There has been a lot of discussion on obesity and I have some comments on the subject.
In my opinion no one wants to be labeled obese, morbidly obese, fat, heavy or any of the other labels we place on people.
The first problem is labeling people and putting images of what the “perfect” person should look like. Unfortunately the most “perfect” model or “hunk” body does not necessarily mean that they are healthy.
Statistics like to think that they know if you are ….this much weight or that weight that you will have health issues. I know that there are actually large people that are healthy with no medical problems and many “perfect” weight people that are sick all the time and on many prescriptions.
Yes I agree you should try to take care of yourself and eat better, exercise more, sleep longer, drink less, don’t smoke, think positive thoughts, drive safely, and on an on but we should be able to decide or ourselves how we wish to take care of our bodies. However, if you choose not to love yourself enough to take care of yourself, it is not the governments place to tell you what you can or cannot eat.
We should also have access to whole foods, rich soil to plant our fruits and vegetables that contain nutrients which is very rare today as our soil is depleted of nutrients. Also no pesticides and introduce more non GMO (genetically modified) foods. Fresh, wholesome, vitamin rich foods will help one have a healthier body.
One point that I noticed recently was a skit I saw when children were playing outside running, playing baseball, softball, they played on the swings, slides, built forts, rode bikes, sled down hills in the snow, played in the rain puddles, swam in the community pools and laughed. Now our kids sit in front on the tv and play video games, play on the internet and watch tv. They are driven everywhere in a car and have no space to run and play any longer. If they do go to the park once in a while they are in danger from strangers. It is sad how sedimentary are children have become. I do not think it is so much the food, it is the amount of food, the fact that calories are not burnt off and parents are too busy to have family time or to make sure our kids are active.
So what is the answer try something new – simply MOVE more. Try walking again, riding a bike, take your children to the park and introducing them to the swings, slides and monkey bars. Make special day and go bird watching, hiking, skiing, fishing, jump rope, get out some chalk and draw hop scotch on the sidewalk. 30 minutes a day could change your health in a big way. Try it you may just enjoy the experience.
You cannot blame everything on the fast food restaurants, people are overworked, stressed, pushed to the limits each day and there is not a lot of time to prepare a home cooked meal.
If you are lucky enough to be able to stay home and raise your kids you are fortunate. There are many families that both parents need to work.
Also education of young parents before they have children may also be helpful. If you have not been around foods that are healthy you do not know the important benefits of fresh fruits, vegetables and home cooked meals.
So take a moment and see what little steps you can take to start changing your eating habits and remember to love yourself and your family.
Comments