Is this as fat as we’re going to get?

Obesity rates in US leveling off, still epidemic

Within the last few years, the rate of overweight Americans seems to have remained steady. Despite that, the leadership still says that the obesity epidemic is serious and needs to be dealt with.

Seduced by fattening, media-hyped, processed food

Another frightening statistic involves the already obese. For boys under 18, the already obese are getting even more obese. With the fattening foods so prevelant, once the cycle begins its difficult to stop. What will happen when these kids reach 30 years old? Diabetes, heart disease, inflammation!! YIKES!

We’re all in this together

One way of looking at it is that our tax money pays for obese people’s health issues.

Yet, I believe the reason we’re all in this together is because we share the same food system. We are exposed to the same juicy media advertisements and greasy temptations of fast food as we drive by.

Research shows, time and time again, if your friends are fat then you are more likely to be fat. We have to be good influences on each other.

Even though I am slim and in shape, I must be constantly be non-judgmental about the weight of others. We cannot spend time on the defensive, because we have to move forward. We have to lose the weight to regain our health, wealth and sense of self.

Support the whole food industry. Avoid processed foods, say no to fast food. Focus on the real deal: fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy influence from friends like me.

Weightloss Now

Daily News Roundup, fat butts are good, green tea anti-cancer, and more

Daily Roundup

1. Got a fat butt? Could be a good thing.

  • Fat distribution is important for your health.
  • Hip and Thigh fat can reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease
  • Stomach fat, on the other hand, releases harmful cytokines that increase risk of heart attack and diabetes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34830500/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
 

2. Smokers should drink Green Tea

  • Study indicates non-green tea drinking smokers have 13 times GREATER chance of developing lung cancer.
  • Drink one or more cups per day AND
  • Quit smoking.

 http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20100112/green-tea-may-cut-smokers-lung-cancer-risk

3. The Swine Flu vaccine is waiting on you.

  • The flu shot is widely available, but you don’t want it do you?
  • Government is highly encouraging you to get a vaccine.
  • But H1N1 outbreaks continue to decrease
  • Is the worst already over?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/h1n1-vaccines-now-public/story?id=9536289&page=1
4. Exercise keeps grandpa’s brain sharp

There is a stage before dementia that involves reduced cognitive capacity, exercise can prevent this.

  • Greater blood flow to brain
  • Nerve-protecting compounds
  • Improved development and survival of neurons
  • Decreased risk of heart and blood vessel disease
  • Go exercise, helps grandpa, helps you too.

 http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/01/12/exercise-mild-cognitive-impairment-dementia.html

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

Empty Stomachs are Hazardous to Weight Loss

Leaving the house on an empty stomach can ruin a day of dieting.

A regular customer visited the store today with the full intention of heading to the gym afterward. But he didn’t eat breakfeast…

There he was, before 11AM, minutes prior to our opening hours, feeling hungry. The Popeye’s restaurant next door produces a fried, oily smell that travels from Walmart to Les Schuab.

So he went over to Popeye’s and stuffed himself with fried chicken gizzards.

To successfully lose weight, you must eat.

There are some foods that even if you tried to gain weight, you would be unable. Leafy green vegetables are notorious for boosting health, preventing disease, and filling you up without hardly any calories at all.

In our urban jungle, you cannot trust the food sources. Restaurants are the guiltiest perpetrators since they rely on taste and not health.

Eat breakfeast in the morning, have fruit for snack before you leave the house. Do what you have to do, but DO NOT let yourself get on an empty stomach — that is when the worst decisions are made.

Weightloss Now

“What do you have for my sons weight loss?”

Standing next to his mom, a well intentioned kid looked around the store. His mom asked me to help him with a weight loss product.

He couldn’t have been anymore than 13 years old and I began seeing a younger version of myself when I was chubby.

I didn’t want to promote any weight loss products for this kid, since he needs to eat healthier and get active. Thermogenics probably aren’t healthy for grown adults, let alone a 13 year old.

So I stuck with the basics.

Fish Oil

and

Vitamin D

He may not lose weight really fast, but at least he can boost his brain function and maintain bone density.

Weightloss Now

Keeping up with my YMCA internship

My schedule recently bumped up to fulfill my Personal Trainer internship hours. For several days a week, I am a Personal Wellness intern at the brand new YMCA in SeaTac.

Matt Griffin YMCA

The best education comes from the other trainers. Since the YMCA has more of a team culture to it, they are generous with their knowledge and experience. Meanwhile, I help take care of the facility and support the staff.

I have already instructed a group intro-to-fitness class and look forward to adding even more experience. During downtime, I meet many employees at all levels to build connections. It’s fantastic!

 Now, I have to get back to work at my actual job,

Stay tuned for more…

Blog & Personality