U.S. is the Fattest Country

McDonald's Happy Meal

U.S. is the fattest of 33 countries. Mexico and New Zealand are runners-up. 70% of Americans are now overweight says the report, a number that will balloon to 75% in 2020. Food researchers indict the couch-and-mouse lifestyle, with people watching more T.V. and clicking online. The media with its ubiquitous commercials for high-calorie foods is partly responsible for the expanding waistlines, especially in kids. But the demise of the family dinner is also a factor says the Star-Tribune. Structured, please-pass-the peas family meals are no longer the norm. We are a fast food culture and don't really take time to enjoy our meals. When people watch TV, they often eat too much or consume the wrong food because they lose track or are not paying attention to their meal.

In fact, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that substance abuse itself is lower in families that eat together 3 times a week, food being many people’s preferred substance. A 2010 study by the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University found 9th graders are fatter when their schools are close to fast-food restaurants. Should we ban those restaurants from opening or operating near our schools? I think it's a matter of supply and demand. If we educate ourselves and the children about healthy eating habits, we won't eat junk food, there will be no demand for fast foods, therefore those restaurants must change or go out of business. I used to love sodas as a kid and was placated or rewarded with junk food like candies by my parents. I believe that parents need to be good role models by eating a healthy diet and refuse give in to kids demands for things that are not good for them. I used to teach grade school in LAUSD where they served lunches that I wouldn't eat even if they were free and the vending machines there are probably still full of junk food. As consumers, we have power with our dollars. Vote for healthy food with your wallets. Go to a Farmers Market near you and buy fresh produce. Patronize a restaurant that serves fresh, healthy, locally grown food. Learn how to make simple dishes with me. I will teach a 30-minute Healthy Cooking Class if there is enough demand for it. Contact me for more information.

Ingrid Cheng
Founder of Fit-Twist and Yoga teacher
http://www.fit-twist.net
http://holistichealthclubla.webs.com

McD's Happy Meal Makeover

McDonald's trims its kids meal by reducing the amount of fries, adding apples, cutting calories and fat in each meal. Will that lower the 17% rate of obesity in our youths? I don't think so. It's not the quality of food but the quantity and the hurried way people eat that makes them fat. Read The Fat Fallacy by Dr. Will Clower in which he explains that despite our national obsession with dieting, Americans are just getting fatter. We count every calorie, search out low fat or non-fat foods that are highly processed and chemically laden, in hopes that these foods will help us lose weight. The French don’t do any of this. They eat real food, not highly processed foods. They don’t make low fat versions and they enjoy their carbs.

Clower tells us that the French eat smaller portions than we do, and they take their time to enjoy every bite. By eating slowly, and consuming moderate amounts of fat, their bodies have a chance to become full and satisfied on smaller portions. “Enjoyment and satisfaction have more to do with the amount of time you spend on the meal than the raw poundage of food you eat.” So, avoid fast or "faux" foods and eat real, healthy meals. Try not to rush through your lunch or dinner. Stop drinking sodas, even diet ones. Don't buy snacks with  ingredients you can't recognize (won't find in nature), strange coloring, long expiration dates and get some fruits like apples, bananas or oranges. They're easy and healthy snacks. Also pack a small amount of nuts in a zippy bag to go. I always bring healthy snacks with me wherever I go so if I get hungry, I won't be tempted to go for junk food.

Fit-Twist
Health, Fitness and Nutrition
We Are What We Eat 
http://www.fit-twist.net