The current issue of Time Magazine features stories about food and diet–the “Anti-Snob-Diet”. Here’s the cover:
Dr. Oz was on the Today Show Monday to talk about the benefits of frozen foods and how you don’t have to dry up your bank account to eat a healthy diet. Frozen fruit – long freezer life, no waste, nutrients are flash frozen. Canned salmon – technology has advanced so less salt is needed for canned foods. Meat – buy small portions and use in a dish loaded with veggies and grains (which cost less). (Video here)
Also in this issue, Cheap vs. Expensive Food. For example, eggs: $1.69 for a carton of 8 vs. $3.29 for a carton of six (organic/cage free). The verdict: Spend more if you can but otherwise save your money. Nutritionally, an egg is an egg. They are a good source of protein, choline, and Vitamin B (and OK to eat in moderation if your cholesterol is in check). The cage free/organic eggs bring no additional nutritional value to the pan.
Olive Oil: $5.49 per bottle vs. $25.29 per bottle. The verdict: Save your money unless you are cooking at a restaurant as a professional chef! The article makes the point that store brand olive oil is as heart-healthy as a fancy brand. Both have the same nutrition picture but if you’re a true foodie, you can probably taste the difference. My favorite olive oil? The fresh oil in Greece or Italy that pretty much comes from grove to table!
What are foods that you splurge on? Are there certain foods that you have to buy the name brand because you think it tastes better than the generic?
I am the opposite…my favorite peanut butter is the local store brand – it is organic but so a bit more expensive, but I buy it because it’s unsalted and I prefer the taste. A food splurge is the Whole Foods Market in-house oven roasted turkey from the deli. But…I see a roasting pan in my future so I’m ready to start in-condo roasting.
Apples and Arteries 
Great post! I always stock up on frozen fruit:)
I definately splurge on my meat purchases and produce from the “dirty dozen.” I guess I would rather spend more on food to benefit my health and spend less in other areas of my life 🙂
Great point!
Interesting. I’ve gotten pickier about meat since living in CO. It’s rubbing off on me. I honestly don’t know anyone who paid attention to that when I lived in Minnesota. We’ve started buying more organic in general just because we typically shop at Sprouts and sometimes that’s our only option.
You must have a great choice of all sorts of meat raised in CO! I remember seeing road-side stands of people selling elk, antelope, etc.
very interesting, I wish I could have seen that segment.
I included a link to the video!
Okay, so confession: I rarely have time to read TIME. 😛 But my interest is peaked. It’s funny because even though I do spend a good amount on quality produce and meat at the grocery store, sometimes my biggest ticket items are the “fun” foods (sounds better than “junk” foods, right?). Organic dark chocolate peanut butter cups, mmmmm….
Well the magazine said dark chocolate is better!
I’m glad they pointed some of this out! I feel a lot of pressure to always eat organic, but sometimes it’s not in the budget!
Thank you. I think it’s OK to be picky about organic and also be practical.
What a great post – and now I’m going to have to pick up an issue of TIME! I definitely splurge on high-quality meat from the butcher counter at Whole Foods. I like to spend a little more on olive oil too, but usually have a cheap option for cooking and a fancier option for some salad dressings, dipping bread, etc.
Thank you!
I try to be picky about foods that we eat really often – apples and carrots are in the cart every week, so I try to buy those organic. I’m usually more budgety for things that we only eat occasionally…
Lately I’ve been eating organic carrots – they really do taste better.
I’m a huge fan of frozen foods–salmon, tilapia, blueberries, strawberries, kale, you name it. However, if I’m preparing meat or another fancy meal, I’ll splurge and go organic; I also follow the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 guidelines when in doubt.
I agree re: meat – I don’t eat much meat so when I do, I want it to taste good and be free of junk.
I have a hard time deciding what to splurge on and what not to. I usually splurge on meat, namebrand almond milk (not sure why, i like it better) and some organic fresh veggies, but I try to buy the store brand of as much as possible. I spend way too much on food every week though and I often feel guilty when I buy the less expensive because I automatically think it’s less healthy (even though I rationally know that’s not true…)
YAY! What a good article!!! 🙂 I love showing people how you can eat healthy without having to spend a fortune!!!
Definitely some useful information here. Thanks!! My splurge items tend to be honey and bread. I try to buy local honey, rather than a generic or low cost brand, for the health benefits. I read that it’s better to eat honey from local sources to combat allergies and most generics are a blend of honey from various sources, usually South America (I live in Europe). I look for artisanal breads to avoid the HFCS additives. Wish I could buy some frozen stuff, but I don’t have a freezer 😦
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very interesting! I always walk by the frozen fruit section and think “I should buy some of that instead” and I never do. I am gonna have to kick myself into gear and get some already!!