A number of conveniences nowadays can have detrimental side-effects. Fast food, as we all know, may provide us with more time in the now, but the long-term payout is horrific indeed.
"Parents’ Denial Fuels Childhood Obesity Epidemic," as Jan Hoffman reports, reflects the current reliance on pre-packaged "snacks."
“Often they don’t want to accept it because change means a lot of work for everyone, including themselves,” [dietician Mary] Savoye said. . .
Dr. David L. Katz, the director of Yale’s Prevention Research Center, has coined a word for the problem: “oblivobesity.”
Change is a lot of work. I certainly know that removing a beloved shortcut is torturous indeed. But surprisingly, the recovery time and adaption to a new way of doing things doesn't take so very long.
Denial is deliciously tempting. Believe me, I know. But I have found that by facing demons early on and tackling them into submission means less work down the road, after they have already managed to execute a fair bit of mischief.
The other night at Bright Bodies, the New Haven program, Ms. Savoye facilitated a discussion in a weight-management group for teenagers. One girl, 15, had lost 30 pounds and had about 40 more to go.
“I wish my parents had done something about my weight earlier,” the girl said.
Where to start? Well, cutting sugar. That would mean no . . . processed anything. The improvements happen so very quickly. Check out "How cutting sugar impacts kids' health." It's not about calories, it's about the sugar. And I'm a sugar lover!
Another good habit to cultivate: Sitting down and processing food while it is being consumed, since "Eating on the Move May Lead to Later Overindulging."
No comments:
Post a Comment