Sending the wrong message about diet

Re “The Price of Obesity” [Aug. 1]: My husband and I are normal weight, we are marathon runners and we eat a lot. Although I found this article very informative -- considering that most information on obesity is about diet and health hazards, and America is still fat -- it states that “more healthful foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, generally cost more than less nutritious alternatives like fast-food cheeseburgers.”

I have to argue that eating healthy -- fruit, veggies, whole foods like brown rice, beans, whole-wheat pasta -- is much less expensive than eating meals at fast-food restaurants.

On the way home from Yosemite last week, we stopped at McDonald’s and spent $18 on food for three people. I can buy fruit and veggies for more than a week for that amount.

I fear that your comment will give uninformed overweight people one more excuse not to take care of themselves.

K. BRANG

Claremont