(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

For some Mountain State families, a quick trip to a fast food restaurant seems like an easy, affordable option at meal time — some choosing the option more often than others. But according to a recent study, those trips may be putting a bigger strain on individuals’ and household budgets than we think.

In WalletHub’s “States where people spend the most and least on fast food,” West Virginia ranked fifth. Here the average cost of a fast food meal is $21.29. For purposes of the study, researchers considered the costs of a burger, a pizza and a fried chicken sandwich.

West Virginia is 46th for the average cost of a burger, 46th for the average price of an 11-12″ pizza and a perhaps surprising 30th for the price of a fried chicken sandwich.

But even with those relatively low prices, the average cost of ONE fast food meal as a percentage of median monthly household income here is 0.44%

(For comparison, Mississippi is worst at 0.47% and Massachusetts is best at 0.29%.)

There are plenty of households in which cutting back to just one fast food meal per month would be a drastic reduction indeed.

That has consequences not only for our physical health, but for the health of our finances; and may not be the affordable option we’ve been led to believe.

So now what?

“If you’re looking to cut back, one of the best things you can do is plan your meals ahead or cook at home when you can,” said Douglas Mikutel, a professor at St. Johns River State College. “The truth is grabbing fast food now and then is something we can’t always avoid. Setting a monthly budget for eating out can help you stay on track. Using restaurant apps may allow you access to deals, discounts and rewards. Ordering ahead through the apps can also help you skip impulse buys at the counter. Sticking to value meals, smaller portions, and skipping extras like drinks or desserts can help. Try treating fast food as an occasional indulgence rather than a go-to option. And finally, keep an eye on how much you’re spending. It’s easier to make smarter choices when you know where you are spending your money.”

The long-term effects on our bodies and our wallets certainly doesn’t fit in with our renewed drive to make West Virginians healthier, with a better quality of life. For households and communities where access to fresh, affordable grocery options is limited, staying on track might be even harder. But we’ve got to try.