The current diet of families is less healthy due to the decrease in purchasing power

The latest Eroski Consumer report shows that “The purchasing power of Spanish families is sinking”. An increase in unemployment of more than 24%, and a reduction in the salaries of people who maintain employment, are evident in the family economy. There is no choice but to impose cuts, but where to cut when pure survival strategies have already been adopted?

Nutrition experts agree that with the limited budget the best choices cannot be made, and a nutritional imbalance occurs. In August and September of this year, an online survey was carried out on 2000 people between 25 and 69 years old. All respondents were responsible at home for decisions in the purchase of food products (alone or sharing with others).

In the last five or six years, 92 percent of those interviewed by Eroski Consumer are comparing the prices of food products; and 83, pay more attention to offers ... 77 percent acquire white label products

Each month, families surveyed by EROSKI CONSUMER say they spend a monthly average of 343 euros. In Galicia, that amount reaches 368 euros while in Navarra they figure them at 295 euros. The INE Family Budget Survey in 2013 seemed to indicate that family budgets for food had already been reduced by 10.5 percent since the beginning of the crisis in 2008.

In addition to looking more and comparing, consumers substitute foods considered expensive, with cheaper ones, moderating the quantity of products they buy; as well as quality, according to 51 percent of respondents.

Insane trends related to the crisis

Almost a quarter of the people who participated in the survey state that the current diet is less healthy because of the decrease in purchasing power and rising prices.

Among the insane trends that have been observed is the increase in consumption of cheap industrial pastries and pastries (of very low nutritional quality). As well as the increase of precooked foods such as croquettes, sausages, pizzas ... with many flours, saturated fats, salt and calories.

Fast and insane dinners, and less consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and vegetables, are elements that also characterize this trend in nutrition.

According to the criteria of healthy eating, these bad choices can have health consequences and for the physicist, since the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid can be adjusted while gaining weight.

What happens is that I do understand that perhaps with less budget, access to vegetables and fruits, it is not so easy; but I think that you can adopt a more traditional cuisine based on legumes, cereals such as rice and corn, poultry, and some cheap vegetables; Besides that seasonal fruits are not usually expensive. That and having whole wheat breakfast instead of pastries (for example), could improve nutrition. I still have dairy products, and of course, I speak domestically: I know that at home you spend less when you buy basic and fresh products, than processed ones, only that way you should cook more (but it is worth it).

Images | Alison Benbow, Eroski Consumer Report
More information | Eroski Consumer
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