According to a new study, Unisa researchers evaluated the affordability of popular diets, comparing them to suggestions from the Australian Guide to Health Eating (AGHE) and the Mediterranean diet, finding that cutting your calories costs up to USD may differ. 300 per week.
The study was published in the journal ‘University of South Australia’. Research has shown that the most cost-effective diets were formulated from AGEs and optimized for weight loss through calorie restriction. This meal plan included all five main food groups and a range of inexpensive staple items such as bread, pasta, and legumes, as well as small amounts of animal products. The diet plans that were most expensive generally restricted multiple food groups and included premium products such as organic products, protein supplements, low carbohydrate replacements and high protein breads.
In Australia, more than 2.5 million Australians had tried a weight loss diet. Lead researcher Associate Professor Karen Murphy said it is important to understand the costs of weight-loss programs, especially as people are facing financial struggles and reduced access to fresh produce amid COVID-19 and the current flood. “In Australia, about 12.5 million adults are overweight or obese. That’s two out of every three adults, or 67 percent of our adult population,” said Assoc Professor Karen Murphy.
“Not surprisingly, interest in weight-loss diets is increasing, yet the associated costs of these programs are very rarely reported,” he adds. “In our research, we assessed the weekly cost of seven different meal plans and found that weekly grocery shopping costs between $345-$625 for whole product units, which is what the average Australian spends on groceries each week. Much more than that.”
It is important to understand the cost behind the range of diets on offer because the financial viability of sticking to these programs may be questionable for some, including those with low incomes. Additionally, there is a misconception that consuming a healthy diet composed of five major food groups like AGHE is too expensive, which it really isn’t.
Studies have shown that some of the more expensive diets absorb up to 13 percent of disposable income. In addition to cost, Unisa PhD candidate, Ella Bracci, said nutrition is also the key to starting a new diet. It doesn’t matter whether you chose keto or carb-free, losing weight is always tied to caloric intake — if you reduce the number of calories you consume, you’ll lose weight.” Bracki said.
“Some diets intentionally restrict certain food groups — such as bread and pasta — to help change unhealthy habits. But it’s also important to realize that the restrictive patterns of some diets can lead to unhealthy relationships with food and If you follow it without the guidance of a qualified nutritionist or dietitian, you may be at risk of nutritional deficiency,” he continued.
Healthy eating principles such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and the Mediterranean diet emphasize fresh produce and staple foods. While a misconception exists that these can cost more, eating a healthy diet doesn’t need to break the bank. Shop for specials and mark-downs, buy in season or buy frozen, dried and canned products, choose home-brand or non-premium products where possible, and buy in bulk where appropriate. Weigh your options wisely and you can shrink your waistline without cutting your bottom line.
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