[ASAP]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgedAl

The schools may be drastically decreasing the amount of structured, scheduled time for physical activity during the school day, but what about the rest of the time?

Nobody plays outside anymore. We got families with kids on our street, but you'll have to take my word for it, cause you could camp out there for days and never see any kids out playing, or riding their bikes around, or doing stuff like that. When I was a kid, if the weather was OK, you could find half the kids out running around during daylight hours when school was not in session.

Not sure it's all up to the schools if the parents let their kids sit on their ass all the time when they are not in class.

You can blame social media, easier ways to communicate and fear mongering about safety through the roof. Sad but it is what it is.

[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Billup

Makes me think of my Grandmother. If I didn't finish my veggies, she would make me sit at the table all night. At least until I passed out. No TV, no games, no snacks, NADA.

My parents were a little more lenient. Bahahaha.

Sounds like my parents...only it was anything on the plate. And they didn't bother with the "sit there all night" bit because they figured they'd be ruining their own night too, making sure I was there.

So instead, they set a timer...sometimes as soon as we sat down to eat - say 25 minutes. Once that timer went off, the plate was lifted from the table, covered, and put in the fridge. And it became the only thing I was allowed to eat for breakfast the next morning...normally cold. And if not breakfast, then the next meal.

Let me tell you - I learned quickly to eat what was put on my plate. Now I can eat anything. And my son is going to learn the same way...least that's my plan. Cruel eh?

[Lups]

I still think this problem is mainly created by us women. We just really need the push to stop doing our hair and open our eyes. Obese 5 year old is a thing I can't see happening in here, not because of food, but because of running around and doing stuff. Parents complain of being tired should just get off the couch. And mums above anything else.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Let me tell you - I learned quickly to eat what was put on my plate. Now I can eat anything. And my son is going to learn the same way...least that's my plan. Cruel eh?

Cruel? You're a twisted monster.


Genius? Abso-freaking-lutely. Your parents did the right thing, and actually, that probably would have worked better than letting me sit at the table all night. Probably why it took so long for me to cave in.

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by grieverr

It has lots to do, actually. And I think a lot of wealthier people don't realize this, or lose sight of it.

I touched on this on my previous post. It's not cheap to eat healthy in this country. You can have good food on a budget, but the less healthy processed choices are MUCH cheaper. Some families simply cannot afford it. Again, yes, they can make better choices, most likely. But it's a real challenge to people struggling to pay $900 rent (or less).

Can't disagree with that but I wonder if OP was using "success" in the context you've mentioned.

[grieverr]

Originally Posted by Billup

...but things like veggies and eggs, the cost isn't significantly different...

I can tell you this from a recent shopping trip. I can get 36 eggs at Costco for just under $4. A dozen cage-free (not even organic) will cost $6 or so at the supermarket. Bananas were 40 cents/pound or so more expensive for organic. Not a huge difference, but these things compounded can raise your grocery bill fast.

And there is the thought of spend less on junk and use that on healthy foods, but that's another long conversation! But I think we agree that people can eat better quality food on lower budgets.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by grieverr

As a disclaimer, I should say I have 2 elementary school kids. I try to educate myself on food and nutrition. I cook at home, and talk to my kids about exercise and health. Thankfully, we are all healthy and active.

However, this weight "dilemma" is societal as well. The kids spend more time in school NOT having PE, and parents spend more time at work. So even after school, kids go to some sort of afternoon care or an extra curricular activity until a parent can go pick them up at 6pm when they get off work. Leaving less time for the parent to be an active part of the child's development.

Let's also be realistic about cost. Good, healthy food is a privilege in this country - not a right. You can get a double cheeseburger for $2, but a salad will cost at least $7. We on this forum are privileged enough to be able to spend a sizable amount of money on a luxury car (no matter how entry level the 3-series may be ). So we have the privilege to be able to afford some of these foods. But what about people whose weekly food budget is $50? they can't afford too many $7 salads.

Why do schools allow these kinds of food? Because they're cheap.

Billup, I can tell you that when your kids are out of sight, you have no control. Yes, you can pack them a healthy lunch, but you're not there to stop them trading their lunch for a pokemon card, or a bag of potato chips. Yes, eventually you teach them not to do those things, but they will do stuff like that.

I can write about this forever, but lastly, I want to say that simply, not everyone makes food and health a priority. Not everyone is educated about it. And it isn't easy when Atkins is the way to go today and paleo is tomorrow's definition of health. Low fat, no carbs, whole wheat... no medical professional can come to an agreement. Again, some people take the interest to learn. others don't.

This probably is the best post on this thread.

I agree with you, and I felt the sting of your words very deeply.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by grieverr

I can tell you this from a recent shopping trip. I can get 36 eggs at Costco for just under $4. A dozen cage-free (not even organic) will cost $6 or so at the supermarket. Bananas were 40 cents/pound or so more expensive for organic. Not a huge difference, but these things compounded can raise your grocery bill fast.

And there is the thought of spend less on junk and use that on healthy foods, but that's another long conversation! But I think we agree that people can eat better quality food on lower budgets.

Absolutely, it will definitely raise the bill fast, but I still think there are tactful ways of getting healthy alternatives in certain areas, and balancing out the others. I do my shopping at Kroger, because it's right down the street. I think the cage free organic eggs I get are about $1.50 more per dozen ($1.99 vs $3.50). The meat is usually my largest impact, but I'm one person, so it doesn't have such an adverse affect on me.

You've raised a lot of good points, and I agree on every level. I just don't understand how people who complain, don't sit down and weigh their options and understand that eating healthy and having a positive lifestyle is pretty easily attainable.


I guess because it's always easier to complain than to take action. Which is sad.

[grieverr]

Ain't that the truth, Billup!!

It's a big problem, since it comes from many sources. But it's something that people have to consciously be active about, and I think many people do not give it the priority it needs.

Thank you for the kind words, Lups!

On a positive, we now have some awesome pokemon cards

TXSTYLE, good topic, man! I wasn't aware of that documentary. Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely check it out. I assume you've seen Food, Inc? That was an interesting documentary.

[Billup]

You know, I found my booklet of Holographic cards from the original release of Pokemon. Depending on what's in your fridge and pantry, maybe we can make a barter?

[Billup]

You're only a victim if you allow yourself to be. Otherwise, you can take action and be a damn leader and maybe some people will learn to follow suit. Kids don't need cell phones, video games, or TV, yet parents give it to them anyways. Counter active to what these "parents" are trying to achieve in raising their offspring, no?

Allow your kids to be consumed in video games and McChickens, start being frugal with your money and buy their jeans three sizes too large. They'll Grow right into them. Financial crisis solved, life can now commence and we can go back to being angry at gay people and the government.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by Jexter

The real issue is also that this generation of kids stay home stuffing their faces with junk while playing video games instead of playing outside like our generation.

We have become a socitey of fat lazy e-turds and our kids are the victims.

This too is true. And even better, people keep their kids in strollers after they can walk, because it's easier for us parents.

Yes! Lets doom them from the start...

Originally Posted by Billup

You're only a victim if you allow yourself to be. Otherwise, you can take action and be a damn leader and maybe some people will learn to follow suit. Kids don't need cell phones, video games, or TV, yet parents give it to them anyways. Counter active to what these "parents" are trying to achieve in raising their offspring, no?

Allow your kids to be consumed in video games and McChickens, start being frugal with your money and buy their jeans three sizes too large. They'll Grow right into them. Financial crisis solved, life can now commence and we can go back to being angry at gay people and the government.

My husband brought in a console last weekend. Let's just say that till he decided to share it's for work, a few sharp words came out of me. Kids as young as ours should not have movement stopped because parents need time, we get our time by tiring them and then we can do what we want, in his case apparently research, in mine, Peter and a new pair of tires.

[EdM5]

True, obesity is definitely not an exclusive american problem.
And yes, it is certainly possible to have a well balanced and healthy diet in the USA.

But IMO it is more tricky to do so than let's say in France or Japan.
Last year we ordered a few raw juices (orange, carrots, cranberry etc) at a juice bar in a Florida Mall. We were speechless when we saw the lady behind the counter add a few tablespoons of sugar to each of the ordered juices. Insane.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgedAl

The schools may be drastically decreasing the amount of structured, scheduled time for physical activity during the school day, but what about the rest of the time?

Nobody plays outside anymore. We got families with kids on our street, but you'll have to take my word for it, cause you could camp out there for days and never see any kids out playing, or riding their bikes around, or doing stuff like that. When I was a kid, if the weather was OK, you could find half the kids out running around during daylight hours when school was not in session.

Not sure it's all up to the schools if the parents let their kids sit on their ass all the time when they are not in class.

READ:

Yeah, but when I was in elementary school, we had BOTH an hour of P.E. and 30 mins. minimum (sometimes 45 minutes to an hour) of recess outside. You can't just "meh" at that dramatic decrease in allotted time the children are given during the day to get some exercise and just point the finger at parents (which, believe me, I always point at first) and food. This is a compound problem.

I agree with you and what you are "pointing out" with your post is part of the problem, too. I do take what you say at your work because I, too, have witnessed it for myself. There are MANY components working in this epidemic, so the idea that a film points the finger at ONE thing, singularly, (to me) is utterly fucking ridiculous.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Bro seriously chill the f out. My question wasn't towards you as I know you are responsible and fit as hell especially for your age. I can admire and respect that.

"As a whole" was what I asked. If you think everyone or at least the majority is living a healthy lifestyle in the U.S. then we wouldn't have this thread. If you think there won't be flaming on a topic like this then I don't know why you even started it. OT is built for shit like this and for people of different backgrounds to comment.

No one is calling you dumb, unfit, unsuccessful (not sure what this has to do with anything), and unhealthy. It just makes me question your ability to comprehend as it seems like you like to insult my age, common sense, respect, and concern for others in my little world lol.

So tell me, what is a bad age for you? Younger is dumber right and older is wiser? Common sense? What are you even trying to get to with this? Respect? I respect a lot of things but having an epidemic of obesity like its contagious isn't one of them. I don't see how we can disagree even on this one. And at last, my concern for others in my little world. This you would really have to personally know me to know what I give back to society in "my little world."

PS. You're not the only person here that has a family, is physically fit, successful business owner, who practices good dieting and physical fitness with your entire family. If you're trying to 1 up me then I guess you got me at age. Lighten up a little and try to catch the humor sometimes.

Listen up... You made the statement/question:

"Are you guys really that dumb as a whole? Serious question."

And now you wanna jump my shit? You now say that was not directed at me. Okay, cool. But initially how was I to know? And even my response was not inflammatory. I simply pointed out a couple of things to answer YOUR question. I believe my history of posting here demonstrates I do NOT flame, start shit, argue or none of that. I simply like to socialize and engage in friendly and entertaining convo.
One thing I've noticed though having done the above for a good long minute... When 'someone is called out' on their comment/post, often times they back peddle or get defensive and claim "where's the sense of humor".
It's all good bro. Again, I typically don't start nada! But I'm no floor mat either.
I'd hate to derail a very insightful thread and topic over miscommunication.


Back OT... I believe the fact that since 2000 there has been a "huge jump" in Diabetes among this countries youth. Which is directly related to excessive sugar consumption:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/us...dren.html?_r=0
Diabetes rates skyrocket in kids and teens
children with DIABETES - Type 2 Diabetes in Children

[kscarrol]

As the parent of a 13 yr-old with Type 1 diabetes, I just want to clarify that sugar consumption has nothing to do with Type 1 diabetes. It is an auto-immune disease...

Type 2 diabetes in children however is more directly related to sugar consumption and rising obesity rates in this country and around the world.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

As the parent of a 13 yr-old with Type 1 diabetes, I just want to clarify that sugar consumption has nothing to do with Type 1 diabetes. It is an auto-immune disease...

Type 2 diabetes in children however is more directly related to sugar consumption and rising obesity rates in this country and around the world.

Indeed. My reason to mention my type two diabetic mother and father in law was merely to point out that I want my kids to have better nutritional education from the start. Also, obesity amongst us Finns is rising rabidly, I want to do my share in making sure my offspring can have a healthy life.

I wish you all the best luck and help with your child. Type one is a whole different ball park as the type two is and I hope you've had not had the scares to go through.

[kscarrol]

Thank you for the kind words Lups! No scares, other than the initial diagnoses at age 5. He has been a trooper about it! My wife cooks and we are both of normal weight, being fairly aware of our diets and exercise patterns. My son's diabetes has taken that to another level as far as understanding what goes into the food here in America....

[Lups]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Thank you for the kind words Lups! No scares, other than the initial diagnoses at age 5. He has been a trooper about it! My wife cooks and we are both of normal weight, being fairly aware of our diets and exercise patterns. My son's diabetes has taken that to another level as far as understanding what goes into the food here in America....

From what I've seen, everything that comes along in parenthood can be met with your attitude, or by raising hands up and feeling sorry for yourself. It seems that people like you and your wife could probably deal with anything in the world just because you can adapt to a new way of life and with that ability you also ease the kiddos mind. I wish more of us was like you two.

Sometimes the most horrible things can also be the greatest gifts. Our son was born without an other ear, and because of it I became quite aware of how little imagination kids use these days. We have dinosaurs running around in the house, our closet is actually a secret hiding place parents can't find, our foods are mainly dinosaur, snake or spiders, and they run around on the street or at the park playing games they have come up by themselves. Eliminating extra noise has also given us hours to each day so I'm not complaining at all.

This was only semi OT, since food was mentioned! Anyway, keep bringing the ingredients home fast with your milk getter, I do the same with mine.

[MrPrena]

hate fat people?
Wait till you injure your lower body and have > 1yr recovery period. Gaining 50lbs will be very easy even WITH PROPER rehab.


eta: I personally do not like excessive weight loss/gain. I need to buy more clothes.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by MrPrena

hate fat people?
Wait till you injure your lower body and have > 1yr recovery period. Gaining 50lbs will be very easy even WITH PROPER rehab.


eta: I personally do not like excessive weight loss/gain. I need to buy more clothes.

Where does that logic stem from? I've had more injuries than I can count, and I've always been back at it within 3 months maximum, and I'm not the largest dude in town.

[MrPrena]

Originally Posted by Billup

Where does that logic stem from? I've had more injuries than I can count, and I've always been back at it within 3 months maximum, and I'm not the largest dude in town.

I was on crutches for about 14-16 month. Only exercise I had was the rehab.
Well, actually going from the vehicle to rehab center felt like running 1/4 miles.

Now that I can barely walk, I took the job which is little physically demanding to get some walking done (~2-2.5 hrs of walk with 25lbs load). However, I am doing about 10-16hrs/week.

How much I burn food cal during my injury days. I calculated that I need about 1200food cal just to maintain my weight.
Of course , it is including declining my muscle mass on my lower body as well.