Cynthia Lair has been a member of the nutrition faculty at Bastyr University since 1994. She also stars in the humorous online cooking show Cookus Interruptus.

Food bank

Whole foods are good investments

By Cynthia Lair

October 30, 2008

When you eat, you are making a deposit in your body. If you choose to eat nutrient-dense whole foods, you have plenty of cash for the day, plus some savings — meaning you can maintain muscle energy plus have extra nutrients to do other physiological work.

When you choose cheap, empty calories, like white flour and high-fructose corn syrup, you leave a big fat IOU in your account. No kidding. You’ve got no bills in your pocket, and the promissory note tends to hang around your waistline. Those notes can start piling up on your behind.

With the economic and health issues we face, we need to keep a steady income of simple foods like whole grains, dark leafy greens, beans, fresh fruit, nuts, and fish coming into the body account.

Good food is a good investment.

Buying grains and beans in bulk and learning how to convert them into delicious soups, spreads, breakfast cereals, and main dishes pays off.

Keeping more expensive, high-quality items, like free-range chicken or organic walnuts, as side dishes and toppings saves money and maintains health, too. This is long-term sustainable eating that helps keep money in your child’s college fund or your retirement account instead of giving it to drug companies and hospitals.