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Is the economy making you fat?

Posted Wed, Jun 17, 2009
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We've all been there. You go to withdraw some money and the balance on your ATM receipt leaves you horrified...or worse yet, you get no money and a receipt that states 'insufficient funds'.

Where did all that money go? Then you start panicking, and rather than roll with the motions of your financial situation, you head to your nearest corner store, whip out your credit card and grab a bag of cool ranch Doritos to ease your pain.

Woman eating (Getty)Or maybe you just got a promotion and you want to celebrate with a whole wheel of brie? Or maybe you just had a really terrible fight with the significant other and the only thing that could possible understand your pain is a pint of peanut butter chocolate Haagen Dazs. No matter what the situation, we'll find a delicious treat to compliment most any emotional situation.

Most women have a fairly complex relationship with food, one that usually rides the waves of their many emotional states. One of my coworkers said, 'God knows I was heading for the Cheetos when I was facing a layoff.'

So it's no surprise that a new study released today found that the state of the economy is causing many of us to head straight for those sweet, salty and fatty eats for emotional support

But is it really the economy that's making us fat? Or is it our lack of willpower when we're faced with financial stress? I would say it's probably a combination (mostly because I would never have eaten that whole tube of Pringles if it hadn't been for my own personal financial crisis, I swear.). I mean, if you're unemployed (been there) or out of money (been there) junk food is the cheapest way to fill time during those endless days of job searching.

But why isn't it exercise or yoga or knitting that we turn to when times are tough? Well because none of these things are quite as enjoyable as the quick high you get from a Snickers bar. But there are many ways to avoid emotional eating. But according to the study, even experts agree: Don't deprive yourself. Sometimes the answer is a little bit of ice cream.

Are you an emotional eater? Why do we turn to food in the face of emotional stress? Is there a fool proof way to avoid packing on the pounds during this recession?

- Vanessa

 
PS Looking for the ultimate in overindulgence? Check this out.

4 Comments

  • 1. Posted by Natalie M on Thu, Jun 18, 2009

    Hi Vanessa & Renee, Love your posts! I'd like to send you some info on wine that I think you'll find tasty (and tipsy). Would you pls e-mail me at natdecants@nataliemaclean.com? Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Natalie www.nataliemaclean.com

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  • 2. Posted by Roguetheelf24 on Sat, Jul 04, 2009

    I indulge in Bliss rasberry truffle chocolates whenever I feel down in the dumps or if I had a bad day. But then I work it off later with a long jog or working out in the basement with weights.

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  • 3. Posted by ho-hum on Thu, Jul 16, 2009

    ALWAYS have some kind of snack in your pocket in case of emergency i.e. low-cal something-or-other or for when you leave work so yer not scarfing everything down when yer making dinner.

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  • 4. Posted by kkissboy28 on Mon, Jul 20, 2009

    My friend recommended me a very interesting place **** MillionaireLovelinks.com **** It's where wealthy singles looking for someone to enjoy their wealthy lifestyle with

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