Obesity in America

Obesity is on the rise in America, and it’s only going to get worse. What is it that’s causing so many people to outgrow their pants size and go for larger shirts?  There are two main problems (of many) that are easy to change.

The first is exercise.  Rather than walking the four blocks to the grocery store, walking up the stairs at work, and running after the kids in the park, we’ve become a couch-potato society.  Most people rely almost entirely on their cars to get them around, and they allow their children to spend the afternoon on the computer and in front of the TV rather than running around outside.  This has created a sedentary society that isn’t used to getting up and moving.  There are many simple ways to alter these patterns. Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator; try to go for a 15 minute walk each day (and then build up to a thirty minute one); take the kids to the park in the afternoon or for a swim.  Start with these tips and see if they don’t make a difference.

Another issue that faces so many Americans is portion control.  Portions have grown drastically in the last few decades to the point that the Big Gulp seems like the regular size soda at the 7-11 and the super size hamburger is the norm.  A regular serving of protein for a meal is actually the size of your fist.  One fruit is also the size of your fist.  Carbohydrates like rice, couscous and other grains should be limited to one cooked cup per meal.  Starting to pay attention to portion sizes and portion control can make a big difference in your diet and your caloric intake.

Using these few, easy suggestions is a great start to a better, healthier you – and one that isn’t part of the 30% of Americans who are deemed obese.