MADISON, N.J.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKERS are always looking for opportunities, even when times are tough and economic conditions are not optimal. With rising prices in food and oil, I have been trying to assess opportunities. I’m not a trader, so I have focused on possible health benefits.

Fight rising wheat and rice prices. Now is the chance to reduce the amount of carbs you take in by 25-50 percent and lose some weight. Simply cut back on bread, pasta, rice and other starches as well as processed foods and substitute vegetables.

Skirt higher restaurant prices. Several studies note that we all should simply eat less, especially with the obesity crisis here in America. Try eating 20 percent less. Eating slower should help achieve this, so the experts say. Skip the appetizer and dessert. Save money and consume less calories. Of course, sharing a dessert is a nice compromise. Do continue to patronize local restaurants and for that matter, all small businesses, most of which are struggling to survive. For if they go out of business in this downturn, you and the larger community will suffer in the end.

Eat more plants. Michael Pollan champions this in his latest, excellent book, In Defense of Food. Most nutritionists recommend eating more vegetables and fruits as a way to reduce the amount of meat we eat. This will also save money as the price of meat rises in the near term as forecasters predict. Of course, for those who need their meat, why not go hunting or fishing and get some fresh air and exercise? If you are successful, you can ensure a diet that is not only organically fed, but wild as well.

Plant a garden. Save money and eat organic by planting a garden; it’s not too late. Additionally, it will give you a greater connection with nature and provide real down-to-earth satisfaction. This is a true entrepreneurial opportunity for those with green thumbs to become garden consultants.

Save gasoline, save money. Start by car pooling at least one day a week. And rather than gossip or commiserate, discuss meaty topics by agreement with your fellow commuters and feed your brain. If possible ride a bike to work or to the store or when running errands. Work from home at least one day a week and re-engage with your kids. You might surprise your spouse by doing more household chores.

Reduce electricity use. Install solar panels if possible – renting is now a more affordable option and you can benefit from the rapid improvements in solar technology. A cheaper option would be to use ceiling and/or portable fans instead of air conditioning. Circulating and breathing more fresh air in your house is also a healthier option, according to many experts. Use compact fluorescent lights as much as possible until LED lights become affordable.

Naturally, run clothes and dish washing machines at night. Sleep outside in a tent for a week or two this summer. Pull the plug on the TV and computer during weekends to disconnect and remind yourself of how to have fun, play sports, explore the outdoors and enjoy board games.

Opportunities are everywhere — and now is the time to leverage negative economic forces for healthy gain. Hopefully, new habits will emerge that could pay huge dividends in the near and long term.

James C. Barrood is executive director of the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University.