I watched last nights episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, he’s over in LA trying to help improve the quality of food served, especially in the schools. Usually I have the TV on in the background and rarely pay any attention to it, but I have to say, I was glued to this show. I just could not believe the closed minded attitude of the people he was trying to help. I could not believe the food that was being given to kids in school, the fact that they were being given flavoured milk loaded with sugar at break time because “milk is healthy” I could not believe that the powers that be were only interested in money, not health.
The whole show left me sick.
Very often what starts in the US makes its way over here. God help our species, it’s already in an obesity epidemic. “Adult Onset Diabetes” had to be renamed to “Type II Diabetes” because kids started getting it due to poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Young men are being diagnosed with the female post menopausal condition of Osteoporosis as a result of poor nutrition and lack of exercise
Check this out:
• In Ireland, 47% of people report being overweight or obese (13% obese, 34% overweight; SLÁN 2003).
• Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in men in the EU and the seventh highest prevalence among women.
There’s more:
Obesity in Europe is five times more common now, than it was after the Second World War. Recent trends highlight that the number of obese people is doubling every 10 years and the problem is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger people. Increases in obesity over the past 30 years have been paralleled by a dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes. In Ireland the prevalence of obesity is greater in men than in women. 14% of men and 12% of women are obese and in certain regions this figure rises to 18% and 15% respectively. This places Ireland in a unique position compared to other developed countries Obesity – People who are more than 10 pounds overweight have a higher risk for osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees. Pressure on joints from the excess weight causes cartilage to break down faster than usual.
Peoples attitudes need to change.
Parents, educate your kids on food and food choices. I you don’t know, find out, it isn’t hard.
Ignorance is NOT bliss.
If you need help with nutrition there is an amazing resource for tracking your food intake available on the excellent LiveStrong website. Simple enter what you eat and drink and it gives you a full nutritional breakdown. There are also plenty of articles, recipes and people willing to give you a dig out.
As for exercise, well I’ll help with that, but only if you’re willing to push your boundaries each and every session.
There are no excuses. Take control of your life.
Regards
Dave www.wg-fit.com
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