United Way Hunger Challenge Thoughts: Time is money, good or bad.

In my opinion the reason why people do not cook more healthy meals are because of time and money. These days both time and money are precious commodities which demand our attention. With busy schedules and a tightening of the wallet people prioritize how they will spend both. Unfortunately many families today give little priority in providing healthy meals. I heard on the radio of a published study stating that 1 out of 4 toddlers are considered obese. Not overweight and pudgy, obese. This is so alarming. How can we afford not to invest time and money in the food we eat by the choices we make?

I realize for many people following the food bloggers (including myself) taking the Hunger Challenge will think we’re over the top by making our own condiments, breads, and everything else. I can only speak for myself, but my motivation is time, money, and quality of food we eat. Our family is on one income. I stay at home with my kids and manage the household. My job is to take the hard earned money my husband brings home and make the most of it. What I can do with $100 is likely to be far more than the average person who doesn’t cook, doesn’t know how to shop wisely at the store or both. The time I invest in shopping and preparing meals is saving money and providing quality balanced meals. It is an investment I don’t mind spending because the pay off will yield benefits in the health of our family.

People can spend their time and money (wisely or foolishly) however they choose. But with any decisions there are natural rewards and consequences. Yes time is money, good or bad. That’s my food for thought of the day.