Seriously Backwards
Every year we see more and more people become a part of the overweight/obese crowd. The reasons are somewhat obvious when you consider what it is that most humans eat on a regular basis. With the fast food industry thriving and the make-it-fast-at-home one not too far behind, it’s no wonder that 67% of non-institutionalized adults age 20 years and over are overweight or obese. And that number was from (2005-2006).
Keep in mind that there are medical reasons a person might be battling the bulge. Medications, thyroid issues, and immobility may be causing unwanted weight gain. With this escalating number, it’s not the time to point fingers, judge, or set those individuals aside though; we must all come together to help in the fight against obesity before it claims our generation and the next one for good.
What can we do?
We can start by monitoring our own business and that of our families. Start learning better ways in which to cook and prepare meals for yourself and your family. Use every opportunity to show children how fun and interesting it can be to make healthful meals. Well, OK, you have to make it fun, MOM and DAD.
♦ Develop a strategy for the coming year to reduce the number of times you “have to eat out” and prepare unhealthful meals at home. I heard that one of the best things you can do for this “eat out” syndrome is make sure you always clean your kitchen. No one wants to come home to a dirty kitchen and cook.
♦ Don’t buy it…and you won’t eat it! You know how tempting those cookies, chips, pops, and frozen pizzas are. Exit stage left. Now, enter stage right the bananas, tomatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, broccoli, carrots, etc..
♦ Encourage an overweight friend to walk with you or introduce them to a fun workout that you know they could do. Never assume that they are not working out, though. Many people who look “large” are actually healthy on the inside. I know it’s difficult to understand how that can be, but I’ve seen it before and read the biographies of several athletes who carry much more weight than most of us do.
♦ Make it a lifestyle to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and keep your life as stress-free as possible.
With some concentrated effort, you can make a difference in your own life and that of those around you. Don’t ever give up on being a healthier you. Be well-be beautiful.
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As a nation, and as individuals, we CANNOT AFFORD TO BE SICK. It makes a difference between leading a vibrant life and a life with 20-30-40 years worth of chronic conditions. Yuck!
Weight management is crucial to one’s well being. (that does not mean that everyone should be a stick figure.)