MADISON, Wis. -- The struggling economy affects people's waistlines, according to a nonprofit cancer prevention organization.

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The Cancer Project worries that during tough economic times more people will eat inexpensively -- and unhealthily.

The cost of food is high and stress is, too. And, according to dietitian Tammy Fumusa, with St. Mary's Hospital, the economy is making us fat.

"People -- because of the economy -- are actually turning to the value meals, the fast food, the quick meals," Fumusa said.

Numbers prove it. Despite a tough economy, McDonald's posted strong sales for its third quarter this year, but at what cost to people's health?

"What this is actually doing is adding to waistlines," said Fumusa. "If you think about it, those meals are full of fat and sodium."

Although it's better to order a Burger King Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich over a Whopper, the chicken sandwich alone has 490 calories, 21 grams of fat and 1,220 milligrams of sodium, making that bargain meal a costly health choice.

Instead of ordering food, Fumusa recommends convenient and healthy options at the grocery store.

"No. 1, you want to cover your fruits and vegetables," Fumusa said. "You don't have to do any preparations with them. Just wash them and eat them.

Time restrictions don't mean people have to resort to dollar-menu deals. Fresh fruits and veggies aren't the only time-friendly options available, WISC-TV reported.

"There (are) a lot of frozen products now that are readily available for people," Fumusa said.

Fumusa warns that buying from the grocery store isn't fool proof but stressed that buying healthy is the key.

According to Fumusa, anything fried or breaded isn't going to be the best option.

To stir up an at home meal, Fumusa said buying items the family has never tried before can inspire creativity and save time.

"You would spend just as much making it at home as you would getting in your car, driving to a restaurant and buying a fast-food value meal," said Fumusa.

For the best value, Fumusa said sticking to the basics will create a value meal of its own.