HARD TIMES DIET

You would think that during a recession, people would eat less and lose weight.  Not so, say the latest reports on obesity.  Apparently, people may lose their homes and their jobs, but they gain weight.

The simple explanation is that high-fat, high-sugar items are cheaper than quality foods.  The more complex explanation is that people crave high-fat, high sugar items in response to stress.  Add the two and we end up with expanding waistlines in a shrinking market.

Don't be a health victim of hard times.

Here are a the six tips to the DOMINO's Hard Times Diet:

1 - Cook at home and Eat at home, and grow you own veggies.

2 - Fill your pantry with nutrient-dense, protein-rich plant products: dry beans, lentils, brown rice, pasta, tomato sauce.

3 - Select inexpensive sources of animal protein: eggs and milk.

4 - At the store, shop around the outer aisles: the produce section, the bakery, the dairy and the fish & meat sections are usually on the periphery.  Avoid the center aisles, often filled with dangerously fattening and expensive items. 

5 - Forget the beer, booze and wine, as well as bottle juices and soda.  Tap water is fine.

6 - Leave the car at home and walk to the store as often as possible: save gas money and get your exercise at the same time.

Your health is your ultimate wealth; save it!

© Marie Dufour, RD, FACMPE - August 9, 2009