University of Washington researchers found that junk food not only cost less than fruits and vegetables, but junk food prices also are less likely to rise as a result of inflation.

With the global financial crisis hitting your local sabzi mandi, you'd want to cut costs. But shelling out extra dough for fruits and veggies beats living on sasta junk food. iTALK tells you why

All good things come at a price, and unfortunately, they're only getting dearer with the mournful meltdown. On top of this list is nutritious foodstuff, which, too, is facing the aftermath of recession fruit and vegetable prices have hit the roof. But no one's sad this feels like the best time to chomp on cheap street food less kharcha, less guilt!

Here's the jhatka: Trying to save up by buying two servings of Vada Pav or an Aloo Tikki Burger instead of half a kilo of Palak, may cost you your health. It's time to stop being pennywise, and pound-foolish. Here's why.

How has inflation affected you?

Shivani Wadhwa, Software Engineer
I can only afford to have fruits once a week. I would rather pig out on a Pizza.
Diwash Gahatraj, TV reporter
I'd spend Rs 100 on veggies every week. Now, I pick up only basic stuff. So, no fruits.
Edwin Thomas, Media Professional
The price of chocolates has gone up, and that's terrible because I love them.

Healthy food VS Junk food

1 kilo of farm fresh apples VS 1 large serving of fries
Average cost of both: Rs 50
You are likely to go for: Fries

Apples
Calories 540
Vitamins A, C, E,Folate, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Selenium Iron,

Fries
Calories 800
Saturated fat, Trans fat, Cholesterol, Sodium , Potassium, Vitamin C, Iron, Fibre

1 kilo of Palak VS 1 plate Pav Bhaji
Average cost of both: Rs 25
You are likely to go for: Pav Bhaji

Spinach
Calories 200
Beta, Carotene, Retinol (Vitamin A equivalent), Vitamins B, C, E, K, Calcium

Pav Bhaji
Calories 700
Trans fat, Saturated fat, Sodium Carbohy-drate, Cholesterol

Dal chaawal VS Chhole bhature 
Average cost: Rs 20
You are likely to go for: Chhole Bhature

Dal Chawal
Calories 325
Vitamins B, C, A Protein, Fibre, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorous

Chhole Bhature
Calories 800
Trans fat, Saturated fat, Sodium, Cholesterol, Protein, Iron, Manganese Copper

Banana and moong dal are inexpensive options

Namita Jain, fitness specialist
No matter how tight your budget, healthy naturals are always available. Sprouted moong dal is cheap and healthy. In fruits, banana is an inexpensive option. Avoid exotic organic foods. Go for grains like jowar and bajra, that don't dent your pocket. Exercising regularly will keep you inspired to stay hooked to a nutritive diet.

In se sasta aur achha kuchh nahin

Some pocket and health friendly snacking options:

>>Boiled and spiced kaala chana
>>Sattu masala
>>Suji Golgappas/Pani Puri
>>Baby idlis
>>Homemade dhokla