I'm sure most of you have heard of the documentary/movie 'Super Size Me'. I have just finished his book written after his experience and following tons of research. This book was published in 2004, so some of the information is a little outdated but still very relevant and important!!
Some of the points from that I book that I thought were most of interest to me..
- The most shocking... the American Heart Association predicts that if children do not change their dietary and lifestyle habits that by the year 2025, 1 out of every 3 children will have Type 2 diabetes. I mean!!!! Shocking. It used to be rare to know someone with type 2... I only knew one through all of schooling and now 1 out of 3 children may have Type 2 diabetes! (Type 2 diabetes is where insulin resistance develops unlike type 1, it is an autoimmune disorder where insulin isn't produced.)
- He talks about all the excuses we Americans make for doing any physical activity. I mean I think we can all be guilty of this. Have you ever done this?.. I need to shower, well I can't shower before I work out! Let me just watch one more episode on Netflix, but now I'm hungry and you can't work out on an empty stomach! Now I'm full so I need to wait, I'll watch one more episode... It never ends! What works for me is setting goals, or a plan. It motivates me and helps keep me accountable so I don't make excuses.
- This is my #1.. I absolutely hate 'diets', the word, the thought, all of it. Most diets tell you to cut out all the carbohydrates, or all the fat or all the protein, etc. I vow to never promote a diet that cuts out a major food group and promote an unbalanced diet!! I believe "the only way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat sensibly and to exercise." Lifestyle change.
- "Overeating can be as bad for your liver as alcoholism." Scary! In his one month of McDonald eating he showed signs of liver disease!
- A favorite.. "Studies have shown that getting kids, boys are girls, involved in the cooking-- beyond teaching them kitchen skills they can use all their lives-- is an excellent way to get them interested in food. Kids who help out in the kitchen are much more willing to try stuff they'd normally turn up their noses at. Then sit down as a family as often as you can and share that meal." I could not agree with this more. Cooking skills and family dinners are not as important as they used to be. When I start my family, this will definitely be essential in our household.
There is a lot more to share so I suggest if this interests you to go pick up the book!! I mean don't get me wrong Americans are making changes and being fit and healthy is becoming more popular. But this book definitely opens your eyes!
Question of the day:
Have you read or watched anything that opened your eyes to something in your life?!
Cheers, Whitney
I read this book awhile back, and I, too, was horrified by what I was reading. A few weeks ago, I went on a gluten-free diet, and I've noticed a huge improvement in my heath. I also eat organic food with no GMO's.
ReplyDeleteAs far as exercise, I try to run...but it's hard. As you said, the excuses will trip me up sometimes.
Gluten-free I've heard a lot of good things about it. That's great it is working for you! And yes exercise is always a battle for me. You just have to try things that you enjoy doing!
DeleteI hate all diets too! Everytime I try one I end up getting so sick of eating whatever food it is and never eat it again. For example the Special K diet...never again will I eat Special K anything because of it. Yuck! Haha! I remember watching that movie in high school. It was so gross and sad because of how his body was reacting to McDonald's. I always live by portion control when eating to keep my weight the same. :) By the way every year I see more and more kids who have food allergies. It's crazy. I don't remember kids having them as much when I was growing up. Its so sad.
ReplyDeleteYes! Allergies are a huge issue too. So sad and can be very scary!
DeleteDon't even get me started on the word "diet" haha! Diets are ridiculous, short-lived, and only produce short-term results. The only "diet" I've ever tried is to cut carbs and amp up my protein. Of course, I ended up gaining weight and "bulking" up in muscle b/c I didn't have anything to burn off! Now I just try to eat whole foods and limit my sugar intake. If I want to "lean out" a little I will simply eliminate all processed food and added sugar--the healthy way to take off a few pounds. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! Carbs are what you need to burn off during physical activity. You want to avoiding using your protein sources. I will post more about that later!
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