FACTS
Annual costs for chronic diseases in the U.S. is big money:
-$117 billion for obesity
-$73.4 billion for high blood pressure
-$448 billion for heart disease and strokes
-$50 billion for weight-loss aids, diet foods, supplements, and weight-loss medications - and obesity is still increasing
79 percent likelihood exists that an overweight child will become an overweight adult.
75 percent of adults don't eat the recommended daily 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.
Snack consumption by children has increased 300% from 20 years ago.
400,000 people die annually from poor eating habits and laziness.
French fries are the most eaten vegetable in the U.S.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1. If you suffer from or have a family history of any of the aforementioned chronic conditions or diseases, consult your family physician for dietary counseling.
2. Although every individual is unique in his or her dietary needs, here are some ideas to help all of us:
-Eat more dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, and lean meats.
-Eat fewer foods with refined grains and sugars; reduce your intake of fatty foods with empty calories; and eat smaller portions.
-Eat slowly so that you will feel full before you've overeaten.
-Don't reward yourself or children with food.
-Limit snacking.
-Develop a routine and eat at similar times each day.
-Drink plenty of water.
3. Eat to live; don't live to eat.
You deserve to be in good health. For most, diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related chronic diseases are preventable by simply eating healthily and exercising. You will feel better than ever both mentally and physically - the only way to really live. If you don't want to do it for yourself or your wallet, do it for those who love you. Just start ... one day at a time.
YOU MATTER
"I have three main pressures on me right now - I need to finish writing my newest book, start marketing my last book which releases in 3 months, and lose 30 pounds by August," shared Laura Thomas of Chicago, Ill. "It is just too overwhelming for me. I don't know how to handle all three at the same time."
Laura is not different from most Americans. In fact, 70 percent of people say they do not have enough time to do everything they need to do. Unfortunately, because of a lack of time and so much stress, the first thing that falls to the wayside is usually personal health.
"I just need about three months where I can focus on losing weight and getting in shape," said Laura.
Don't we all? Wouldn't it be nice if we could just shut down all of our responsibilities in life and just focus on eating right, exercising daily, going to the spa, and getting plenty of sleep? I mean, wouldn't it be great to be the next contestant on "The Biggest Loser" and focus on getting in shape so we could possibly win $250,000?
Well, as we all know, life doesn't work that way. In fact, unless you are a professional athlete, where your livelihood depends on it, exercising every day is hard to do. This is why eat healthily is so important.
"I have been in denial," admitted Laura. "I honestly thought that I had to get everything done first and then I could start to focus on my health."
After seeking guidance from a nutritionist and trainer, Laura realized that she could not have been more wrong.
"The first thing I had to accept is that I am never going to get a window of time where I can just focus on my health, so I need to make it a part of my everyday life," said Laura. "When we looked at my diet, we realized that I could easily cut out 500 empty calories a day. If that's all I did, I would lose 1 pound a week. That's 52 pounds a year."
So Laura is starting with the basics. She has stocked her refrigerator and cupboards with healthy foods. No more sodas or sugar-loaded cereals. She has cut out heavy carbohydrates like bread, rice, and potatoes. And, the cookies and ice cream are gone.
"At first, I didn't think I would be able to handle it," said Laura. "With two young boys in the house, I thought I always need to have junk food around, but they have learned to love eating healthier foods as well."
Laura has made eating healthily a part of her everyday life. It is no longer something she needs to check off of her To-Do list. It is now a non-factor, a lifestyle.
"I have lost 5 pounds in the last week, just by slightly changing my diet," said Laura. "I feel so much better already and can't wait to just keep it going. Food definitely matters."
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(Please visit EveryMondayMatters.com to buy the book, get involved, book a speaking engagement/event, and share your stories about making a difference in the world. You matter.)
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(c) 2009, The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.). Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.