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Cost, ignorance, factors in Canadians' diets

Cost a factor in Canadians' Diets

A new survey of just over 1600 Canadians indicates that the seemingly prohibitive cost of healthy foods is a significant barrier to healthy eating in Canadian households. Respondants also identified "time" and "inconvenience" as roadblocks in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. Saedigh.com calls a big fat BULLSHIT on the factuality of these beliefs, but doesn't entirely blame the respondants for their ignorance. With courses in home economics (am I even still allowed to call it that?) no longer required learning in our schools, is it any wonder that there are increasing numbers of people who don't know how to shop for groceries or prepare a balanced meal on a budget?

By shopping the "edges" of the grocery store (i.e., fresh produce, protein, and dairy), avoiding the salt-laden aisles of prepackaged foods, and choosing items produced locally and in-season, you can quickly cut the fat out of both your diet and your grocery bill. In the time it takes you to wait for your Pizza Guy (I believe Pizza Pizza's gaurantee time is now 40 min), you can prepare a healthy, balanced meal for the same cost or less. You just need to know how to do it... and that is where we are failing our children. The generation whose life expectancy is projected to be less than our own; the generation who will be accompanying their parents to the ER with shared complaints of tightness in the chest, shooting arm pains, and trouble breathing despite a 30 year age difference.

And I know...if I'm not part of the solution...yadda yadda yadda. And so, to avoid being part of the problem, here is one of my and Capt Mike's favourite recipes that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare , costs about $15.00 to feed 4, kid-friendly, high in fibre, and low in fat.

Chili Tacos
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Cooking spray (olive oil variety)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb lean ground turkey
8 oz can plain tomato sauce
16 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
8 taco shells
Light sour cream, chopped green onions, and favourite salsa to garnish

1. Coat non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Over medium heat, toast chili and cumin until fragrant.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until tender.
3. Add turkey, and cook until well done (about 10 minutes).
4. Stir in beans and tomato sauce, and simmer until heated through.
5. Stuff tacos, garnish, and serve with your favourite green salad or raw veggies.

I can usually eat 2 of these babies, with a salad on the side. Capt Mike can put away more, but there is always more than enough filling for 8 shells plus leftovers that are great for making a taco salad for lunch the next day.

Chow down, Canada. And stop making excuses.