Recession Weight
Brian January 13th, 2009
In the blog “Recession Foods” I talked about the importance of buying quality, non-processed foods in bulk to save your wallet and your waistline. Now, it seems, the media has coined the phrase “recession weight” to describe the potential weight gain from people eating boxed macaroni and cheese, pasta, the dollar menu and other processed foods. I will give some suggestions below to make it easier on your waistline, while still saving you some money.
Pasta:Â Â Try to buy whole wheat pasta instead of white. It doesn’t cost a whole lot more, tastes similar to regular pasta and is much better for you.Â
Boxed mac and cheese:Â Â I don’t know of any way to make this healthy. Try using whole wheat noodles with reduced fat cheese.
Dollar menu: Every fast food chain out there seems to have a dollar menu these days. Most are filled with garbage that will save you money for the bypass you will need at 45. Check out the following items for some healthy alternatives:
- Wendy’s small chili (now $1.19): Only 190 calories, 14 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat and 19 grams of carbohydrates. The large size could be a full meal and still has only 280 calories.
- Wendy’s baked potato: Add this to the small chili and you have a filling, complete meal for under $3.
- McDonald’s Hamburger: At only 250 calories, 9 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein this is your best bet on their menu.
- Subway: I know this isn’t cheap, but it is probably the healthiest fast food out there. Get a veggie deluxe on wheat and add meat.Â
- Taco Bell: Get a burrito with just beans and meat. Stay away from the sauces and cheese