Healthy Food or Junk?

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Parents of some obese children could save up to £6.58 (about $10) each week by changing their shopping habits and opting for a healthier diet, according to research published in the latest issue of the British Journal of General Practice. The study on the theme of obesity shows that healthier eating does not have to be more expensive, challenging one of the commonly cited barriers to dietary change. The figures showed that healthier eating could cost no more than £2.31 ($4) extra a week, and that in some cases, savings of up to £6.58 ($10) a week could by made by switching.

Parents of some obese children could save up to £6.58 (about $10) each week by changing their shopping habits and opting for a healthier diet, according to research published in the latest issue of the British Journal of General Practice. The study on the theme of obesity shows that healthier eating does not have to be more expensive, challenging one of the commonly cited barriers to dietary change. The figures showed that healthier eating could cost no more than £2.31 ($4) extra a week, and that in some cases, savings of up to £6.58 ($10) a week could by made by switching.

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The research tests the perception of both parents and some health professionals that healthy eating is, by necessity, more expensive. It demonstrates that it is possible to switch from an unhealthy to a healthy diet, and still reduce food costs.

Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, from the University of Bristol’s School of Clinical Sciences and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, said: "Food cost is frequently cited as a reason for failure to address eating behaviors in clinical practice, and this study demonstrates that for many this is a perceived rather than real barrier."

The food diaries of obese children were analyzed for various aspects of nutritional content then converted by qualified dieticians into healthier option daily menus, following the guidelines of the Eatwell plate.

The eat well plate is a pie chart that shows you how much of different types of food you should eat in your daily life.  Chocolate and sugars are not a huge part of the eat well plate and the fruit and vegetable part is bigger because they are better for you.

Junk foods are typically ready-to-eat convenience foods containing high levels of saturated fats, salt, or sugar, and little or no fruit, vegetables, or dietary fiber; and are considered to have little or no health benefits. Common junk foods include salted snack foods like chips (crisps), candy, gum, most sweet desserts, fried fast food and carbonated beverages (sodas) as well as alcoholic beverages. 

A healthy diet is one that helps maintain or improve general health. It is important for lowering many chronic health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. A healthy diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of all essential nutrients and an adequate amount of water. 

The participants’ diaries showed that on average they consumed 221 calories per day more than the estimated average requirements (EAR). The adjusted healthier menus reduced this to just seven calories per day above the EAR.

Comparing the cost of the two menus if bought from budget supermarkets, mid-range supermarkets and local street stores showed that shoppers at a mid-range supermarket who ate a diet of low nutritional quality could switch to a healthy diet by shopping in a budget supermarket and still save money.

While recognizing that other factors play a part in diet – taste preferences, the time people are able to spend cooking, cooking skills, and other family circumstances – the results do suggest that as pressure grows on family finances, there are healthy eating options that will not break the bank.

For further information:  http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2011/8121.html

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