Healthy choices complicated by food cost

As dwindling funds spread thinner over more expensive daily items, consumers are opting for the cheapest choices and looking to get the most from what they buy.

But some penny-pinching decisions in the food aisle can potentially have long-term health consequences, as cheaper processed foods tend to be packed with ingredients that increase risks of developing chronic diseases.

“Many of our patients are from low incomes, and when you are from a low income, you don’t get to make the same choices to spend on the fresh vegetables and fresh fruits,” said Kay Crane, chief executive officer of Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS).

Already suffering from relatively low-income levels compared to state and national averages, Danville and Pittsylvania County residents are being hit particularly hard by rising costs in almost every sector.

National reports have shown that as food prices jump, consumers are opting for foods high in calories and fat and processed foods, which tend to come in larger quantities for less money, rather than healthier options, which are often more expensive.

Eating excessive amounts of fat, starch and calories in general can increase the likelihood of coronary artery disease, diabetes and obesity, said Dr. Charles Devine, former interim director of the Danville-Pittsylvania Department of Health.

Overloading on sodium, found in high concentration in processed and canned foods, can lead to hypertension, he added.

Unhealthy choices

In 2005, the last year for which figures are available, Danville city’s rate of diabetes was 11.5 percent while the rate in Pittsylvania County was slightly lower at 10.2 percent, putting both among the highest in the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For diabetics, a good amount of fiber in the diet is important because it keeps blood sugar stable longer, it takes the body longer to digest therefore helping with weight control and it reduces cholesterol levels, said Terri Motley, nurse educator at PATHS.

In a simple staple comparison, whole grain products are packed with fiber, while white flour is essentially just simple sugar.

But a loaf of white Merita or Wonderbread whole grain bread at Food Lion costs $2.19, while a loaf of whole grain bread costs $2.59. Similarly, 16 ounces of regular Mueller’s pasta costs $1.38, while 16 ounces of whole grain pasta costs $2.65.

Southside generally sees high rates of diabetes and obesity, and health officials acknowledge that the high cost of healthy food has played into the trend.

“Processed foods are what we tend to eat,” Motley said.

A cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant is likely cheaper than buying a lean, healthy cut of meat at the deli.

Supersizing has become the norm, offering extra everything and a large, sugary drink.

“We live in a faster society,” Motley added, “it’s quicker to go through the drive-thru.”

Eating smart

Health professionals, however, stress that it’s possible to eat healthy on a budget.

An easy option, Motley said, is opting for frozen vegetables rather than canned. In addition to not being loaded with sodium-heavy preservatives, consumers are then in control of what else goes into their meal. She advocates experimenting with herbs, rather than just sticking to salt.

Motley also stressed choosing the newer, healthier sides at fast-food restaurants, like sliced fruit instead of french fries.

Devine notes the importance of portion control, and making sure to read the label to know how much of something to eat.

Eating right and staving off those prevalent chronic conditions often boils down to economics, Motley said. It has to do with what people can afford, if they can even get to a grocery store in the first place, and “sometimes even the ability to read labels.”

Contact Sarah Arkin at sarkin@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7983.