One-Third Agree Smaller Packaging Could Shrink Your Waist

Picked up your peanut butter jar lately? Chances are it has a big indent on the bottom -- all part of the shrinking food packaging strategy manufacturers have been using to keep prices steady.

Could the Recession Diet deliver a 32" waist? Last week I asked That's Fit readers "Will shrinking food packaging shrink your waist?" Here's the lowdown on responses:

• Interestingly 33.3 percent (19 votes) said Yes, I can't afford to buy more. This surprised me. Are people really eating less?
• 28 percent (16 votes) said, No, I'll just buy more.
  
• Nearly 32 percent (18 votes) said, No, I won't buy more, but I'll reach for calories elsewhere. I incorrectly hypothesized this answer would garner the greatest response.
  
• 7 percent voted Other. Wonder what they're thinking?

During the height of the gas crunch, I carefully combined errands, stayed away from longer trips (when possible) and definitely drove less overall. Whether it's shrinking food packages or higher food costs, maybe there really is a reduced-calorie element to this recession.