Obesity is Economically Efficient

Although the American way of large portions, low prices, and high calories is a prime cause of obesity, it seems to be beneficial to the economy. It has produced more jobs which in turn has increased many Americans' incomes. But with the larger income people have become more accustomed to remotes that control everything around them, huge houses, and carry out. The more advances we have in technology the more laziness overcomes America. However, no one wants to go back to how we lived in the 1950s when everyone was thin. In other words, "nobody wants to sweat at work for 10 hours a day and be poor". There is a lot of money being made from technological advances and mass productions, but it also makes us lazy and sluggish. Ultimately an efficient economy produces inefficient bodies.

The Truth About Food

Oprah Winfrey recently interviewed food guru Michael Pollen on her television show. His documentary, Food Inc., tracks America's food industry and reveals what we are really eating. The American motto seems to be the more the better, especially when you can get it at a cheap price. Although it is beneficial to our bank account, how is it affecting our health? Food expert Michael Pollen says, "We spend less on our food than any people who have ever lived, than any people anywhere on earth—9.5 percent of our income." Even though real, whole food is often more expensive, we will end up paying the price one way or another. Michael says you either pay for real food now, or pay the doctor later. So basically the less you spend on food the more you spend on health care.

Very few Americans actually know what it is
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Changing Kids Eating Habits

It is obvious that obesity among American kids is a growing epidemic, and there is a dire need for change. But where does this revolution begin? Although there are many different aspects to weight issues, it begins at school for most children. The Daily News surveyed area lunchrooms and found that they regularly serve processed foods such as mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets and pizza. Clearly, what kids are eating at school plays a part in what they want to have at home. So even if school started serving grilled chicken and raw vegetables, would children actually eat it? They key in transforming kids eating habits is to eliminate the choices they have. Certainly offering only healthy food in school cafeterias is the first step. From there, there needs to be education on nutrition as well as reinforcement of healthy eating habits at home.

Battling Obesity

CBS News' recent series, "Where America Stands", examines many of the arising issues confronting the country in the new decade. America's fighting battle against obesity is one of the top problems in today's society. Just by taking a look around, the evidence to the epidemic issue is everywhere. Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years. In an interview with CBS fifteen-year-old Emily Allen explains that "what [she] looks look like now upsets her."For Emily, as well as for many other Americans, her battle with obesity started when her family started buying cheaper food. The less nutritious, processed food is blatantly cheaper. Fast food restaurants, such as McDonald's, carry some of the cheapest food available. There is something not right about that issue. Just because someone is struggling financially does not mean they should be denied the access to healthy, nutritious food. It will take a national effort to forgot to boycott these cheap foods and demand a healthier diet. It is the country's decision to monitor their behavior.

Food Atlas

Jamie Oliver's current television hit, Food Revolution, takes place in Huntington, West Virginia where diabetes and obesity rates are skyrocketing. His website contains many healthy recipes, as well as food facts & figures.

Did you know?

More than two thirds, 68%, of American adults are overweight.

Nearly one in three, 32%, (23 million) American children are obese or overweight.

Because of the rapid rise in childhood obesity, Oliver's main focus is on school lunches. 31 million American children eat lunch at school, funded through USDA’s Child Nutrition Program, and 11 million also eat breakfast at school. Children are prone to drinking sugary milk and processed food for multiple meals a day. It is importantat that America's kids are fed natural whole foods that meet their nutritional needs. School lunches programs should not focus on profit, they need to concentrate on the health of the children before it is too late.

You can find more information
on the health profile of your county
on the USDA's Food Atlas Website

Jamie's Food Revolution

America is in desperate need of change in their poor diets and unhealthy eating habits. England native Jamie Oliver is ready to take on the challenge. Oliver's philosophy to food and healthy eating has always been about "enjoying everything in a balanced, and sane way." He says "food is one of life's greatest joys yet we've reached this really sad point where we're turning food into the enemy, and something to be afraid of." Jamie Oliver has begun a petition on his self titled website that over 370,000 Americans have currently signed, including celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Larry King, and Khloe Kardashian. Too many Americans are being affected by what they eat and it is time for a national revolution.