Nutrition
(www.ediets.com)
Fighting the Fat Phenomenon
The future of our country and even the world is in
trouble. No, I am not talking about nuclear weapons or
global warming. I am referring to the subtle yet
horrifying and growing problem of obesity among our
youth. The obesity rate among American kids has more
than tripled over the past 25 years. Recent statistics
provided by the Ad Council relate that for all U.S.
children over six years of age, 9 million of them are
obese!
Approximately 1/3 of children are either overweight or
identified at risk for becoming overweight. That is not
only alarming, but it is also a tale tell sign of our
need to be concerned about our health and the health of
our youth.
It is a fact that fast foods are a major contributor to
the decline of good health, and to the increase in
pounds and fat in our society. A family of four can
purchase a meal from one of several value meals
available that will pack on the calories, fat and
cholesterol for under $20. However, if that same family
chooses to dine on much more healthier fare: a meal
consisting of grilled lean meats, fresh vegetables and
whole grains the price tag will be considerably higher.
What can you do to win the battle of the wallet versus
the waistline? Here are some suggestions that can help
us to lead healthier, more enriched lives.
Hit the Internet. Surfing is great for more than
just finding the latest video or music. The internet is
a convenient and inexhaustible library of information
containing everything from nutrition, to exercise, to
healthy cooking and more! There are articles and studies
that provide information on lowering cholesterol, eating
foods that fight fat, and exercises to eliminate that
muffin top. I might add that “Sweating in the Spirit”
DVDs are also a fun and uplifting way to work and
worship those pounds away!
Read Labels. When grocery shopping take time to
see what ingredients make up the foods you buy. If the
first ingredient listed is sugar – limit your intake of
the item. Ingredients are listed in decreasing amounts.
Therefore whatever is listed first makes up the largest
portion of the ingredients. Also, try to stick with
products that list whole grains. Many types of bread are
labeled as wheat bread, but look for 100% whole wheat
grains on the nutrition list. Whole grains allow the
body to absorb vital nutrients, and allows for improved
metabolism. Labels also reveal the amount of fat,
protein and fiber a food contains. Learning to take note
of the serving size and sticking with it will help you
manage and maintain good nutrition.
Cut Back. Another way to combat increasing
grocery bills is to cut back on the amount of food that
you eat. A portion or serving of food should be about
the size of your fist. Keeping this in mind while fixing
your plate will help to keep the calories and fat in
check. Just because you have a big plate doesn’t mean
that every inch should be covered by food and sauces.
You should be able to see your plate once you have
placed all servings on it. Drinking water before and
during the meal will help you feel satisfied sooner.
Remember we shouldn’t eat to feel “full”, but we should
eat to satisfy our hunger. The two thoughts are very
different. And while we’re on the subject, drinking
water versus soda pop and other sugary drinks will help
to cut calories as well.
Get Moving. In an age of computer games, videos
and handheld devices we have become extremely sedentary
in our lifestyle. Growing up we couldn’t wait to go
outside and play, and were disappointed when the porch
light came on because we knew that it was time to go
inside. We loved the outdoors and had great adventures
climbing trees, jumping rope and playing ball. Today our
youth appear to be more interested in working their
fingers than their bodies. We all need to get out and
get moving. That great big wonderful world is still out
there, waiting for the next adventure. Take a walk, or a
hike. Climb a tree, or a mountain. Play tennis, swim or
dance to your own beat. (Did I mention “Body Gospel”…)
Do something to get moving. Regular exercise is not only
good for the body, but it is good for the soul and mind.
You think more clearly with regular exercise, and you
don’t have that run down feeling. In fact, you will
discover that with regular exercise you will have more
restful sleep.
By following these simple yet effective suggestions we
can win the battle with obesity. Remember that your body
is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you (1
Corinthians 6:19), and that we are commanded to honor
God with our temple. If we are feeling sluggish and run
down we cannot effectively be used for God’s glory and
for His purpose. But when we take our charge seriously
to honor God with our whole being there is no battle we
can’t win!
Stay Strong,
Donna
Donna Richardson Joyner is an author, fitness expert and television personality. Visit her online at www.donnarichardson.com.
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