How much money is needed to lose weight

Mind over Body: Balancing Physical and Mental Health through Affordable Nutrition

The famous Latin phrase “mens sana in corpore sano” reminds us of the importance of balancing mental and physical well-being.
However, how can this be achieved if products for a healthy and balanced diet cost more than junk food?

It’s a common concern that customers have noticed the price gap between “healthy” products and junk food on supermarket shelves, not to mention the high cost of protein products marketed to aid weight loss.

The diet culture, which glorifies “sculpted” and often unhealthy physiques while shunning non-conforming bodies, reveals its elitism.
A study by Federconsumatori in September 2023 compared prices among “regular” products, protein products, and junk food, shedding light on the affordability issue.

The Cost of Eating Healthy

Grocery shopping for healthy and balanced meals can be a significant financial challenge for Italians.
According to a recent survey by Federconsumatori, the price gap between “regular,” “light,” and “protein” foods is considerable.
However, the study should also investigate customers who need to buy gluten-free or lactose-free products due to intolerances or allergies, as well as those following a vegetarian or vegan diet to identify potential disparities in access to balanced nutrition.

Delving deeper into the diet culture, Federconsumatori analyzed 20 widely consumed products, uncovering significant price differences.
Below is a table comparing prices per kilogram of some staple products between the protein and “regular” versions.

Product	Protein €/Kg	“Regular” €/kg
bread	10.37 euro	4.60 euro
pasta	14.80 euro	3.19 euro
cookies	12.96 euro	3.79 euro
flour	4.95 euro	0.70 euro

Comparing prices reveals a staggering increase of +242% for cookies and an even higher increase of +607% for flour.
However, the higher price is not always justified by superior quality but often driven by market demand and marketing strategies.
Additionally, these products are often packaged in smaller sizes to make the price difference less noticeable.

Beyond Protein: Inflation and the True Cost of Eating Healthy

The issue of the cost of eating healthy extends beyond the comparison between protein and regular products.
Even for those who opt for a balanced diet without such products, costs continue to rise.
Prices for staple foods have significantly increased, with sugar up by +46%, rice by +32.4%, and olive oil by +26.6%.
Fresh vegetables (+18.8%), frozen vegetables (+16.5%), baby food (+16%), eggs (+13.5%), and fruit (+3%) have also been impacted by inflation.

In addition to food costs, consulting professionals like nutritionists or dieticians adds to the financial burden.
Federconsumatori estimates an average cost of 97 euros for an initial visit to a nutritionist, with follow-up visits at 50 euros.
For a dietician, the average cost is 155 euros for the first visit and 65 euros for subsequent visits.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet under professional guidance is not accessible to everyone.
Nevertheless, there are alternative ways to avoid succumbing to junk food and prioritize health while being budget-conscious.

Practical Tips for Healthier and Affordable Eating Habits

Making healthy eating affordable should be a basic right, yet the most inexpensive products are often junk food items that remain unaffected by economic crises.

To combat rising obesity rates and promote affordable health, it is essential to adopt simple strategies like choosing fresh seasonal foods over expensive protein products, incorporating fruits, vegetables, and legumes while reducing meat and fish consumption, preparing meals at home, and planning meals to minimize waste and balance nutrition according to one’s budget.

It is crucial not to be swayed by expensive protein and light products promising quick weight loss, as true health lies in being mindful of what we consume.
Before appearance, prioritizing the well-being and health of our bodies is paramount.