Fighting Obesity--Really???

In case you were as of yet unawares, the obesity rate throughout the world is at an all-time high, and America seems to be at the fore-front. Apparently, over the past twenty years there has been a drastic increase in the obesity rate in America (ironically enough, that spans my life...I just thought that's interesting). I found a webpage with an interesting article titled, Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics which defines obesity as "a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems".

The only reason I even bring this topic up, is because it reminded me of something I was talking about with my sister yesterday.

For a little back story, let me start by saying that I am the only person in my immediate family--and most of my extended family, from what I can tell--that I know of who is not over-weight (however, right now, I feel like a cow because I'm 9 months pregnant with twins, but that really doesn't pertain to the topic at hand). I've always had a bit of a weight complex, mainly because everyone around me was over-weight and I was always scared of being fat. Being 5'7" and fighting heredity has made keeping my weight at least average very important to me, I suppose.

Because I've never really struggled with a weight problem, I will go on the record as saying that I can't really see things from my sister's point of view, but I can't imagine it's been easy for her--especially lately with her trying to lose weight and get into good shape.

Yesterday, I decided to go to Wendy's because--being pregnant--I was super-craving one of their new fish fillet sandwiches. I got the largest size, but didn't really want my fries (just my sandwich and my ginormous coke...yum >^^<) so I'd share them with my sister. While she and I were talking about various things over lunch, she suddenly brought up fast-food in relation to parenting--at least for her.

"My children aren't ever going to have McDonalds or any of that stuff until they're older--like grown kids..." she declared.

I was kind of shocked to hear her say this, especially since McDonlads has become slightly more health-conscious with their variety of sides for children and what-not, so I replied, "That really doesn't make sense. That's like the lady who blamed McDonalds for her dumbass spilling her hot coffee on herself."

I mean, am I wrong? I seriously can try to understand her point of view--she's overweight and doesn't want her children to have to deal with the emotional and physical pain of that condition--but really, she's going to push it that far? It just doesn't make sense to me. Yes, fast-food has a tendency to be unhealthy and loaded with fat and all of that...but that doesn't mean that you have to eat it to the point where you're morbidly obese. Or, I mean, you can exercise and have an active life-style so that you can eat what you want--within reason--and still maintain a healthy weight.

I know my sister isn't the only person who feels this way on the planet.

I understand, it's easier to blame "The Man" rather than take responsibility for the fact that a person would eat like a glutton--unable to tell when his/her body had had enough--and then proceed to lounge around in front of the television or computer rather than get outside and ride a bike or go for a swim or something.

I'm not going to say I'm perfect by any means, but I do know my body and I know that obesity runs in my family. I'm not skinny--like I said, I'm happy being average--and perhaps, according to some, I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway, but I'm not going to place the blame on outside influences. It was my decision to go to Sonic and get a double cheese burger, tots, and a rootbeer float. No one twisted my arm. (Oo. That sounds really good right now, by the way.) It was me who decided to sit on my butt in front of my computer for two hours playing Shaiya online rather than going outside for a nice walk or something.

I suppose there are tons of excuses people can make for why they are the way they are. But I'm happy for my sister, at least. She decided to stop making excuses and has been working out, watching what she eats, and is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still doing the things she enjoys. Good for her. I'm assuming her goals are realistic, and they seem to be, and she seems happier and has more energy now which is great. I just feel bad for the people who are still sitting in front of the TV, salivating over a Denny's commercial while they're eating an entire bucket of fried chicken by themselves.

It may seem harsh, I know, but this isn't something that I'm afraid to say to someone's face--which I have--so I have no problem posting it online. I'm sure I may have ruffled a few feathers, but I do want to help more than anything. Below is my own list for living a healthy lifestyle--realistically-speaking, that is--from an average person, and not some self-proclaimed fitness guru or anything like that. Also, after my babies are born, I'll also put up my regiment for myself for losing the near-50 pounds that I've gained during my pregnancy, and hopefully that will help some people out there, too.

1. Balance


Everyone talks about balance--whether it's your diet or your mind, and it's true. But let me break down how I view balance. Don't be afraid of food; eat what you enjoy within reason. Don't starve yourself or anything crazy like that. If you decide you want a Big Mac or something, have one--but don't over indulge, and balance out that delicious treat by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a long walk. You don't have to kill yourself at a gym, but manage your time wisely when it comes to "relaxation".


2. The Non-Diet


Dieting can be a challenge, so you can't think of it as a diet because somehow that puts everything a little farther out of reach for you--I don't know why, but I know it does. Like I said before, don't starve yourself, but know when you're full. If you have a tendency to eat a lot before your full because your stomach is large at this point, then fill it with stuff that's good for you and easy for your body to process like grains, proteins, vegetables...and trust me, they can be prepared in a way so that they taste good to you. You don't have to sacrifice as much as you think when it comes to just watching what you eat.


3. Toss the Scale


I know, it sounds crazy, but the bathroom scale is a big, fat liar, and it hates you. Okay, that's a little extreme. But seriously, the scale can lie to you. If you're mixing a fitness routine with a diet, the muscle-mass you gain weighs more than the fat that you may be losing, so the numbers aren't going to add up right. If you're simply dieting or something, the numbers will depress you if they aren't going down as fast as you would like and it'll only make you want to take drastic measures which may not be the best thing. Instead, base your weight loss around what you see in the mirror, or what your friends say, or even by how your clothes are starting to fit. Trust me, it feels a lot better when you hear someone say "Wow, have you been losing weight? You look great!" rather than what those bitchy numbers on the scale say.


4. H2O


Drink lots of water. That's an easy one. You don't have to substitute water for every drink you have a day but your body needs and craves it. A lot of people don't know what the natural thirst for water feels like so they'll try to satisfy it with a coke or tea or something, and it won't work. Don't underestimate how satisfying a bottle of water can be.


5. Exercise...duh


Okay, let's face it. Not everyone can or even wants to live at a gym, and I don't know about you, but stationary bikes and crap like that drive me nuts--I mean, all of that peddling and you go nowhere? Screw that. Do something that you will actually enjoy as a form of exercise. Go to the park and walk around for a while and maybe feed some ducks. Go swimming. Play with your kids outside. Go out dancing or something. Seriously, just keep yourself active. Maybe you'll actually find yourself wanting to spend less time in front of the TV or computer.


6. Set Realistic Goals for Yourself


If you're 5'7" like me, chances are that you're never going to weigh 90 pounds and be a size 0 and there's a good chance you could kill yourself if you try to attain that. Everyone's body is different. Talk to your doctor about setting goals ideal for your body type--or just Google like a fiend. The most important is that you get to a place that you are content with, whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 110. Just keep the goal within a healthy reach.


7. Be Happy


To me, this seems to be the most important thing. A lot of people are depressive eaters, or eat when they get bored. Fill your time with something that you really enjoy doing. If you suffer from depression or have depression symptoms, talk to a doctor. I've noticed that when you feel good your desire to be active increases and you'll actually want to get out there and not sit around all day. Even if you have a lot of stress in your life, if you find a way to let go of that stress and just take a moment for yourself--whether it's playing a game with your kid, joking with a friend, walking your dog, or reading a book--you'll feel better about a lot of things and your goals will seem more attainable.

I know a lot of what I've said can be argued with "Well, that's great, but it's easier said than done." To be honest, that's true. It's very easy to write out a list of what I think is a "healthy lifestyle" and tell everyone to follow it. Taking the first step to altering your life is always difficult and for some it may never happen--especially depending on what that first step may be. I also know that some people are mentally and emotionally stronger than others, but that doesn't really mean that things are easier for them. Everything is relative and you have to apply what people say and the advice that people give in a way that pertains specifically to you. Sometimes, that simple alteration can make everything a lot easier for you.