Healthy vs. Unhealthy Foods

Here are some basic comparisons between many of the foods we typically eat and simple healthy substitutes for many of these foods.

Key comparisons may include:

Purchasing costs
Cooking times
General costs and/or benefits to the body

Example 1:

Description	Fast Food Cheeseburger	Homemade Deli Sandwich Meal
Price ($$)	$5.00-$12.00	$5.00- $12.00
Cook Time	N/A	N/A
Health Benefits	lots of protein	lots of protein variety of healthy vegetables low fat (low or no oils, batters, etc)
Health Costs	high in cholesterol high fat high total calories may lead to fatigue during digestion	minimal (avoid adding excess condiments, french fries, etc)

Substitution Ideas for cheeseburger combo meals may include:

grilled chicken breast instead of beef patty(ies)
no cheese on burger
fresh deli instead of grilled/ fried meat(s)

Example 2:

Description	Large Energy Drink	Large Water
Price ($$)	$1.00-$8.00	$1.00- $6.00
Prep Time	N/A	N/A
Health Benefits	minimal	helps meet water requirements for the day refreshing absent of harmful/ questionable ingredients
Health Costs	energy "crash" after initial energy "boost" intake of a variety of harmful/ questionable ingredients linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. too much sugar and/ or caffeine per serving	NONE

Substitution Ideas for energy drink may include:

water
Gatorade or Powerade sports drink
black coffee or plain espresso
iced or hot tea

ATTENTION: All content relating to nutrition herein should be considered general, non-clinical information and guidance. Always consult with your doctor or a professional nutritionist when seeking ANY personalized dietetic advice that may significantly affect your immediate and/or long-term health.