Why Are Americans So Fat!?

It's no surprise that Americans are very obese. In fact, statistically, the United States is the fatttest nation in the world. Surprised? You shouldn't be. You probably have a little extra weight hanging off you right now. Don't be ashamed, most of us do. We are one of the richest countries (economically) and have some of the best technology YET we are the unhealthiest nation? Doesn't make much sense right? Something isn't adding up.

I've touched on health on this blog more than a few times, mainly because, having knowledge doesn't do you any good from a hospital bed. Health is essential to a long prosperous life so I push for that as much as I push for equality in this crazy world we live in. It always baffles me how some of the smartest, most intelligent people in our nation can also be some of the most obese. It takes self control and patience and that is not a easy attribute to have in our country where we live so fast paced and have fast food on EVERY corner. I ran across this article on Huffington Post that I thought would help some people out who are interested in making that lifestyle change. Some of the things mentioned are things I've been doing for some months now and have worked tremendously. More specifically, eating a lot of (baked) fish and cooking my own meals. Here is the full link for those interested---->[CLICK HERE]. Read below:

Right about now, a whole bunch of Americans are quitting their New Year's resolutions to lose weight -- if they haven't quit already. What a shame. Americans can't really afford to pack on any more pounds. With more than 225 million overweight people, the Unites States is the most obese country in the world, at a cost of $117 billion a year. It's an understatement to say we're facing a pandemic.

The world's 10 leanest and longest-living nations are Japan, Singapore, China, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Greece and Israel. Why? They consume, prepare and burn their food in a manner that enables them to stay healthy and lean. Let me share examples from a few countries:

JAPAN

They eat mainly rice, fish and vegetables -- naturally high in carbs and fiber, low in calories and fat -- and their primary protein source is fish, high in Omega-3 fatty acids; they rarely eat the red meat Americans consume in such heart-stopping portions. Rather than sugary beverages, they drink antioxidant-rich green tea.

The Japanese prepare their food by boiling, grilling, steaming and serving it raw.

They burn what they consume through much more active lives than Americans. For the business of everyday life, they travel by foot.

Healthy Fast Food Options

When I started this blog my intent was never to restrict myself and post about the typical subjects you are probably use to reading about on a regular basis on most blogs: pop culture, hip hop, sports. So, with that said, this is my first post that is food related. Motivated by my guy Clif and his recent dedication to working out, I've decided that I will take steps towards eating healthier (this is probably my 100th time taking these "steps" but whatever) as an effort to feel better about myself and actually benefit from working out. No longer can I work out for a hour and then go to Burger King for a whopper afterwards; kind of defeats the purpose right? I mean, I have a six pack, but it's kind of hard to see under that excess fat from all those fast food burgers and pizza.  Right Cass? Not only that, but as you all know, eating healthy is also the key to living a long prosperous life. I know we are enduring a recession and all of us are filling the affects, but that doesn't mean your health has to deteriorate like your money probably is. I ran across this video that turned out to be useful to me and I'm sure a lot of you could use it as well because we all LOVE fast food.

Also, check out this article I found at ASKMEN.COM [CLICK HERE] and another one I found on YAHOO! [CLICK HERE]. PEACE!