Forbes notes that a “recent survey of over 1,000 Americans revealed that 25% were more likely to eat high-calorie comfort food because of the economic downturn. And doctors, dietitians and trainers report that their clients' waistlines are expanding as they turn to cupcakes, chips and pizza to cope with dwindling bank accounts and investments … Sociologists, food policy experts and economists have long noted that in most areas of the country, processed food such as candy bars, microwave burritos and ramen noodles is often cheaper than healthy fare. In fact, some fast-food restaurants, like McDonald's, have actually come out ahead in the downturn.”
- KC's View:
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The bad news, of course, is that this kind of behavior by consumers is more likely to create health problems, which will affect productivity among the nation’s workers and put greater stresses on the nation’s health care and health insurance systems, which will in turn create bigger economic problems for the nation.
In other words, if you want to help solve the recession, eat the broccoli and not the Big Mac. And consider it part of the stimulus package.
