Food is cheaper in US than rest of the world if you do a real compare.   Most people living outside the cities grow some in their own yard and that is the lifestyle we have.

Freshly cooked foods are healthier than processed food and there is no second opinion. What you cooking it may not have enough nutrients.

People hate eastern culture and say we are weird but it is healtheir. There are many positive side of eating by hands but hand must be well washed.
1) Brain gets various signals to its sensors touchig the food.
2) You feel the food and brain analysis simultaneously along with its aroma.
3) You play with food, it is like the baby playing with mom's boobs or nipple (it satisfies him / her, not trying to be nasty or sexual), brains trends to satisfy little bit.
4) The size of bite is another factor and how fast you are eating.
5) People tend to take more time while using hand than utensils.

Yes, in modern society use of hand is nomadic but it has its own beauty. And we need western to stamp.