Discussion topic
Obesity in America
Solution
Slow cookers and stairs help to fight against obesity problems in America
By siteAdmin
2/28/2008
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Many Americans have long commutes to work, and children to care for. When
finally arriving home to make dinner for the family, they need to be conscious
of their health as well as health of their children. All it takes is a little
motivation to incorporate the following tips into your routine:
Eating healthier
The slow cooker is great way to prepare nutritious low-fat meals. It does not
take too much of your time to put some food into the slow cooker and to let it
cook for the whole day. Turkey or chicken with vegetables are some of the
healthier options. There are several books with a variety of lower calorie
recipes for slow cookers. The best thing about the slow cooker is that when you
finally make it home, the food is ready to be served for the whole family. This
is a much healthier alternative than spaghetti with meatballs or mac and cheese.
If you can’t avoid stopping by a fast food restaurant, try to go for some of
the reduced fat food options and/or lower carb meals that are offered. McDonalds
New York City, Philadelphia and Maryland are delivering French fries with 0
grams of trans- fat per labeled serving and reduced saturated fats. They
guarantee it tastes the same! Wendy’s offers gluten-free hamburgers and several
salad choices. In the category of eat-in restaurants, IHOP has 4 options either
with lower carbs, fewer fat grams or less calories. Applebee’s has a contract
with Weight Watchers to offer meals with reduced calorie cheeses, lean grilled
meats, whole wheat buns and seasonal vegetables. The point is, if you absolutely
have to pick up fast food or eat in a restaurant, know that you may have an
option for something less greasy and fattening to put into your body. And don’t
forget that deserts are for kids.
Exercise
Keep in mind that any physical activity is good. It does not mean you have to
run a marathon. Take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. If there are
several floors to your destination start out with one flight of stairs and build
up your tolerance, and before you know it, you will be able to walk up six
flights of stairs. Walk an additional block when going home or to the
office. After work, take your children for a bike ride .Get your body moving!
Remember, most of us don’t do a physical job.
If you are a student and your campus has walkways and stairs, use them. Avoid
elevators if you can. If you are a parent, make sure your child’s school has a
good exercise program. If a child exercises 30 minutes or more per day, they
will understand that exercise is natural and crucial for a healthy life
style.
If your understand these facts about obesity in America and know how you fall
into those traps, you are already half- way there to adopting an improved
lifestyle and weight loss program. Habits are hard to change, and I’m sure most
people know what it takes to change bad habits. It takes a little hard work and
a consistent routine for about two weeks to get started. Focus and discipline
are needed to succeed. It is important to be conscious about what you put into
you body and that you should keep moving to stay fit. You don’t need to starve
or leave your family to go to the gym, but you can definitely be wiser about the
choices you make about eating and getting exercise.