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:
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:
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:
I was an NFL employee for over 12 years, and while working for the National Football League, I was privileged to meet many celebrities.
Many years ago, I met one of my all-time favorite athletes and Olympic American hero, Muhammad Ali. It was during a Super Bowl event in Georgia, which we both attended.
Admittedly, I am not a boxing fan, but my parents always were. I remember watching news about Ali in the late 70s on our not-so-flat screen TV. He announced he had Parkinson’s disease, one which sadly my mother is currently battling (Parkinson’s PSP).
Mohammad Ali’s quotes have always been favorites of mine. Who hasn’t heard, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” at least a dozen times? As a busy wife and mother, I live by this quote. I quietly float up the stairs like a butterfly to sneak up on my children when I know they are being mischievous, and then sting them like a bee as they give me the “I didn’t do it” gaze.
Of course, this isn’t what Mr. Ali meant by his quote, as I am sure he was referring to his athletic skill, but I still embrace his iconic quote and make it a part of my daily life.
The New Year has just begun, and I have chosen a new Ali quote as my mantra.
“It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.”
And to you, I say this:
Have faith in yourself to meet your New Year’s fitness goals, or any goal for that matter, and you will.
It’s easy to be afraid of conquering fitness challenges, weight-loss challenges, career and school challenges, and sometimes life in general. After all, everyday life itself is a challenge, and it isn’t easy.
But for you, our members, you have the club in your corner, to help you meet your fitness and weight-loss challenges, and to help you relax in our incredible spa after your hard work. If you find that fitness is a challenge, change the way you see it. Have the faith that you can make a lifestyle change by keeping your individual health a priority. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Every time you walk through our front door, you’re taking a step in the right direction.
What inspirational quote do you live by? Please share with us.
