Do yourself a favor: Run over to the mirror, strip to your skivvies, and give yourself a thorough once over. Notice anything different? While the vast majority of us would like to fantasize that the reflection would dazzle us with tight buns, abs of steel, and killer pecs, chances are that you’ve gained a pound–or ten. And in this economic climate, it’s totally expected.

Reuters reports that as Americans tighten their wallets, they’re substituting nutritious (but expensive) grub from the likes of the simply godly Whole Foods for gutter meals from fast food joints such as McDonalds–a place that has near recession-proof patronage courtesy of a low-cost dollar menu. A dollar menu chock full of fatty, empty calories that offers very little nutritional value and will have you looking to nosh in no time. Dominos is proving to be just as enticing, as it’s running a “3 or more medium 1-topping pizzas for $5.55 each” promotion. Three pizzas for under $20? That’s enough to keep you fed for a few days, and is cheaper than taking a trip to DiFara’s. But worth it in the long run?  Nuh uh.  Just as we have to make the conscientious decision to spend less money and live within our means, we’ve also got to make the conscientious decision to eat right and stay healthy during these wallet tightening times.

• Develop a work out plan. You can burn some cals without spending a dime, but if you like the company of others to act as motivation, check out alumni gym memberships at several of NYC’s colleges.

• Eat In. Whip up some tasty meals yourself, picked from ingredients that you’ve culled together to create a filling and healthy meal. Wrap some of the left overs for lunch the next day and save some chedda.

• Sacrifice to afford the good stuff. We won’t even try to pretend that we’re not Whole Foods junkies. Sure, it’s more expensive than the food in your local A&P, but fresh deliciousness fills its aisles. If you adopt some of our recommended free recession-proof activities instead of buying DVDs, videogames, and clothing on a regular basis, you should have some extra cash on hand to feast on scrumptiousness.

Related posts:

1. Still Miffed About How to Eat Healthy on a Budget? “Healthy Chick”, Rachel Chemerynski, Doles Out Advice