I have to be careful when I tell groups of people “try to transcend being a typical American”. I don’t think they know what I am talking about.
- Only 27% of Americans consume at least 3 servings of veggies per day.
The National Center for Health statistics has been tracking America’s obesity problem for over four decades. The following statistics support the growing concern regarding the obesity problem in America. (Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.)
- Between 1962 and the year 2000, the number of
obese Americans grew from 13% to an alarming 31%
of the population. - 63% of Americans are overweight with a Body Mass
Index (BMI) in excess of 25.0. - 31% are obese with a BMI in excess of 30.0.
- Childhood obesity in the United States has more than
tripled in the past two decades. - According to the U.S. Surgeon General report obesity is
responsible for 300,000 deaths every year.
In case you are wondering why I put this under the Head Games section, I did it because we as Americans have collectively lied to ourselves about our lurking health problems. It is as if there is a T-Rex in the corner we refuse to acknowledge him despite the inherent danger and urgency.
The typical American makes excuses for themselves and tries to justify their inactive ways… it is human nature. Sadly the numbers above do not lie. We cannot escape the consequences of poor lifestyle choices no matter how hard we try. Can you now see why lifestyle change is so awfully important? Another statistic that you might find interesting is that most (94.5%) of the people listed in the above statistics have tried numerous fad diets and popular workouts that don’t last.
The Take Home Message:We are Americans and we should be proud of that. What we should not be proud of is the nutritional and fitness
trends that have beset us over the last 30 years. We truly are digging ourselves an early grave if we do not act proactively to fight this epidemic.
The good news is that most people reading this particular newsletter are the exception to those statistics and God- Bless you for that! We are here to help you in any way possible and mean that in the most sincere terms possible. Remember that we are here to help you over that “hump”
that lies between a beginning exerciser and somebody who is in “auto-pilot” mode and cannot think of not exercising regularly and eating nutritiously. To get you to auto-pilot faster please abide the following tips.
- Track your food and review it with your trainer at every session. Yes it is hard, but worth it! You efforts will be rewarded ten-fold as this will truly educate in the realm of nutrition and give you the knowledge to succeed long-term.
- Get into a routine: Life happens no matter what and we are always going to be busy. To confront this fact make yourself a very specific plan for exercise and nutrition and stick by it. Be routine about your program so that it becomes habit. If you don’t form the habit of exercise and healthy eating you will never succeed long term.
- Stay Positive: Leave every negative thought and emotion at the door when you embark on your new lifestyle. Thinking in negative terms or going off of the past will get you nowhere fast. Recondition your mind to think in positive terms. Your stress level will decrease as your results increase.
- Focus on Your weaknesses: I know this seems paradoxical to the preceding statement but it is not. What I want you to do is find the areas in your life that are precluding you from gaining the healthy lifestyle you deserve. It could be that you snack on treats too much or that you don’t eat enough! Whatever the barrier is please identify it and then set SMART goals around it. Eliminating your weaknesses is the key to truly getting into a more healthy, productive and energetic lifestyle.
Well guy’s that’s a wrap! I appreciate all of you and hope that we can continue to serve your health and fitness needs.
