HOW THE MO STATE FAIR SHOWED ME HOW TO STICK TO MY DIET

On the way to Herb’s family reunion in Columbia, we decided to take a side trip to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.  Herb grew up as a Future Farmer of America and I’d been a former resident of Sedalia, so we thought we’d kill a couple hours before the family festivities got into full swing.  I had to admit, that 6 days into my Pilates Fat Loss Formula Paleo Jumpstart, I was a bit worried about getting triggered by a giant pretzel or cold brew, but just the opposite thing happened!  I became MORE committed to EATING CLEAN!

As we entered the venue, we were taken back by just how many obese people were at the Fair.   I mean, it wasn’t just here and there- it seemed like everyone there was very overweight!  It seemed like an amazingly high percentage!   Was this population skewed or have we as a nation really become this fat?

That lead me to look up some statistics about obesity in this country.  Check this out!

• About one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese.

• Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.

• During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of 30% or more.

• The South has the highest obesity prevalence (29.4%) followed by the Midwest (28.7%), Northeast (24.9%) and the West (24.1%)

• No state has met the nation’s Healthy People 2010 goal to lower obesity prevalence to 15%. The number of states with an obesity prevalence of 30% or more has increased to 12 states in 2010. In 2009, nine states had obesity rates of 30% or more. In 2000, no state had an obesity prevalence of 30% or more.

• Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of death.

• In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs paid by third-party payors for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

• Among non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American men, those with higher incomes are more likely to be obese than those with low income.

• Higher income women are less likely to be obese than low-income women.

• There is no significant relationship between obesity and education among men. Among women, however, there is a trend—those with college degrees are less likely to be obese compared with less educated women.

• Between 1988–1994 and 2007–2008 the prevalence of obesity increased in adults at all income and education levels.

What is making us so fat?

Hello!!!!  It’s what we’re eating!   The Standard American Diet is one that many health professionals wish would disappear. Not only does this diet promote poor eating habits with its unbalanced food choices and large portion sizes, but it is also a diet that seems to ignore many health recommendations. Unsurprisingly, the Standard American Diet is one that is attributed to obesity and to poor health. Here’s what you need to know about the SAD diet, why it’s hurting you, and how to get back on track.

Why the Standard American Diet is SAD

The Standard American Diet is one that focuses on food for pleasure and convenience, rather than being a diet that encourages good health. With basic ingredients as beef and potatoes, these foods may be nourishing, but they can also lead to health problems and other dangerous consequences.

The SAD diet is typically one in which vegetables and fruits are eaten sparingly or when they are included, they are dipped in butter or sugar or high fat, high calorie sauces. The daily caloric content of this diet is high, generally around 2500 calories for the average adult. And what’s worst about the Standard American Diet is that children are watching adults and the ways they are eating, learning eating habits that are difficult to break as they become older.

How SAD Eating Habits Contribute to Obesity and Poor Health

Food is meant to be a fuel and not simply something to do. In the Standard American Diet, Americans end up seeing a lot of harmful effects:

• Weight gain – People who follow the SAD diet are often overweight, if not obese at some point of their lives.
• Diabetes – When people eat too much sugar, their bodies stop being able to process it well, leading to diabetes.
• Heart disease – If the diet is focused on fats from meats, these saturated fats can clog the arteries and lead to heart attacks.
• Cancers – Without fiber, vegetables, or fruits in the diet, the body can have a greater risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, and other harmful diseases.
• High blood pressure – The Standard American Diet is often high in salt as well, leading to high blood pressure readings, which can lead to strokes and to other complications.

What you eat does matter – and the Standard American Diet does not offer a balanced meal plan.

How to Change Your Eating Habits Right Now

The good news is that it’s not difficult to adjust the Standard American Diet to be healthier. One of the easiest ways to enhance this diet is simply to reduce the amount of simple carbohydrates and bad fats that you eat. By eating a diet that has more vegetables and lean protein sources, you can increase your health and reduce your body fat percentage in a hurry.

Another way to make your diet healthier is to limit the amount of fast food and fried foods you consume. This is a no-brainer, but for many of us it’s hard to break ourselves away from these convenient foods. However, if you can reduce or eliminate these types of foods from your SAD you will start losing weight and becoming healthier right away. That’s what our Pilates Fat Loss 10 Day Jumpstart is all about!

Today is Day 7 and although my body kicked me back when I cut out simple sugars, alcohol and dairy for the first few days, my trip to the Missouri State Fair reminded me why I was doing it.  It’s NOT just about looking good- at 52 I am really looking at preserving my health and vitality.  And I know I can’t do that eating cotton candy, pizza and tossing back cold Buds.   Good health is all we’ve got and I want to live my life to the fullest!  So I’m embracing my new eating plan and will keep you posted on my results!

For more information on the Pilates Fat Loss Formula, call the studio at 913 499 7510 or email me at tina@pilates1901.com today!