Even though people know certain foods are healthier than others, many shy away from them because of the perceived expense that comes with it, according to a new study.

Out of 1,000 Americans surveyed by Cigna Health Care, approximately 63 percent said they believed healthy food costs more than unhealthy foods and about 49 percent said eating healthy was expensive, Illinois newspaper the Southtown Star reports.

Janel Hayden, a registered dietician, told the news provider while not all healthy foods are necessarily expensive, they do require a bit more attention.

"There are healthy cheap foods – beans, pasta, rice, wheat, bulgar. They’re inexpensive, but you have to prepare them," said Hayden.
A quick meal may be the reason more people are turning toward fast food, especially during a recession when many budgets are being tightened.

This can be seen with McDonald’s sales being up 8.2 percent in October and 7.7 percent in November, according to the article.

"They’re looking for the cheapest and most convenient option. They can get the whole family fed, and it’s very cheap. But when we’re looking at the healthiness of it, it’s not good for the family in the long run," Hayden told the news provider.