I dare you to take a real good look in the mirror. While you’re at it, I encourage you to have your photos taken in your bathing suit and post them in a conspicuous location.
According to a recent survey, approximately 30% of overweight people think they’re normal size, and 70% of obese people felt they were just overweight. July, 2011 issue of Life Extension. Just visit any shopping mall, school, airport or Disneyland and it is obvious there is a definite epidemic. This is not just a visual disturbance; it’s a financial crisis because this excess weight costs our nation annually an estimated $93 billion in medical bills.
Currently, 65% of Americans are overweight or obese! A study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicts that by the year 2020 almost 75% of the American population will be overweight or obese. What does this mean? In less than 9 years, more than half of all Americans will be pre-diabetic or suffer type 2 diabetes. What we’re looking at is an obese, senile population (a bunch of obese people that don’t know where the heck they’re going) since Alzheimer’s disease is diabetes of the brain (type 3 diabetes).
In our land of excess, super-sizing has become commonplace. What used to be a normal serving is now enough to feed a family of four! Just go to any all-you-can-eat salad bar and notice not only the massive amount of food these folks are eating, but the types of food – sugary, carb crap void of any fiber or nutrients whatsoever. Can you say “insulin spike?” I was thoroughly disgusted when at a restaurant I observed a mother pouring soda into her baby’s bottle! And, check out young kids sporting “muffin tops, spare tires and double chins.” One look at their parents and you can see the ‘olive didn’t fall far from the branch’.
If you want a heart attack, stroke, diabetes or any other health condition, do what the majority of Americans are doing: drink at least one soda or fruit juice daily, eat lots of grains, sit in front of the television or computer, avoid supplements, and eat a low fat diet. Bottom line, if you want to avoid diabesity and other health conditions, you have got to take control and responsibility. No more excuses – stop the denial – get out of victim mode.
I love what my friend and colleague, Todd Durkin, author of The IMPACT! Body Plan, wrote in his recent TD Times Newsletter:
“I've heard a lot of stories and I've heard a lot of excuses: thyroid, hormones, medication, bad parenting, poor role models, stress, depression, poverty...the list goes on. For adults, no matter where or why a weight problem starts, it ends in the same place. My friends, you've got to have the willpower to make good choices. We are a nation addicted to food. And most of it is junk. No one force-feeds you. No one stops you from buying fruits and vegetables and lean protein. No one chains you to the couch. No one bars you from your neighborhood gym or stops you at the door when you want to take a walk. There is no one to blame but the guy or gal in the mirror. We are suffering from an epidemic of bad choices and I've had enough. Do you or do you not have the will power?
More than ever before, we are well informed about exercise, nutrition and health. Yet, despite this increased awareness, the incidence of disease linked to poor lifestyle is on a rampant rise. Our waistlines continue to expand and our health continues to deteriorate. I have to own this. Each one of us has to own this.” Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS
Every one of us can take action and start by changing two things each and every week. In my book, The Power of 4, at the end of each segment, you will find examples of healthy habits which I refer to in The Power of 4 as “Winning Formulas.” You will find “Winning Formulas” for each of the four powers Diet and Nutrition, Lifestyle, Exercise and Fitness, and Supplements.
Starting today, pick two healthy “Winning Formulas” this week. Below are just a few examples in regards to your diet to get you started on your journey to prevent obesity and diabetes, stabilize your blood sugars and avoid an insulin surge.
| Instead of this: | Eat this: |
| Sugar, Splenda, Sweet ‘N Low, Aspartame, High-Fructose Corn Syrup | Stevia Plus – the ‘green’ packs |
| Cereal, Donuts or Bagels for Breakfast | Eggs or Nitrate-free chicken sausage with a handful of walnuts and a cup of blueberries |
| Soda, Including Diet Soda | Unsweetened Green Tea, White Tea or Water with Lemon or Lime |
| Candy Bar | One square of dark chocolate with a handful of almonds |
| Starbuck’s Latte | Black Coffee with Heavy Cream |
| Potato Chips | Celery with Almond Butter |
No more excuses – stop the denial – get out of victim mode. NOW is the time to take control and responsibility! And, don’t forget to get your camera out and take those photos!
Contact me to get started on your personalized program!
Copyright © 2011 Paula Owens
