Over the last couple of days, I have been shopping for gifts, and getting ready for Christmas, just like everyone else. People are out spending like crazy, getting gifts and food to celebrate. It's a happy time.
Stressful for many. For those who are tight on the budget, this is tough.
As I am out and about, watching others and getting ready for Christmas myself, I can't help but notice that our problem in society of obesity is just out of control. As I walk through the aisles at Kohls or Target, the children, are what catches my eyes. The children are not fit, not lean, not in shape, as children should be. They are out of breath by running the aisle of the store. This saddens me, on a level that I cannot explain to just anyone.
There is no crystal ball, but there is a certainty in their future, the future that holds many problems, between just health or lack of it, but the stigma that goes with it. And there is one.
As parents, are we doing the right thing?
I don't believe we are doing the best we can to raise healthy teens and adults. I see what we permit them to put in their bodies, fast food, candy, chips.
A recent visit to Costco proved just that. The line at the food bar was extremely long, and there were GIGANTIC slices of pizza being eaten by many. That one slice, is enough for 2, but no, we don't think that way.
My son plays basketball, and a recent game, there was a little girl, no more than 11, who ate non-stop, hot dogs, nachos, chips, popcorn and a coke, in the span of about 75min. She was very large, she had trouble getting down the steps, because it looked like her knees hurt. I know absolutely nothing about this girl, she might have some condition that contributes to her weight problem, but after watching her eat all that junk food, it is evident that the diet is a part of problem. The mom, kept handing her money.
Now that being said, as a mom, the one thing I can't stand to hear, is that my child is hungry. We feed them out of instinct. But if we permit them to eat that much bad food, are we nurturing them? No, as a nurse, I know we are actually hurting them. We would never hurt our child on purpose. So why do we feed them garbage?
I was complimented last night, by a girl from the YMCA, and she told me that I intimidate some guys, because I lift heavy weight in my Bodypump class. This is a compliment, because I didn't start where I am today, it's been a journey of constant attempt to get stronger and leaner.And it's not easy.
I look at myself, I am 42 yrs old, I am in better shape than I have been in years. I can run, I can lift, I can do it!! I am better shape than alot of women half my age, I am in better condition than many teens. I wish this was not accurate, I wish that there were more out there like me, ones that value their bodies, and take care of it.
So as we come to the new year, do something for yourself and your family, get healthy, get fit, eat well, and that gift will keep giving....You have ONE body, and it's NEVER too late....
May you all have a very MERRY Christmas and best wishes for the New year....
Stay with the fight....Barb
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