As the obesity epidemic grows in scope, so too does the “blame game.” Lack of exercise, over-consumption of food, sedentary work environments, lifestyle choices, biological predispositions, genes…the list of possible culprits for America’s fatness goes on.

Fast food is a common target. Earlier this month, an advocacy group launched a campaign petitioning 26 hospitals across the country to remove a major fast food restaurant from their cafeterias with the aim of sending a “better message” to consumers.

Some of the reasoning behind the group’s initiative comes from a 2006 study published in the journal Pediatrics that concluded that allowing fast food centers to operate in hospitals not only affects guests’ consumption of fast food on the day of their visit, but also unintentionally boosts the perception of the “healthfulness” of fast food in general. Here’s more research that supports the initiative:

• The prevalence of obesity-related diseases has risen sharply over the past thirty years, and the number of fast food restaurants in America has more than doubled over the same period (The National Bureau of Economic Research).
• Studies have shown that “consumption of fast food among children in the US seems to have an adverse effect on dietary quality in ways that plausibly could increase risk for obesity.”
• Studies have shown that increased proximity to fast food restaurants is linked to an increase in obesity.

Courtesy of wagnerfpa.wordpress.com.

So being near to fast food increases the likelihood of obesity, but will removing fast food from hospitals (and other institutions and neighborhoods) help solve the problem?

Consider this:

• The New York Times recently reported that studies have shown that “there is no relationship between the type of food being sold in a neighborhood and obesity among its children and adolescents.”
• Restrictive “diets” and the “diet mentality” in general do not lead to long-term effective weight-loss. What does work, according to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, is eating less fat, exercising more, using prescription weight loss medications, or participating in commercial weight loss programs.
• Calling for removal of fast food from hospitals sends the message that fast food restaurants are “bad” and can be blamed for obesity, lessening personal responsibility for our own health.

Blaming fast food restaurants for obesity can place us on a slippery slope.  Should we remove buses from our streets to force people to choose the less convenient, but “healthier” walking or biking options?  After all, sitting for long periods of time is correlated with obesity, and most adults do not get the recommended level of exercise.

Similarly, while we should limit consumption of fast food, we can’t eliminate it from the American diet as long as there is a demand for convenient, inexpensive, and (arguably) tasty food.  We need to improve health through education and develop incentives that encourage healthy lifestyle decisions, proper nutrition, and exercise.

Perhaps a partnership between hospitals and Weight Watchers (or other proven commercial weight loss programs), or the establishment of walking groups or active events within hospital walls, could promote lasting change.

We won’t make any progress in the fight against obesity by playing the blame game at the expense of taking responsibility for our health into our own hands.

Courtesy of www.topnews.in.

What do you think? Will restricting fast food lead to a decrease in obesity? How can we as individuals, families, and institutions promote a healthier America?

Courtesy of eatright.org.

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is urging Americans to “Get Your Plate In Shape.” With the help of the “My Plate” model, which replaced the Food Pyramid in June 2011, the experts are giving us a reminder of the healthy nutrition goals we have heard before:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
• Make at least half of your grains whole grains
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat dairy
• Vary your protein choices
• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars
• Eat less
• Exercise more

Our next Cardio Tennis Triples Tournament takes place tomorrow night at 6pm.

Cardio Tennis Triples is one of the fun, fast-paced games used in many of our Cardio Tennis classes. Teams consist of three players of mixed ability levels who play points with “transition” balls.  Teams usually play to a specified total number of points to determine a winner. Triples has two primary goals: for you to have fun and get a good workout at the same time.

If you enjoy Cardio Tennis or playing doubles, you’ll love this event.

Here’s what you can expect:

You will take 15 minutes to warm up at the beginning. Then, each three-person team will compete at a ‘combination’ level at the average of the team. Teams start each point in a cardio tennis triples format and rotate to a new position after each point, win or lose.

Teams flip sides of the court after every 10 points. The tennis pro feeds the first ball into play for each point. Orange transition balls are the official balls of the tournament. The winner is determined by the first team to win 21 points total (sudden death at 20 all).

Two groups of four teams per division with two divisions are used for this tournament.  The winner of the division is determined by total points won in all three rounds with teams facing off for 1st through 9th place.

No team? No worries. We’ll help you partner up!

See you tomorrow night!

Do you have a dress or suit you want to fit into this weekend?  Are you sick of that bloated feeling? 

With some easy changes to your every day diet, you can lose those last few stubborn pounds.

Jenny Maloney, Registered Dietitian at Midtown Chicago,  shares her expertise.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of two or three large meals, eat smaller portions throughout the day to keep your metabolism working. This will allow you to burn more calories. 

Focus on Portion Control

Try to eat no larger than about a fist-size of each type of food on your plate. 

Choose Natural Fiber

Enjoy fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and avoid sugar and white flour. When presented with a choice in grains, opt for the whole grain version, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, beans, oatmeal, whole grain cereal, and whole grain crackers.  Fiber takes longer for your body to break down and will keep you satiated until your next meal or snack. 

Cut Out Processed Foods

Not only does processing take out the nutrients from many nutrient-rich foods, they often contain hidden sugar, salt, and fat. Try for all fresh foods instead. 

Limit Your Sodium Intake

Reducing sodium will eliminate bloating.  Sodium is found in most processed foods. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables cuts down on your salt intake.  Salt dehydrates and causes our body to retain water, giving you that bloated feeling.  Drink more water and less diet sodas and coffee, as these drinks dehydrate you. 

By following these nutrition tips, you’ll eat healthier, which can decrease bloating, give you more energy, and hopefully lose that extra water weight gained by eating heavy food and processed food.

When are you getting started?

Have you been thinking about your New Year’s Resolution already?  Let me guess. One of your items might have to do with being healthier.  Did I get it right?  If so, we’re ready to help you meet your goals!

We have many events in the coming months to help you on the path to a healthier new you.

Adult and Junior Tennis Clinics and Camps
December 26-30
9-11am, 3-5pm, 7-9pm - Adult Clinics
9am-12noon or 9am-3pm - Junior Development Camp
9am-12noon – Junior Competitive Camp

January Group Fitness Class Schedule
Check for updates on new classes and times.

Intro to Chakras: An Experiential Workshop
January 14
2-4:30pm
Group Fitness Studio 
Members: Complimentary
Guests: $20
Complimentary Refreshments

Weight Loss Challenge
Jan 23
Contact Keith Mierzwa or Jenny Maloney to enroll and for details.

Pilates and TRX Intro Sessions
January 23-27
Contact Liz Chier or Keith Mierzwa for class times.

Midtown wants to help you reach your New Year’s Resolution Health Goals.

How are you creating a new you in 2012?

Will you be in town this Thanksgiving weekend?

If so, spend it with us!

On Thanksgiving Day, Midtown will be open from 7AM to 1PM.  Invite your friends and family to join you on Thanksgiving Day – no guest fee required. 

Here are ways to ”pre-burn” some calories before you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal.

Cardio Tennis Class Schedule
8-9:30am and 9:30-11am

Group Fitness Class Schedule
Cycle                    7:10-8am
Yoga                     8:10-9am
Group Sculpt       9:10-10am
Zumba                 10:10-11am
Cycle                    11:10am-12noon      

Tennis Camp
Junior Competitive Camp    9am-12noon

Since we don’t have regular tennis programs on Friday, November 25th, we will have Tennis Camp and Clinics.   

Tennis Camp and Clinics
Junior Development and Competitive Camp           9am-12noon
Adult Clinics                                                                           1-5pm

What are you doing to stay active this holiday weekend?