Let me tell you the realization I had today from the moment I decided I wanted some hearty vitamins for my soul and discovered that a cup of fruit—a small cup, mind you—cost $8.99.
Eight. Ninety. Nine.
For… fruit.
The same fruit my grandma used to cut up for free, lovingly sprinkled with unsolicited life advice.
But here I am, buying it anyway, because I’m on my Wellness Era™, trying to radiate health, vitality, and the subtle glow of someone who eats antioxidants on purpose.
So I bought it.
And then, like a responsible adult, I ate it.
Every last overpriced, vitamin-packed cube.
And honestly? It was delicious. Annoyingly delicious.
As I savored my $8.99 Very Special Fruit Experience, I reflected. Because apparently fruit makes me philosophical.
It hit me that this little cup of fruit—this tiny investment in my heart health and longevity—felt “expensive.”
Yet when I go out with my friends? Oh, suddenly I’m the CEO of Reckless Spending Inc.
- $15 loaded tots from Gaslamp Tavern? Obviously.
- Nachos that require a team of engineers to structurally support the cheese-to-chip ratio? Absolutely.
- $10–$12 green tea shots? Yes, bartender, keep ‘em coming.
Not once have I said, “Hmm, this tequila doesn’t really fit my budget or my wellness goals.”
Nope. Not even a whisper of hesitation.
But a cup of fruit? That sends my brain into full financial crisis mode.
So what gives?
Somewhere along the way, many of us started treating healthy food like a luxury, and unhealthy food like a mandatory bonding ritual.
$8.99 for fruit = “Wow… is this made of gold?”
$12 for a shot = “We’re celebrating! Live a little!”
$19 for avocado toast = “Ugh, millennials.”
$19 for a burger with a 3-inch cheese waterfall = “This is self-care.”
But here’s the truth I smacked myself with as I chewed my very expensive cut-up fruits:
If we don’t blink at spending money on food and drinks that don’t help us live longer… why hesitate to spend money on the ones that actually do?
My heart doesn’t care how much the fruit cost.
My cholesterol levels aren’t sending me Venmo requests.
My future self—hopefully dancing, thriving, and still able to touch my toes—is counting on me to make choices that count.
But – let’s be real – we’re still going to have fun.
Don’t worry, this isn’t an “all or nothing” situation.
You can still have loaded tots.
You can still enjoy the shots with your friends (maybe just… not five).
You can still live your life and be healthy.
Because balance is the real secret and moderation is the actual magic.
So the next time you’re contemplating whether that $8.99 cup of fruit is “worth it,” remind yourself:
If you can confidently buy the food that doesn’t help your health, then go ahead and invest—guilt-free—in the food that does.
Your health is priceless.
Your longevity matters.
And honestly? You deserve the fruit.
Cheers to wellness—one expensive berry at a time.
beingjtran 