I wonder if it's a conspiracy?

Awhile back a good friend told me about this website caloriecount.com . Let me say I LOVE this site!! I highly recommend it. I've found some great forums and I have fun loading in my food intake and activity it's just an all around great site you should check it out no matter how much you want to lose.

One of the forums talked about how expensive it is to buy healthy food. That notion brings to mind many conversations I've had with the hubby. There are so many elements at play when it comes to the "obesity epidemic". But you can't miss the fact that most cases of obesity can be found in the poor. I can't help but wonder why a box of macaroni and cheese cost less than a head of broccoli. Why a can of spam is cheaper than buying the contents of a simple house salad. It just doesn't add up. The very thing that is killing us is the only thing that most of our citizens can afford to consume.

It's understandable. If you've got only $50 to last you for two weeks when it come to groceries what would you do? I understand the concept food transport, and it's cheaper and faster to produce the mac-n-cheese than it is the broccoli. But why not instead of building that mac-n-cheese factory. Build a Broccoli greenhouse or farm? And use the same labor. For some this is a silly notion. But for me it seems reasonable. Vegetables are not readily available therefore making them inexpensive because the turn around isn't fast enough, or the product good till date isn't long enough. I understand that. But it's not far fetched to create an environment that does provide ample amounts of fruits and vegetables in a timely manner.

A good start is supporting farmers. Supporting local farmers markets. Consuming local produce. Sure it may be a little pricey now but spread the word and that price will come down. It's only high now so that the farmer can make ends meet with what little of their crop is consumed. More importantly support the small farmer. Or better yet create a garden of your own favorite veggies and fruits. Get the exercise and the produce for free!! Instead of the government looking at all these pharmaceutical remedies. Why not make the healthy foods more available to those on a limited or fixed income. Why not make it less expensive and available in bulk so our school cafeterias can serve more of it.

Ned and I are excited to start our first garden in the spring. We've been composting since the summer and we look forward to getting the exercise and doing something good for our bodies, good for our wallets, and good for the environment.
I'll keep you posted on the tips we learn!