Lose Weight; Fatten Your Wallet– Is That Really True?
I recently found the article “Losing Weight Will Fatten Your Wallet” over at SmartMoney.com and of course was instantly intrigued by the headline. As someone who is pretty health conscious, I am always eager to know how I can save some money.
While the tips in here are sound that you can save hundreds of dollars on things like “the
latte factor”, insurance, and health care costs, I think the article misses a crucial point. Focusing only on the cash in hand is a misguided measure. Not to mention, I personally have never seen a questionnaire or change in my health insurance premiums because I am a non-smoker, athletic, organic, heart-healthy, all-natural kind of person. In my experience, sometimes you need to actually spend a few more dollars out of pocket to realize the health gains this article mentions. And, losing weight is a fine goal. Obesity is an epidemic, at least in the US land of Super Size Me. But, losing weight just to watch numbers on the scale go down or numbers in your savings account go up isn’t really sustainable and certainly defeats the whole idea of shifting to a healthier mindset.
For example, it is definitely cheaper to eat junk than it is to eat whole foods. Even all the 
non-fat lo-cal crap on the shelves will help you lose weight but it is not necessarily going to make you healthier. And, if this processed stuff is readily available at places like Wal-Mart you can bet that you’ll be super-sizing it at home as well. You may achieve a goal of less fat and calories, but they will be far emptier calories in terms of fueling your body.
While I am no medical doctor or nutritionist I do know that whole grains, organically grown, and locally grown/raised food is better for you and better for the environment. So you have to look at the cost of your food over the long haul. And, if you eat better tasting, more nutrient rich food and eat it slowly, you will eat less and naturally lose weight. At least according to researchers in US, Japan, and France.
The problem is, whether you’re financially strapped or not, it is sometimes hard to make the better overall choice for yourself when it is cheaper to buy a cheesburger than a head of lettuce. All you need to do is look at the recent Wendy’s commercial with the guy who has the miniature burger look at the guy with the huge several thousand calorie, belly filling Wendy’s meal, frown and say…only a $2.99. Now, if you’re hungry as heck, would you rather have a spread of food or a head of lettuce?
If you really want to fatten your wallet and boost your health, shift your mindset. Focus on being fit and healthy, not losing something. Make empowering choices to fuel your body even if it is a few extra dollars in the short run. In the end, you’ll be happier, healthier, feel better, and see more financial abundance because you’ll simply be more attractive in all that you do.
Great article Paula. My friends and I discuss this same thing all the time when we head through Whole Foods or the “organic” section of the local supermarket. A few of us are trying to make healthier choices, but financially the cards are stacked against us when it’s definitely more expensive to eat well and pursue a fitter lifestyle than to be lazy and eat junk.
As for the referenced “latte factor,” one can easily order skim and sugar-free drinks at Starbucks and drastically cut the calories. A better solution for me and my co-workers is buying coffee (even splurging at Dean and Deluca) and making it in the office ourselves. It may not be as effortless as ordering at the ‘Bucks, but it’s an easily noticed savings.
I think I know where the original author seems to think the weight loss will happen. If a little less of whatever you normally eat is what is consumed- and the rest saved for another meal or whatever- there can be some cost savings and maybe weight reduction.
Too simplified. What if the portion size of what was bought doesn’t readily lend itself to another meal and just rots in the fridge? Some minor weight loss would occur- but no savings.
Once again, another idea that’s not completely thought thru- and as you stated— sometimes you just have to pick the healthier choice, costs be damned.
I do think I would both lose weight and save money if I planned my meals weekly, did more buying in bulk, and almost-exclusively ate at home (or brown bag).
But, someone sent me an interesting article this morning that really makes your point about the fact that junk food is a lot cheaper than healthy food: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1047
It includes some pretty dramatic stats!