American Obesity

American's are fat and unhealthy. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but if you haven't looked around lately, our friends, family, and loved ones are plagued by this overwhelming health issue. I am not saying, all that are unfit, are not beautiful, kind, and loved. I am saying that it is an ever increasing issue that won't stop until we support each other.
According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 34 percent of American adults are obese; that study taken as of January 2010. The most overwhelming thought is most of those Americans won't follow through with a treatment plan. This paving the way for generations of Americans to be taught incorrect eating and exercise habits.
I've been pondering this issue for awhile now, well maybe forever. I have a past of weight obsession and borderline eating disorder. All the women in my family are constantly "on a diet" and endlessly battling their bodies. I never took the eating disorder to its fullest potential, but always have that little voice in the back of my mind telling me, " I shouldn't be eating that." Oh the subconscious always has its say. I have been over weight and under weight, and everywhere in between. As I went into my adolescents, I was a dancer and ice skater; saw many versions of eating disorders and heard many coaches tell girls if they only lost ten more pounds. It is true, thin is not always better, especially when an extreme disorder is linked to it. Whether you're on the end extremes of a body issue, health and proper diet are the principle factors in getting your body to its prime efficiency. We all have to work for the optimum health for our society.
I want to survive for my future and for my loved ones. I'm know overweight and obese Americans want to live for the future as well. However, what is the cause for them not fighting for their quality of life? Why don't the majority of Americans see what they put in their mouths? Why do people think not moving their bodies will hurt more than help? If you are getting the sense of anger, then you're right. It angers and disappoints me to see self sabotage.
Sure, everyone has a fast food meal every now and then. There is nothing wrong with eating this food once in awhile. It also doesn't hurt to take advantage of some of the fast food chains healthier options. With the purchase of the healthy options, only leads to more healthy options in the future. Remember, fast food places aren't to blame for our obesity, it's the American public that buys it.
Having had a summer of traveling to my native land of Ohio, I've seen the way I used to think about eating. I also saw how my family and others in my homeland think about food. Mindlessly feeding themselves with an endless array of sugar and fatty food. In the past, I did not see the value of vegetables other than a way to lose weight. I thought a good meal was getting the biggest or most cheesy thing on the menu. Prepackaged and ready made were the best I could hope for. It really wasn't until I started watching the Food Network and becoming involved with people that knew more about food than I did, that I slowly switched my eating habits. I saw cooking and fresh fruit and vegetables as the nourishment my body needed and wanted. Cooking isn't just a means to be full anymore, it's a way to discover how I can give my body energy. The wish for everyone in America to realize this, I'm afraid will never happen. The attitude of health is for the rich runs ramped in all parts of our country. However, we are not doing ourselves any favors not being honest to our friends and loved ones who are suffering. We can no longer stand by and watch the destruction.
Shows such as, The Biggest Loser and Losing it with Jillian, on NBC Prime Time are a step forward to letting the great masses of Americans that need help or motivation to get healthy. I just hope for the sake of a great America, that these shows inspire more and more people to get off of the couch and into the gym, or at least the produce section of their local grocery store.
Let's help each other live. Be not the enabler, but the person who pushes for a greater cause. Love yourself, family, and friends by spreading the word of good food and exercise. If you or someone you know would like more information on obesity and it's effects, please go to www.cdc.gov, www.obesityresource.com, or www.obesityfocused.com. And if you would like healthy recipes and fun food tips, please visit Foodnetwork.com
Please take care of yourselves and the ones you love. Remember, taking care of our health and bodies is a constant challenge. It may not be easy, but it's worth it.