Frozen by our Choices

Starting in the 1950s, we as a society made the plunge into processed and treated and convenient.  [Think Swanson's frozen TV dinners.]  I’m not pointing any fingers 'cause I too am a customer of this consumption.  I too choose to make my life easier at times and it's not with the (more expensive) organic/natural choices.  We are a society that has opted for ease and convenience and over the decades of my lifetime, we sure are paying for it — in more ways than one.  

I used to love Banquet Chicken Pot Pies — when I Googled it this is what I found from one food writer: 

"Banquet Chicken Pot Pies are very flavorful. Each component of the pie, the crust, the sauce / gravy and the meat / vegetable mixture complements the other. The gravy is thick and satiny and full of chicken flavor and the chicken meat is fresh, tender and real. The flaky crust maintains a very pleasant flavor and texture. Especially when you consider how inexpensive these pot pies are, Banquet Chicken Pot Pies are a delicious dinner option.

Like any other product, the retail price charged for Banquet Chicken Pot Pies varies from store to store. Quite frequently however, most food retailers sell these pot pies for approxmately $.99c - 1.29 each. I have even seen these chicken pot pies priced as low as $.79c each while on sale. In my opinion, Banquet Chicken Pot Pies are one of the most economical, yet delicious food items available in American supermarkets. " 

This from a "food writer" — who is he kidding?  Yes, it may not cost much and it may taste good, but is it good for us?

I think you know, but just in case, this is from the Center for Disease Control:

• Since the 1970s, the amount of sodium in our food has increased, and we are eating more food each day than in the past.
• The vast majority of the sodium consumed is from processed and restaurant foods; only a small portion is used in cooking or added at the table.
• The average daily sodium intake for Americans age 2 years and older is 3,436 mg.
• The Upper Limit (UL) of 2300 mg per day refers to the highest daily level of sodium that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. The UL is not a recommended intake and there is no apparent benefit to consuming levels of sodium above the Adequate Intake (AI).

• The Adequate Intake (AI) of 1500 mg per day is the recommended average daily sodium intake level. The IOM set the AI for sodium for adults at 1500 mg per day to ensure that the overall diet provides sufficient amounts of other nutrients and to cover sodium sweat losses in physically active individuals.
• The 1,500 recommendation applies to about half of the U.S. population overall and the majority of adults. Nearly everyone benefits from reduced sodium consumption.

While I  still might have a pot pie once in awhile, when we make a habit of eating what's convenient, fast, and cheap, this is what we get — over half the calories come from fat and the amount of sodium is over half of what one should consume in a day.  

Is it any wonder that obesity and diabetes are prevalent throughout our adult population and impacting children's health as well?

It's true that some people are eating healthier and organic.  But in part that's because they have access and the financial means to do so.  

We need to make major changes to what we choose to eat, what we make affordable for people on limited incomes, and in a broader sense, what we value in our society — 

Will we stick with short-term cheap convenience or will we start to fully grapple with long-term solutions, better and  healthier choices?