Friday, February 13, 2009
Why is America so overweight?
Do you ever look around when you drive down a public street or pull into a shopping center parking lot? If you do chances are you notice at least some sort of fast food chain before you hit your final destination, whether it be Starbucks for a quick java boost or Burger King for that quick grease infested craving. As I have stated before I grew up in a very small town where there was not a whole lot to do especially in high school! The kids I went to school with were either involved with a hectic schedule of extra curricular activities or they were just simply kids your parents didn't want you to be around. In rural America these fast food chains are not as accessible, but unless you are involved in some sort of sport or other activities there's not really a chance for you to get into tip top physical shape. I think it is quite opposite in larger areas because the accessibility of a gym or fast food restaurant is about equal, they both cost money and they are both equally accessible, but the way the American society is these days we all just want something quick and easy. I mean honestly who really enjoys working out? Don't get me wrong I am a workout fiend especially these last few months, but that motivation isn't always easy for us to get. I think we seem to look for the quick and easy fix when it comes to our health because many Americans tend to look the other way at the long term affects these horrible diets have on us. I don't think this is the case in many European nations they don't have as many long work days and they tend to walk a lot more their main focus is shifted from food to fashion. In America we drive everywhere and eat any and everything we want! It has become so acceptable for people to be overweight because so many of us are (me included)!I think that the way we can change our younger generations is by having them become more involved and making fruits and vegetables their daily snacks rather than something like Gold Fish or potato chips!
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THis is a great blog! I agree with you that their is so many "fat joints" on every corner. With all of these options, it only entices people to indulge in the fattening products. I also like what you said about the highschool schedule and how some children never get the chance to burn off calories, even if it the simple activities that we read the chapter. Thanks for the great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYour background gave a very interesting perspective to the fast food presence. I agree that European public transportation does help a lot with their ability to stay fit. Last year, there was a German exchange student at my school, and everyone would always say how they saw her riding her bike everywhere.
ReplyDeleteVery good idea on having children have fruita and veggies instead of cold fish and potato chips. I also see that rural america you either participate in extra curricular activities or you get in trouble. Mainly because their isnt much to do in a small town.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that you can find fast food everywhere! Look within a mile of Sierra College. I can think of: Arby's, Taco Bell, Carls Jr, KFC and Jack in the Box...all within a mile or so of each other...I probably missed one or two. And there are 2 Starbucks in that area as well. I worked at Starbucks for 2 years, so I know what it can do to your body if you over do it. But I also know that Starbucks isn't so bad as long as you portion it right and don't drink all the time.
ReplyDeleteFruits and vegies are great snacks for children. Not only is it a great way to get them to eat more healthy, but they're just great snacks! I could definately exercise more, but then again, most people need to exercise more and get out of their house and off thier couches!
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