Part I: A Whole Life: The Cost of Eating Naturally
Part II: The Cost of Eating Naturally: The Benefits
Today, illness is the new normal. The flu, sinus infections, bacterial infection, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, reflux and much more have become things that we have just learned to cope with.
In 2009, Americans spent over $60 billion dollars on over the counter medications alone, and it is projected that that number will topple $70 billion by 2015. (http://www.reportlinker.com/p0128689-summary/The-Global-OTC-Pharmaceutical-Market.html)
The Integrated Benefits Institute reported in 2012 that poor health, which result in missed work days and disability, costs the United States half a trillion dollars each year. Those numbers are pretty big, so I like to look at the family effect picture — each year the average American family loses thousands of dollars in income due to missed days of work for themselves or family members. Is there a better way? Can we be healthier?
Most people say that they would love to be healthier, but the cost and time is just not available. I ask folks, “How many days do you miss from work being sick? Does that cost you money and time?”
We really have to start looking at the bigger picture if we want to help our bodies heal. Of course you don’t go to the store and pick up a grass fed pound of beef or head of cauliflower and say, “Hey, two months from now, I won’t be battling the flu this year.” But really, if you make conscious decisions about your food purchasing and preparation, that is exactly what happens.
Today we make very little connection to diet and nutrition when looking at our overall health. But there are a few ways to look at how eating naturally can benefit you, and they are very simple.
First, eating naturally WILL save you money. You can heal your body from many illnesses just through simple changes to your diet. When that healing occurs, you are not pouring all that money into doctors visits (unless necessary), over-the-counter medications and prescriptions.
Second, of course, you are getting sick far less, and you are maximizing all your time with what you really want to spend it on — work, family, community and more.
Lastly, and most important, you feel good. Who doesn’t want that?
Next: The Cost of Living Naturally: Tips to Saving
Kathy Craddock is the owner of Kickshaws Downtown Market at 101 William St. in Fredericksburg.
Guest writers present their own point-of-view and may not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Fredericksburg.Today.
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