I am currently in Kansas visiting my lovely girlfriend Abby (she is currently attending graduate school here). We spent the day in downtown Kansas City with her family, mainly attending the Good Guys Car Show. Her dad is a huge fan and it was his birthday, so the setting was fitting. While at the car show, I couldn't help but notice the size of some of these people outhere. The saddest part was that a majority of them were kids. I just wanted to go up to each and everyone that was overweight and give them a lecture about how incredibly in danger they were putting themselves and their kids. They are leading their lives down a road that can lead to major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, joint issues, and many more.
Just the other day I was reading an article from the America Sports Data which listed disturbing details about the obesity problem in the United States:
"3.8 million people are over 300 pounds, over 400,000 people (mostly males) carry over 400 pounds and the average adult female weighs an unprecedented 163 pounds!"
Now to add to that shock factor, the following data from the National Center for Health which has been tracking America’s obesity problem for over four decades lists the following:
"-- Between 1962 and the year 2000, the number of obese Americans grew from 13% to an alarming 31% of the population.
-- 63% of Americans are overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) in excess of 25.0.-- 31% are obese with a BMI in excess of 30.0.
-- Childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled in the past two decades.
-- According to the U.S. Surgeon General report obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths every year."
If those numbers don't disturb you, I am not sure what will. I know one thing is for certain---Exercise and a proper diet can help! Now you don't have to start training for a marathon, but 10 min a day of walking will do as a start. Slowly build yourself up to 20 min within a period of a month--you will be amazed at how great you will feel. If you are one of those people that are active and in shape, instead of judging those that are not, try to motivate them to exercise. If we are to eliminate this problem in our country, we must unite and really help each other out. Don't just look the other way---bring your overweight family member or friend to the gym or park next time you go for a workout. Tell them to do at least a 10-15 min workout (they may even start enjoying it and want to do more). Sometimes a little extra push is all it takes and you could possibly be saving that persons life...or at least expanding it.
The same goes for a proper diet. Don't fool yourself by saying you will completely eliminate all fats and sugar, and you will only eat veggies and fruits for 2 months straight. Start by eliminating a little bit at a time. Maybe the first week you eliminate white flour from your diet, the second week you can eliminate eating after 8PM, and so on. Constantly remind yourself: "This is a complete lifestyle change, I want to live a long, healthy life and have lots of energy!"
Let me just add that I am a firm believer of having what I like to call "cheat" foods. I must confess, I love a good burger with some fries and a diet coke once in a while. I don't ever tell my clients to deprive themselves completely of their favorite treats. Instead I tell them that if they keep a solid diet for 6 days in the week, that 7th day for one meal they can eat whatever there hearts desire (eventually some of them will reach a point where they can go for a few weeks without eating their "cheat" foods because they feel great eating a heathier, balanced diet)
Another thing to remember, which I am sure most of you have heard--Its all about moderation folks! Start using smaller plates for your meals and drink a full cup of water prior to eating to prevent overeating. In addition, try to replace juice for water at the dinner table and maintain the fridge and cabinets clear of junk snacks (cookies, brownies, ice cream, etc) Leave those for the "cheat day." Make sure the fatty snacks are out of the house, so you have to drive somewhere to get it on those cheat days.
Start taking those baby steps toward your new lifestyle thats going to leave you with amazing energy and a superb health!
Check out my online nutrition store for all natural supplements that can help guide you in the right direction Click here for my nutrition store: http://tinyurl.com/ngakw2
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