by Johanna A. Downey |
The condition of today’s economic situation is on most everyone’s collective mind. With unemployment reaching over 14% in Nevada, many families are finding their incomes have shrunk significantly or have completely disappeared. With this, priorities have shifted. “Right-sizing” is the new buzzword and all eyes are keeping a close watch on discretionary expenses and budgeting. During these trying economic times, more and more people will be finding themselves on the other side of the employment curve.
Now, let’s briefly look at this health fact: With the average obesity rate in Nevada achieving 24.1%, latest figures from the Center for Disease Control demonstrate that obesity continues to be a significant public health problem. And – no pun intended – it continues to be a growing problem!
Combine these two fields together and a potentially serious condition arises: Health-threatening obesity in individuals due to stress eating based on perceived economic scarcity.
How can we look at this situation from a positive and healthy standpoint? After all, the operative words above are “perceived…scarcity.”
One’s typical – and very human – immediate reaction to [perceived] scarcity is panic. “What if…? What do I do…? Where do I go…? How do I…? Now what…?” In a word: Fear.
One’s typical – and very human – immediate reaction to fear is to self-comfort, either through food, drink or other physiological imbibements.
Here’s the irony: In times of extreme stress, unhealthy eating ADDS to stress. In fact, it’s even more important than ever to eat healthily and with purpose in times of stress in order to combat the externals that await.
Here’s the good news: Maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved while maintaining a healthy wallet!
Okay – here’s the secret: Action!
Lifestyle changes are needed. Nothing drastic, mind you, just taking simple steps to relearn how to eat properly while keeping your focus on what will nourish and fuel your body and mind rather than place undue strain upon you.
And here’s the easy part: All it takes is planning – and that can be FUN!
The first step to a healthy body is a healthy outlook. Abe Lincoln said that… “We’re only as happy as we make up our minds to be!”
So let’s do this!
1. Find recipes that call for lots of veggies and fruits. Many Mediterranean and Indian dishes are simple to make, have few ingredients, are filling and are good for you. From those recipes, read down to #2.
2. Make a list of healthy foods that you do enjoy eating, add those to your list of foods for fun and interesting recipes, and take this list with you when you go grocery shopping. Here’s where some discipline is needed: Stick to shopping for those items on your list ONLY. NO impulse shopping. NO spontaneous in-store snacking. These two things lend themselves to quickly blowing your food budget as well as your waistline.
3. Limit dining out experiences to a “once in a blue moon” treat. Daily fast food is a one-two punch: Not only does it take away your money very quickly it also helps pack on heavy duty stress pounds very quickly. Fast food is the word “fat” with your “s” in it!
4. Be resourceful! Many folks qualify for SNAP cards (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or EBT. This is a government Food Stamp Program implemented statewide in Nevada July 1, 1974. These cards help pay for all non-taxable food items. The good news – more places are accepting these cards with no shame attached. Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, Grocery Outlet and many Oriental and Asian stores accept these cards. These places offer fresh as well as special dietary needs food at literally no cost to you, the unemployed. (For more information about qualifying for and/or obtaining a SNAP card, go to Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at https://dwss.nv.gov).
5. Purchase only those foods that you genuinely enjoy and that you know you will eat completely. There is a temptation to go for “sales” and other “saving opportunities.” Buying large quantities of foods because “you’ll save more” creates a sense of obligation to eat it all. This tactic only adds to your waist. Buying food that end up getting tossed is a waste of money.
Taking these few simple steps will ease pressure off your checkbook and your heart!
Get the most value for your money – and your health – in these challenging economic times. Simplify! Plan! Then Follow Through!
References:
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010 (conference ed, in 2 vols). Washington DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2000. Available at: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
- CDC. Public health strategies for preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in school and worksite settings: a report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR 2005;54(RR-10):1–12.
- State-Specific Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults in the United States, 2007. MMWR, 2008;57(28):765-768.
