America is Fat

Group: General Diet & Nutrition

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 399, Messages: 16719

With such a topic so broad we truly try to cover the basics from all angles in this group. Nothing too big or too small. Nutrition is as significant if not more as exercise is to reaching your goals so learn all you can.

Join group

rsquade Posts: 152 Joined: 2003/01/06	2003/05/08, 10:20 AM I went to a local school concert. My town has a good mix of just folks, adequate income, probably better than average education - but I couldn't believe the obesity that assembled in that auditorium. Out of some 400 people, I could spot about 10 men and 20 women who weren't seriously overweight. Funny the kids performing were fairly lean, the kids in the audience - more obesity. Now I'm sure my observations aren't scientific, but I'm still shocked by what I saw. My abs were still hurting from a good workout and I felt good that I've heeded the call to health. It scares me how much work would be required to bring that crowd into a healthy weight range.

dahayz Posts: 794 Joined: 2002/05/08	2003/05/08, 11:10 AM Tell me about it, and the sad thing is is that people place health in the backs of there mind. It is VERY sad. I notice this all of the time and all I do is shake my head. Because unless they really want to change, then that is all you can do.
nikki_m_austin Posts: 35 Joined: 2002/08/24	2003/05/08, 03:14 PM Try travelling outside of the US and then come back, and you'll really notice. The older generation abroad really take care of themselves. Portion size is more realistic of a meal at home, not a daily (or weekly!) meal in one sitting. Physical activity is much more a part of life, too. And you don't hear "this place to eat is fantastic, you should see the SIZE of the portion" or some other comment about how MUCH, verus the QUALITY of the food. And walking is more of a necessity instead of driving everywhere. It's IS interesting. Scary, really. - Nikki
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/08, 03:32 PM Yep, but its not their fault, its the fast food restaurants. We should sue the, oh wait someone is.... That just kills me when people wont take responsibility. You know, I would gladly pay half the price for half the portion some restaurants serve! Why do they insist on giving such large portions? Heck, you cant sit down for lunch for less than 10 bucks? Why not offer lunch for 5 (half the portion) and then let those that want more buy two?
sandysford Posts: 1,139 Joined: 2002/11/18	2003/05/08, 04:11 PM Quote from Carblo: Lawyers are beginning to target the restaurant industry to attempt to hold it accountable for the nation's drastic obesity epidemic, legal representatives said Thursday at a food policy meeting. 'We have a new movement,' said John Banzhaf, a professor of law at The George Washington University Law School in Washington who helped lead litigation against the tobacco industry. The fight against restaurants, he told the audience at the National Food Policy Conference, has just begun. Quote from Ravenwolf: I think that is crap. I heard some people were going to sue like Mc Donald’s and a few others for making them fat. HELLOW.....you were the ones that spent your money and shoved all that food down your mouths and can't get off your lazy asses. They did not seem to mind it when they were eating 6 big max 10 fries 5 shakes and 8 pies in one sitting. What a bunch of crap!!! Sorry for the rant but people like that, that want a free ride and not earn there way kind of piss me off. Quote from Mackfactor: Ditto, wolf. Some people compare this to tobacco industries - but big tobacco always implied that their products wouldn't harm you and denied their addcitiveness. They outright lied - and they've still never really owned up to any of it. The fast food companies, however, have presented no delusions of the quality of their food. Everyone knows it's bad for you. Everyone knows that it makes you fat. And everyone's known that for a long time. The restaurants don't falsely represent their food as tobacco companies did with cigarettes and they sure don't force it down anyone's gullet. This came from another post today, Yeah let's sue them NOT!!! Did McDonald's force that Big Mac down your throat, I don't think so, In America we have the right of choice!! -------------- I will lift my own weight someday!!!!!
Ogun Posts: 559 Joined: 2002/08/11	2003/05/08, 04:16 PM I think Big Macs should be a controlled substance ;) -------------- --There are no versions of the truth.-- Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic Park II
kirby00 Posts: 238 Joined: 2002/11/05	2003/05/08, 04:29 PM Having traveled a bit across the country, I must say, I'm really happy to be living in California (Northern - the Bay Area). Way more people are into doing things outside. Because they can - year round! Lots of hiking, biking, camping...and just generally healthy people. Compare this to a road trip that took me across Texas...goodness. (disclaimer - not that there's anything wrong with Texas, I just noticed a lot more obesity and overweight people there than here - or even Chicago, where I grew up) And compared to travels in other countries, American cities and suburbs aren't organized to allow people to walk to run errands as much. Wonder if some of the newer developments could be arranged to allow for more walking...or streets with safe lanes for biking... -Krb
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/05/08, 04:55 PM It is true that america is getting "bigger". I used to go to the yearly oldies concert held here by a local radio station(yeah, oldies..LOL), and I assumed for the most part that the majority of the people there were my age group. Man, so many of them aged badly. It was amazing, I literally watched a lady sitting on the lawn on a blanket have to get 2 guys to help her up! And the whole time she was eating nachos and big pretzels with large sodas. I would think embarassment alone would drive one to do something. Folks, glad to have you here on FT. You at least have taken a great step, whether just to get in shape or be a bodybuilder, it doesn't matter, you have done it for your health. Give yourselves a big round of applause. -------------- As far as genetics go, the skies the limit. You are limited only by your mental perception of it. Ron
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/08, 06:50 PM Well, I was listening to a report on the radio the other day on my ride home that said fitness training was up. Also, if you read the reports on any of the CFT sites, they quote the same thing. People are starting to look harder at fitness. I think the Atkins revolution/Zone diets have really hit on something for people to start watching their carbs. Not eliminating them, but watching. Hell, I think a Big Mac, Large Fries and Large Coke are something like 200+ carbs! (I know an 8 oz coke is 27g!)
Stormcrow Posts: 77 Joined: 2003/02/22	2003/05/09, 09:34 AM I totally agree with sandy--more scary than the trend toward obesity in America is the trend of not holding people responsible for their own actions. Sue the restaurants. It's not the fat people's fault that they eat fast food--give me a f*%$ing break! Sue the tobacco industry because some idiot smoked and died. There is no end to the stupidity nowadays. -------------- . . . to crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women . . .
Stormcrow Posts: 77 Joined: 2003/02/22	2003/05/09, 09:39 AM . . . even the government is in on it--just today Tommy Thompson was warning fast food restaurants about their food. In 15 years, every product of consumption in this country will be light and insipid for fear of lawsuits. Wait, it already is, compared to the rest of the world. Not to mention our US stance on manipulating Canada in terms of decriminalization of pot. "We" now want to create trade barriers because Canada has a more realistic approach to dealing with pot smokers. What happened to the land of the free? LIBERTARIANS, UNITE! -------------- . . . to crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women . . .
roni0906 Posts: 1,008 Joined: 2002/01/24	2003/05/09, 08:58 PM Oh, I miss California. Kirby is right. You can do things outside all year round. About 95% or better in my family is overweight. I try and help them out since I have learned the correct way to lose weight and keep it off. They still think that by not eating, they will lose weight even after I have told them my success story. Funny thing is, I used to be the overweight one as a kid (not into sports) and my sisters had the "perfect" body. My little sister even went to modeling school. Now they are the ones overweight...... -------------- Lisa Just laugh about it....
jacksprat Posts: 72 Joined: 2002/10/19	2003/05/10, 02:26 PM I listen to NPR a lot. A couple of recent news items--emergency vehicles are being make larger to accomodate the larger patients and airlines have increased the average weight per person to make sure the plane is not overloaded. ============
nikki_m_austin Posts: 35 Joined: 2002/08/24	2003/05/12, 03:03 PM If I were to try to put it all in a nutshell, I'd say it's a little of all of the following: - american capitalistic mentality of "more for less" translating to our expectations at restaurants - lack of city centers designed for PEOPLE instead of big commerce - Wal-mart has really helped/hurt us in that way (I think my honey, tho a WM Distribution Center Area Manager, would agree w/ that!) - the american drive to rush,rush,rush as quickly as possible (not stopping to enjoy the process - walking more vs driving!) - sedentary jobs I didn't mean that to sound so anti-capitalism, cause I'm super "pro-." We just need to stop and reassess what's important. Our nature, being human, is designed to MOVE, to enjoy the natural things in life, including the outdoors, and so many of us just aren't! Blah, blah, blah sorry to ramble on! - Nik
nikki_m_austin Posts: 35 Joined: 2002/08/24	2003/05/12, 03:10 PM Oh, and about all these stats. I overheard that they've also raised the average weight of American adult to 190. Don't know who to reference there, nor if it's fact or fiction, but that's awful scary.
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/05/13, 12:15 PM And now.....America's favorite cookie. The popular but poison Oreo! In the news first thing this am....a lawsuit against the makers of OREOS?! And we all thought they were so good for us, right????
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/13, 01:04 PM Yeah, did you hear why? The sugary substance of the white filling is not good for you. DUH!!! The lawyers are suing on behalf of the kids, because a grown adult should be able to make their own decisions...
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/13, 02:07 PM :o) Oh goodness.....And who MAKES the decision to buy the cookies for their kids in the first place...not that a kid can't buy the cookies with their allowance or something. That discussion could light on an even touchier subject like regulating what your children do and eat.... I don't even think I'm going to go there <smile>
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2003/05/13, 04:37 PM The lawsuit states that the trans-fatty acids in the filling are too dangerous for kids. Okay, granted they are not healthy (and are actually worse than saturated fats), but do you realize how many products carry them, and in MUCH larger amounts? Margarine, anyone?? Sheeeeeesh. Some people need to spend more time raising their own kids, and quit worrying about everyone else... -------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
nikki_m_austin Posts: 35 Joined: 2002/08/24	2003/05/14, 12:00 PM Oh, but I hear now those legislators are bringing to the table a bill to outlaw lawsuits against food co's like McD's and Oreos. Finally a bill that makes sense! And about that quote on weight of Americans . . it was TIME magazine and it was an average weight of 195!!!! not 190. YIPES. - Nikki
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/14, 12:52 PM 195!!! I'm 5 foot even..LOL..That would be an awfully heavy load to carry :o).... I'll have to order Time and read it more often. Which issue of Time?
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/14, 03:25 PM AMEN REV8BALL!!!!! Average weight is 195? Um, does that mean I am bringing up the curve? I think the things I have read put someone my height (6'1") at a preferable weight of 187 or so. I just don't see how the heck I can ever get that low! (Was at 255 in January, 225 now...)
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/05/14, 05:15 PM Heck, I can't wait to get to 195!! Only 20 lbs. left to go! -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/05/14, 05:16 PM That should've said, I can't wait to get UP to 195! -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan
sailor1029 Posts: 76 Joined: 2003/05/12	2003/05/15, 06:21 PM 6'1 and 200...I was 220 a month and a half ago, and I'm only 17 years old. Canadian, also :P -Scott
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/19, 10:21 AM I havent been under 200 since I was 21 years old, and then I was just too darn skinny! I have wide shoulders and have been told by my wife I looked way too skinny when I was under 200. Heck, I would be pleased as heck around 210, which gives me 15 to go!
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/19, 11:43 AM :o) Sounds like you're working your way towards your goal of 210 jhadams....Congrats on your progress from 255 to 225.
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/19, 02:56 PM Thank you! I am on some darn plateau. Probably not doing enough cardio and "cheating" too much on the weekends. I get down to 224 during the week, then by Sunday I am at 228 again! LOL
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/19, 03:06 PM :o) LOL....I'm trying to break mine too...I'm sorta stuck with about with about 16 lbs left to shed :o) My better half has become my "evil" half by ordering too much pizza delivery during the weekends...LOL...Guess I'll just have to learn to let him eat it alone <smile>
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/19, 03:36 PM Argh, now pizza is bad too? Yeah, the tough part is eating alone. My wife will not eat the same way as me and my kids are too young I think to change their diets that drastically. Lots of eating alone! You know, some of the things I hear about the Federal Government being involved in the changes for Restaurant offerings/guidelines sound great. Maybe if they can adjust the prices too. I don't understand why it is more expensive to eat properly??? Speaking of that, has anyone ever tried Evo's The Future of Fast Food??
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/19, 03:39 PM Um, Evo's the Future of Fast Food??? Never heard of it...what is it?
jhadams Posts: 175 Joined: 2003/03/27	2003/05/19, 03:45 PM Its a "new" fast food joint that doenst offer your typical burgers. They are like tofu or veggie burgers, turkey burger, etc. They bake, instead of frying your french fries, etc. etc. I had their turkey burger last week and it was pretty darn good. I am sure the bread wasnt what I should be eating but the burger was darn tasty. Hmm, I should see if there is any nutritional info on that somewhere.... Hmm, here is the link to the site's nutrition http://www.evos.com/nutrition.asp and this is what I ate. hmm Roasted Adobo Turkey 362 Calories, 41 carbs, 31 protein...
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/19, 03:59 PM YUMMY...need to ck out their site to see if they have a location in my area....Thanks jh.
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/19, 04:00 PM Well, no, unfortunately....Guess cooking at home won't break my fingers :o) Shame though.