-By Janet Raiffa, Contributing Writer, Member & Recruiting Manager

“Newsweek” published research earlier this month showing that obesity rates have soared in the past year as Americans have reacted to the recession.  There are several possible causes for the 1.7% growth, which translates to about 5.5 million more people being considered obese than in the previous year.  While belt expansion may be a growing necessity, belt tightening has led to the cancellation of numerous health club memberships.  Those who have jobs and haven’t had their hours cut may be working longer and harder to make up for smaller staffs or to try to retain their positions, and more time spent at sedentary jobs can easily push the scale up. Healthy food and lean protein tend to be more expensive than simple carbohydrates, making them less attractive now at the grocery store and in restaurants.  And finally, and most potently – even for those who haven’t lost jobs and aren’t overly preoccupied about saving on their food bills – comfort food and junk food can be quick and easy (albeit temporary) remedies against the stress that comes from a troubled economy and a frustratingly uncertain future for the country.

I’ll admit that when I first lost my job I spent several weeks self-medicating with Ben and Jerry’s and pizza. These two favorites, beyond their stellar comfort-giving properties, both also remind me of my years in college when I believed I had the whole world in front of me.  I scooped Ben and Jerry’s after classes in Hanover when it was only a local brand in New Hampshire and Vermont, and I still consider one of my greatest feminist achievements to be coming in third in a campus pizza eating contest where I was the only woman to participate. I let myself pig out and eat badly après layoff because an overly full belly enabled me to sleep longer and worry less about filling my day, because I suddenly didn’t have to worry about fitting into my office attire and because it felt good to at least be expanding my flavor repertoire and saving money on lunch and dinner.  I realized pretty soon, however, that gaining weight would only worsen the self-esteem and self-image issues that inevitably spring from the loss of professional status.  That’s when I began a weight loss and exercise regimen.  This effort has made me feel much more in control of my destiny, and has led many friends and relatives to at least offer a consoling compliment when faced with my tale of the destruction of a profession I’ve worked in for many years.  “Well, at least you look good,” they say in one way or another.

While I’m trying to buck the weight gaining trend and choosing to spend a few more dollars for salads rather than spaghetti, I’m also allowing myself to indulge in an occasional high calorie/low cost comfort food break.  Of the many “therapeutic” carbohydrates available, I’ve always had a particular fondness for macaroni & cheese.  It can be dressed up in a variety of surprisingly expensive and artisanal ways that make you feel like a sophisticated connoisseur, and it can also be prepared in the most basic of child-friendly ways that make you feel like you’re back in grade school where your biggest trauma in life was a boo-boo.  A few years back I discovered S’MAC– short for Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese – a small and brightly colored East Village purveyor of nothing but the orange noodle dish.  It was delightfully “cheap and cheerful” long before the recession hit, and now it’s offering a special that makes a first (or five hundredth) sampling irresistible.  On Wednesday, June 24^th, to celebrate the restaurant’s third birthday, the “All American” nosh sized pan will be available for only $1.00.  That’s a $3.75 discount over the regular price.  You can look for me there; if I stick to the one per customer guideline that day I’ll look like the picture on the far left, but hopefully with a slightly less puffy face.

Celebrate S’MAC’s third birthday at 345 East 12^th Street.  The following restrictions apply:

*Limit one All-American nosh per person

* Available for dine-in or takeout only, no delivery

* Not valid in combination with other offers

*Not available with multi-grain pasta

For more information, visit the website at www.smacnyc.com

Read all of “Janet Raiffa’s Recessionals” here.