A Recession Might Be Good for Your Waistline

Great article with an interesting twist on the economy which couldn't get any more twisted.

There's no doubt that the economic horrors may be impacting the way people shop for groceries. While some are foregoing items which deliver little or no nutritional value, others might be using these items as little indulgences. It's true that caloric savings of the non-ingested Ben and Jerry's is not only good for the waistline, but good for the family budget as well.

Of course, the opposite might be true as well. Emotional eaters often turn to to sugary, high fat food as a way to deal with anxiety and stress. Maybe all of our financial statements should come with a warning label: Do not open this without the assistance of Ben and Jerrys.

Either way, let's not blame expanding waistlines on our friends Ben and Jerry or family members Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben, either. Instead let's focus on,as your article suggests making better use of our time. As an advocate for the parks and recreation profession, I encourage people with shrinking entertainment dollars to look for free healthy activities found in our neighborhood parks and community centers. In most cases a walk in the park (while not as tasty as Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey) does tickle the senses and fill us up with what we're really hungry for -- fresh air, fun and some escape from the financial news du jour.

Jodi Rudick of CA 5:15PM October 24, 2008