke wasn't for me, it's Scott's. I indulge only VERY occasionally - I don't like it most of the time.
It's not HARD to eat well, but it's sure easier to eat badly, isn't it? I have found over the past few months that sticking as close to source as possible is a pretty healthful and easy way to get good food in. The further something is processed from its original form, the higher the fat, the lower the fiber, the greater the sodium, the fewer the nutrients.
I know that sometimes we sacrifice healthy for convenient, but ultimately I believe what we are really sacrificing is our SELF. In the amount of time it takes to microwave a pizza (gag!!) I can slice some oatbran bread, smear on some cream cheese or peanut butter, grab a handful of almonds & dried crans and pour some icewater. And that small step could add days (weeks, months, years?) to my life. It's WORTH IT!!!
1 comment:
I've seen the same thing you describe often. It's truly sad. But you're right it's easier to eat badly, and usually cheaper too, especially if you have to eat out. Hooray for your health efforts.
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