week 10 post 3, comparison in prices of food

It is notable to mark the distinct difference in prices of food when comparing Sweden to the United States. I have noticed this change simply because I am a consumer that always tries to spend the least amount of money on groceries as possible, usually choosing sale items and consistently low-priced items. In the U.S, this means- bananas, bread, milk, canned soups, sodas, and mostly notable: frozen food and dinners. In Sweden it means something much different- apples, bananas, fresh rolls, tubes of caviar, and juice boxes from concentrate. Bad eating habits don't come with a short-term consequence, in fact eating unhealthy can be very affordable and pleasing to the wallet.  In Sweden, I have found it impossible to afford a habit of drinking soda every day, eating ice cream frequently, and making frozen pizzas once a week. Food with preservatives cost so much, especially canned soups and frozen dinners. Eating cheap here means eating healthy, which brings forward many issues. The American diet seems to be a vicious cycle of people buying what is cheap therefore buying what is unhealthy. Produce in America can be so expensive, especially the organic kind, and simply is beat by the competitive prices of cheap frozen dinners. America is a competitive country to work in, and has many working overtime or weekends. Not only does quality family time get cut, but so does time spent eating healthy. The convenience of low-priced, filling food that is quick to prepare is very attractive to overworked, overtired Americans. Preparing dinners from scratch is a thing of the past- even families that prepare dinners will use pre-made crusts, mixes, or dressings. I have found from moving to another country and adopting their day-to-day living patterns, price points set lifestyles, and are vital to the way people consume. Issues of morality come with this, bringing forward the idea that healthy foods should be available and affordable to all who want them, not just those who are rich. Leisure plays a big role in this as well, with Americans tending to spend more on leisure goods like television sets, cars, and large houses. With a lower standard of living in Sweden, more can afford to be spent on groceries, and more importantly, healthy food. It is a similar question to the chicken and the egg argument. What comes first, bad eating habits or bad prices?