Don’t get spammed

As summer approaches, we find our country sinking deeper into the gloom of a recession. Fights against the high cost of gas, energy and food are more prominent, making us wonder when it will all end.

Although gas is the commodity covered by the media most often, food is the issue that will hurt us the most. Although we are struggling through a recession it is pertinent to not give into buying processed foods simply because they’re cheaper.

I heard in the news last week that Spam sales are skyrocketing across the country. I first thought that it could have been a joke; Spam hasn’t been a hit since Betty Crocker ruled the kitchen. I can even remember that Monty Python sketch where a lady doesn’t like Spam, but is told that it’s all the restaurant serves. But it’s true. People have been turning back to the pungent canned meat due to its low cost.

Spam isn’t the only underdog to rise up. Infamous Wal-Mart has almost reached a 52-week high, despite the recession. Even WinCo has been doing well enough to open more stores this year. During this time of tight budgets, retail locations, such as box stores and food like Spam can only succeed, offering low-price solutions.

But what is the real cost at the end of the tunnel? By turning back to foods such as Spam and Top Ramen, people are reverting to fake or processed foods, which is no better than getting a 99-cent cheeseburger from McDonalds. While that might seem like it’s OK to do right now, while money is tight, how will this really affect you later?

Thinking about it in the longterm, high consumption of processed and fatty foods are by and large the culprits for diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Considering we don’t know how long the recession will last, we are obliged to securely watch our budgets for a long while and if we keep consuming these types of foods, we could very well end up worse off. Disease costs a lot more money in the end, between drugs, hospital stays and the unfortunate reality of a shorter life, so it will pay off later to be more conservative now.

Studies are showing that childhood obesity seems to have hit a plateau, meaning that the number of obese children isn’t increasing at the moment. That study took place over the last few years before we hit the recession, so it is possible that it could easily get worse again. If people turn away from a balanced diet with fresh produce and meats, they have the potential of increasing those unfortunate rates once again.

One way to continue eating good foods and not fork out the extra cash is to buy in bulk. Going through a bulk section at a grocery store, you’ll see things you may have never imagined, such as lentils, beans and dried vegetables. They don’t cost much, you can buy a month’s supply of dinner and not worry about it spoiling, and, the best part, they’re all good for you. With a little creative cooking, these otherwise bland legumes can be spiced up nicely.

If beans and lentils are still too bland, you can also buy large quantities of fresh meats (known as the family packs) and keep them frozen until you’re ready to use them. Same goes for vegetables, you can get fresh or frozen vegetables and store them until you’re ready to eat them.

Even though fresh foods in bulk may cost a little more than 30-cent Top Ramen, the benefits will outweigh the little extra cash. More nutritious foods can also help you in the short-term. You’ll find that you have more energy and feel better, even if you can’t afford to dine at El Gaucho.

Don’t give into the temptation of Spam. Just like the junk e-mail of the same name, it’s really not something you want.