Posted on 04/21/2009 7:38:02 AM PDT by rightwingintelligentsia
The federal deficit isn’t the only bulge members of Congress are battling this year.
Health experts say the economic downturn has wreaked havoc on Americans’ diets, as people cancel gym memberships, dine at fast-food restaurants and, in some cases, take on additional work hours as companies shrink their work forces.
Members of Congress haven’t been immune. Inundated by Wall Street woes, a recession and looming legislative fights over health care and global warming, members say they’re facing one of the most intense legislative sessions in recent memory — and many are also trying to stave off the weight gain that can come with the pressure.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) recently lamented his own weight during a painfully slow bailout hearing on Capitol Hill last month.
“I wish I didn’t have the five-minute rule. And I wish we didn’t have so many members. And I wish I could lose weight without dieting,” Frank said.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
“House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) recently lamented his own weight during a painfully slow bailout hearing on Capitol Hill last month.”
Barney Frank has been fast for a while.
And what is this crap about people eating more fast food in a recession? I’m not saying it’s not possible. Perhaps it’s a stress release. But isn’t fast food much more expensive than grocery shopping? And doesn’t it take no more than a few minutes to cook an edible meal yourself?
I’ve nearly eliminated saturated fat from my diet, with 0g for breakfast & lunch, and minimized to/near 0g where convenient for dinner. Dropped 5 pounds in a very few weeks on that change alone.
“Barney Frank has been fast for a while.”
Fat! I meant fat.
Oh, and that’s averaging about $1.50/meal in the process.
How does anyone “dine” at a fast food restaurant? And how do you call one of those places a “restaurant”?
A hog wallow? A trough? “Rooting” instead of “dining”? Words fail me.
If the pace is so grueling for congresscritters..why don’t they quit?
Well, maybe if Frank would stop eating all that meat...
hmmm, maybe that is why I’ve seen a few McDonalds with fireplaces, and lounge chairs. Changing the atmosphere for those individuals that want to dine out with a cheap budget.
Traditionally, gym memberships rise during hard times as people seek less expensive ways to spend their time.
That being said, gym attendance is cyclical in nature.
I'm in this business right now and gym memberships in this state are up.
Poor babies... working 3 days a week instead of 2. Are they having to read their bills now, also? Grueling.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.