When I first came to US and lived in Mid West for a while, I was surprised to see an inverse relation between income levels and obesity.
Proportion of obese people is higher in lower income strata. And the reason is America’s food industry.
Most families in Mid-West thrive on Wendy’s, McDonalds, Burger Kings and likes. As its more food for less.
US food makers have forced us to buy more and eat more or throw. Large can of Heinz Ketchup at Costco is cheaper than buying a small bottle of ketchup at a retails food store. Canned and processed food is cheaper than buying fresh food. I remember back home fresh pineapple would cost less than half of canned pineapple.
They created convenience by offering canned foods. Its easy to open a garbenzo beans tin and cook then go the mommy way of washing the beans, soaking them overnite and pressure cooking. But with convenience came other problems of high use of preservatives, sodium, sugar.
Ingredients on snacks, bread, sauces that we buy are also amazing. Sometimes apart from couple items on the label I don’t even know what those products are….seems like being in a chemistry lab. As a rule I try and avoid any snacks or bread with High Fructose Corn Syrup, artificial colors.
What are the things you consider while buying cereals, pancakes, sauces, canned foods, etc from the store.
Due you buy more just because its cheaper or readily available?
Good article.
http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/why-fat-government-wall-street-fault-marion-nestle-175708490.html
Great article and something to ponder over, but in this fast paced life some of the things are added convenience for sure. I wish there was a simple and effective way to educate people in these things but …..
I generally try to avoid buying any food product from Cosctco :), except chocolates etc for India trip. Salt, sugar, high fructose corn syrup are definitely the ingredients that get watched for canned, frozen food.
Frozen meals/canned foods are just a add on or one of the day meals at our place. I avoid adding extra salt when I use readymade pasta sauce as well.
I also avoid food with hydrogenated oil.
This weeks Satyamve Jayante is on Food Adulteration in India. Have to complete watching the episode.
It is sad in the fast paced life that we live in we do everything to lead a Fancy lifestyle…..but pay least attention to what we eat.
We all forget or overlook the saying…….. “What we eat, constitutes us”