Mississippi weighs in as obesity champ

[eyescene]

I think we had something about this the other day, but this was the news I for today

I also heard they are thinking/taking about opening a kids gym! or including them at the adults gym.

Mississippi weighs in as obesity champ

A new report says 47 states now have more than 20% of residents classified as obese.
By Thomas H. Maugh II, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
12:43 PM PDT, August 27, 2007

For the third year in a row, Mississippi is the fattest state in the country and Colorado the leanest, but the obesity rate is increasing in all states, according to a report released today.

Mississippi this year became the first state to have more than 30% of its residents classified as obese, but 47 states are now above 20%. Just 15 years ago, no state was above 15%, according to officials from the Trust for America's Health, which prepared the report using federal statistics obtained through telephone interviews.

More (http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-obesity28aug28,0,6952804.story?coll=la-home-center)

[EricStratton]

We're #1, We're #1, We're #1! Ray Mabus told us, "Mississippi would never be last again!" Guess he was right afterall! Oh wait.....we're not supposed to be excited about this, are we?

[carsalesguy]

i have a lot of time and money invested in me i can tell ya that much

[daisy]

Where is the list of states 'cause I may need to move to a leaner state?:confused:

[mac]

That's nice.

Let's fry some chicken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mi_nombre_es]

I Think this video sums up our attitude in Mississippi :laugh:


http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/10955/

[cubby 1]

I beat anorexia! yay!

[ComputerDude]

Well any state that batters and deep fries Snickers bars is bound to be number one in this category. ;)

[Augustus McRae]

Unfortunately, I am "doing my part" to keep us at the top. I'm at an "all time high" and it really, really ticks me off - at me!

[LipsofanAngel]

Eyescene- I know Anatomies in Hattiesburg already has a childrens section.... it's realllly nice too. It has a rock climbing wall, smoothie bar, size appropriate weight machines, and even an area with computer so they can do homeowrk while their parents work out. When we're talking about children though, it's gotta start with the parents. If mom & dad are obese and sit on the couch all day- what more can we expect from the child?

[petalgirl00]

I'm fat. 2 kids at 8lbs and almost 10 lbs and genetics will do that to you. I bet I loose weight this semester, having to walk all over the free world.

[Bahlk]

I'm fat too...I'm keeping my padding so when it gets cold and the gas companies raise their prices so high I can't turn the heater on...I'll be warm

[LipsofanAngel]

well I don't know about either of you... but there's a difference in bein a little pudgy and being obese. And I'm sure walking around campus will help.... I hate the campaign, but seriosuly, if people would just get off their a$$ and do a little walking everyday, then we might not be #1 for this. Personally I think it's really sad... and I hate the fact that insurance companies probably have to dish out money for all the health probs associated with it- when it's something that can easily be prevented.

[petalgirl00]

I like to think of myself as pudgy. Those charts say I'm obese though. I do agree with you though, a little exercise couldnt hurt.

[Bahlk]

I've been doing some walking at the walking track (i try for every other day) but the pounds just aren't falling off like i'd like LOL

[onlyme]

What I noticed here is that people don't see buffets as "all you can eat" but rather as " all you can carry". Good grief, sometimes I think that restaurants should provide wheelbarrows instead of plates. (That diet soda on the side isn't going to make much difference, LOL )

[Bahlk]

I've seen some people eat 5 pieces of fried chicken, plate all piled up, but they are going to drink their slim fast with it LOL

[ComputerDude]

I've seen some people eat 5 pieces of fried chicken, plate all piled up, but they are going to drink their slim fast with it LOL
That's what I commonly refer to as a colon cleanser. :laugh::laugh:

[LipsofanAngel]

Something that I am curious about... I'd be interested in seeing some info of a link between socio-economic status and obesity. I think we'd be naive to deny a correlation... face it- health food is expensive, as are gym memberships. As for the buffets... the family that struggles to put food on the table, but saves enough money to go out to a "nice" dinner- can you blame them for eating 10 plates full? Heck, I even stuff myself at those places because I feel the need to eat my moneys worth! As much as obesity is one of my "pet peeves"... I have to remind myself that in some cases, there's a bigger picture to look at when considering social and cultural factors.

[just-Wynn]

We can fix this: One Call, That's All:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k61AN4fynDM


http://www.droxy.com/images/2005/08/richard-simmons.jpg For Governor!!!

[ComputerDude]

Something that I am curious about... I'd be interested in seeing some info of a link between socio-economic status and obesity. I think we'd be naive to deny a correlation... face it- health food is expensive, as are gym memberships. As for the buffets... the family that struggles to put food on the table, but saves enough money to go out to a "nice" dinner- can you blame them for eating 10 plates full? Heck, I even stuff myself at those places because I feel the need to eat my moneys worth! As much as obesity is one of my "pet peeves"... I have to remind myself that in some cases, there's a bigger picture to look at when considering social and cultural factors.
I'm proof that it is. My wife and I both need to diet. I've had enough "scares" this year that I'm really in fear for my life now. But to eat right, it does cost a lot more money. Fresh fruits and veggies, the right kinds of meats and breads, snacks..etc. It all adds up very quickly.
Gym memberships? Forget-about-it. Can't afford them right now. Even the Y which is about as cheap as you can get is out of my price range.
So that begs to ask, why not just work out at home?
Yeah, there's really no excuse other then just being tired. I get up at 5am, at work by 6:30am and home at 5:30pm. It's hard to exercise at the end of a 12 1/2 hour day.
Excuses excuses excuses. Maybe when I need to get my SECOND heart catherization I'll figure it's time to do something.:cry::cry:

[LipsofanAngel]

and I'm not trying to point fingers here (I've been preaching this same thing to my mother for years).... but you're right- a lot of it is excuses. I think I'm such a proponent of exercise because it doesn't HAVE to cost money. You can do jumping jacks, find a jump rope, go walking, etc... and it won't cost a dime. The biggest excuse I hear is "i'm just too tired" (that mom's favprite). That's why it has to become a habit. You have to force yourself to do it even when you don't feel like it. And who cares about a 12 hour day... In grad school I'd wake up at 4am so that I could work out before 8... and be at work and in class from 8am till 9pm. I figure if I can do it- and I'm lazy- then anyone should be able to.
Fortunately now I work from 10-7....soooo I'm off to hit the pavement. Had to waste a few min while the ipod charged up a little.

[ComputerDude]

When this comes out I'm gonna video-game myself to a healthy body.:kekeke:

<object height="350" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5oNVIcMnZh4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object>

[fuzzis]

I don't really know how much more expensive it is to eat healthy. I think we like to think it's expensive--but when a bag of frozen veggies costs me $1.50? I'm not sure I buy that. If you watch sales, you can get boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.99/lb.

Is it easier to run by Taco Bell or Burger King or wherever for lunch than it is to bring myself a healthful alternative? Yes. But it's certainly not cheaper.

[Fish-Bait]

Part of the problem is this super fast paced world we live in today. During the day everything is do damn rushed that by the end of the day I myself say "man, I am beat." Most of it is mental. When I start running calculations and mechanical speeds for 2 or 3 hours and get interrupted for or 5 times during, it takes it's toll. Then lunch time gets here and I am thinking........hamburger steak sounds good.

[ComputerDude]

I don't really know how much more expensive it is to eat healthy. I think we like to think it's expensive--but when a bag of frozen veggies costs me $1.50? I'm not sure I buy that. If you watch sales, you can get boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.99/lb.

Is it easier to run by Taco Bell or Burger King or wherever for lunch than it is to bring myself a healthful alternative? Yes. But it's certainly not cheaper.
So you're one bag of veggies and you're few pieces of chicken covers one dinner. Now think about breakfast, lunch AND dinner for the week. Don't forget snacks. Even dietitians will tell you to snack.
Go compare some low-cal food with regular food and tell me it's not more expensive. Snack Well cookies are almost twice the price of a bag of chocolate chip cookies and you get maybe half the amount of cookies.

[jkspatty]

Canned beans are very inexpensive, low in fat and very good for you. I work approx 60 hrs per week so it takes some pre planning to eat healthy. Drive thru is easy, but not in the long run, just ask anyone who has had triple a by pass. Lack of discipline is probably one of the main reasons for this obesity problem. It is quite simple: expend more calories than you consume.

[jkspatty]

So you're one bag of veggies and you're few pieces of chicken covers one dinner. Now think about breakfast, lunch AND dinner for the week. Don't forget snacks. Even dietitians will tell you to snack.
Go compare some low-cal food with regular food and tell me it's not more expensive. Snack Well cookies are almost twice the price of a bag of chocolate chip cookies and you get maybe half the amount of cookies.


Look at the cost of a box of snackwells as opposed to a cantalope, or a bag of dried fruit, or a cup of yogurt.

[fuzzis]

So you're one bag of veggies and you're few pieces of chicken covers one dinner. Now think about breakfast, lunch AND dinner for the week. Don't forget snacks. Even dietitians will tell you to snack.
Go compare some low-cal food with regular food and tell me it's not more expensive. Snack Well cookies are almost twice the price of a bag of chocolate chip cookies and you get maybe half the amount of cookies.

Oatmeal is cheap, cheap, cheap. A big thing of it lasts a long time. Buy some raisins to add to it (which are also cheap), a handful of nuts (not as cheap, but when you figure that you're really only supposed to use a few), then it's not as expensive as it looks. Breakfast is covered....for the week.

Lunch? I buy whole wheat bread for about $2.00/loaf. A pound of sliced turkey runs about $6.50, but divide that by the week. I can get a tomato for a dollar or so and that will last the week. A bunch of green leaf lettuce $1.50 or so. Or for about $7.00, I can make a pasta salad that has veggies and some protein in it that will last me a week (making lunch cost around $1.00/day) A whole chicken at Winn Dixie is on sale for $0.77/lb this week...I can roast that and do all sorts of things with it...for under $5.00.

Fruit is plentiful and cheap right now and serves as an excellent snack...I can also add a handful of those nuts from breakfast. Grapes are $0.99/lb right now. Baby carrots are running what? $2.50-3.00/bag, which I can then divvy up into individual portions that are easy to take with me that will last the week. A head of broccoli can be cut up for about the same cost...and I've got a snack.

If you're going to rely on convenience foods that aren't really all that healthy for you anyway, then it's going to be more expensive. I mean, sitting here on my desk, I have a 100 calorie snack pack of animal crackers...but I could have easily bought the big tub of snack crackers, measured out a portion that is 100 calories and had it cost less, but having some one else do it for me was easier.

I've made the argument that it's more expensive to eat healthy in the past so I understand where you're coming from. In looking at my choices, though, I see that doesn't really hold true. It takes a little more work on my part to make it happen, but it's not really more expensive.

[Bahlk]

I went and had the ole blood test several months ago. I was scared my cholesterol would be through the roof because I live in the drive thrus and I am overweight and have high blood pressure. Luckily it fell within normal ranges so I just have to manage my weight and blood pressure.

[IGID]

You can pretty much eat anything you want, within reason, if you would exercise to a sweat 20-30 minutes a day and the more you exercise, the better you will feel and want to do more.

[Mr Bagel]

Go with low fat bagels. You can't go wrong. Use light cream cheese also. Follow with a non-caloric smoothie.

[58ford]

I also heard they are thinking/taking about opening a kids gym! or including them at the adults gym.
They already have kids gym's....they're called playgrounds.

[Bahlk]

They already have kids gym's....they're called playgrounds.

Or backyards

[58ford]

Video games took my generation off the playground, and ball field, plopped us on a couch, and put a bag of Doritos in our hand.

[jkspatty]

Or backyards


....where they can work up a sweat, raking, picking up pine cones, sweeping the patio, etc...Oh I forgot, it's to hot for them....:-D

[Bahlk]

....where they can work up a sweat, raking, picking up pine cones, sweeping the patio, etc...Oh I forgot, it's to hot for them....:-D

It isn't hotter now than when I was a kid but all the kids have been accustomed to sitting under that 2-ton 500 trillion BTU AC while they are on the internet or watching 5000 channels instead of going out right after breakfast, coming back for lunch for 5 minutes, then back outside again until the street lights came on

[Fish-Bait]

The atari did it.

[Bahlk]

We would even be outside in the rain...if it started lightening, my mom would holler at us to come inside but then we'd be outside after it stopped raining. Those were the days. I can't remember how many miles i put on my bike back then

[58ford]

I can't remember how many miles i put on my bike back then
I remember changing my bike tires every year cause we wear 'em bald by the end of the summer.

[jkspatty]

It isn't hotter now than when I was a kid but all the kids have been accustomed to sitting under that 2-ton 500 trillion BTU AC while they are on the internet or watching 5000 channels instead of going out right after breakfast, coming back for lunch for 5 minutes, then back outside again until the street lights came on


Some parents won't even let their kids ride the bus because it is too hot. Do we really expect them to have the discipline that it takes to be healthy? I can't tell you the last time I saw a kid mowing the yard or raking leaves etc....

[Bahlk]

We didn't even have A/C in school back then. Sheesh it's a miracle I survived

:smt105

[onlyme]

Something that I am curious about... I'd be interested in seeing some info of a link between socio-economic status and obesity. I think we'd be naive to deny a correlation... face it- health food is expensive, as are gym memberships. As for the buffets... the family that struggles to put food on the table, but saves enough money to go out to a "nice" dinner- can you blame them for eating 10 plates full? Heck, I even stuff myself at those places because I feel the need to eat my moneys worth! As much as obesity is one of my "pet peeves"... I have to remind myself that in some cases, there's a bigger picture to look at when considering social and cultural factors.

I don't know if healthy food is necessarily more expensive than "junk food". What does a regular meal at a fast food joint cost nowadays? $6,00?? ( I honestly have no idea ) For that money I can probably buy a couple of pounds of broccoli, a sack of potatoes, some eggs, milk and cheese and make a broccoli casserole with mashed potatoes for several people. An apple costs as much or less than a candy bar. It does take longer to cook a healthy meal than picking something up at the drive-through, that's true. I think it's often a matter of convenience and lack of personal control. Everybody gets a craving for fries, tacos or whatnot at some time but why not go with the smallest serving they sell in order to satsify that craving instead of ordering the supersized shoebox size? Why not drink water or flavored seltzer instead of a gallon of soda ? You also don't need a gym membership to exercise. A decent pair of sneakers is all that is needed to get in a brisk walk every day.

[eyescene]

Eyescene- I know Anatomies in Hattiesburg already has a childrens section.... it's realllly nice too. It has a rock climbing wall, smoothie bar, size appropriate weight machines, and even an area with computer so they can do homeowrk while their parents work out. When we're talking about children though, it's gotta start with the parents. If mom & dad are obese and sit on the couch all day- what more can we expect from the child?

Smoothies...are those really healthy? I never had one but wonder if it is a sugary drink with vitamins and stuff added and then call healthy.

[onlyme]

We can fix this: One Call, That's All:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k61AN4fynDM


http://www.droxy.com/images/2005/08/richard-simmons.jpg For Governor!!!

LOL, if that doesn't ruin your appetite..... :-D

[jkspatty]

Smoothies...are those really healthy? I never had one but wonder if it is a sugary drink with vitamins and stuff added and then call healthy.


Make them at home, and some honey instead of sugar and viola much healthier than sodas or god forbid kool-aid.

[fuzzis]

Smoothies...are those really healthy? I never had one but wonder if it is a sugary drink with vitamins and stuff added and then call healthy.

It depends on what you put in them. You can make a smoothie at home with fruit, yogurt, and ice and have it be pretty healthy...if you stick with 8-12 ozs.

The 24-32 oz things that you pick up at Smoothie King might contain 500 calories.

[onlyme]

So you're one bag of veggies and you're few pieces of chicken covers one dinner. Now think about breakfast, lunch AND dinner for the week. Don't forget snacks. Even dietitians will tell you to snack.
Go compare some low-cal food with regular food and tell me it's not more expensive. Snack Well cookies are almost twice the price of a bag of chocolate chip cookies and you get maybe half the amount of cookies.

Umm.. cookies aren't really part of a healthy diet anyway, Snackwell or otherwise :-D. Why not snack on fruit? There is such a wide variety that there has to be something that you like.

[ComputerDude]

For that money I can probably buy a couple of pounds of broccoli, a sack of potatoes, some eggs, milk and cheese and make a broccoli casserole with mashed potatoes for several people. Where do you shop because I want to go there if you can get all that for six bucks.
Also, how is that healthier then fast-food? Potatoes, eggs and cheese? C'mon.

[CircusRide]

Who cares if MS is fat? We're happy and our women know how to cook!
Cali can have the freaking tofu and granola.
You gotta die sometime. You might as well enjoy life.

[onlyme]

Smoothies...are those really healthy? I never had one but wonder if it is a sugary drink with vitamins and stuff added and then call healthy.

It depends. I make smoothies for my kids with skim milk, lots of ice cubes, bananas, strawberries and Stevia. Throw it in the blender, give it a good whirl and you got a great snack. Low in fat, calories and sugar, but full of vitamins. My boys love them.

[fuzzis]

Where do you shop because I want to go there if you can get all that for six bucks.
Also, how is that healthier then fast-food? Potatoes, eggs and cheese? C'mon.

You're kinda missing the point. Fast food meal for one person...about $6.00. Ingredients for a meal might be more expensive, but it's also feeding more than one person so the price per person is less.

Potatoes, eggs, and cheese aren't *bad* foods. It's how much of them you eat.

Portion control is also a big part of our obesity problem.

[jkspatty]

Yeah, portion control is a big problem too. Lenders bagels (I eat them for breakfast all the time) now sells "mini" bagels, but the thing is, they are regular size, and what they are now calling regular size are 400 calorie monsters. A croissant here in the US is the size of a human hand, in other countries it is half the size. Who in the hell needs 24oz of soda in one sitting?

[ComputerDude]

Who cares if MS is fat? We're happy and our women know how to cook!
Cali can have the freaking tofu and granola.
You gotta die sometime. You might as well enjoy life.Most people would prefer to have a longer one to enjoy, then a shorter one.

[jkspatty]

we were thinking the same thing at the same time..portion control that is.lol

[58ford]

god forbid kool-aid.
Don't go disin' Kool-aid man.
I love Kool-aid. The trick is not to use so much sugar. I only use a couple of tablespoons per qt. I found after I weened myself off sugar that sugary drinks tasted nasty & left a bad taste in my mouth.
Also, have you ever seen someone order a mixed drink with diet coke? Why bother? The calories are all in the alcohol. And what moron invented low carb beer.
Aren't we priviledged that we live in a country where we can afford to be this fat?
A friend of mine once said to me "I wish I wasn't so full, so I could have some more of those King crab legs."
And, in closing...."Hey, Fata$$, put down the cheeseburger & step away from the dessert bar."

[onlyme]

Where do you shop because I want to go there if you can get all that for six bucks.
Also, how is that healthier then fast-food? Potatoes, eggs and cheese? C'mon.

Boccoli was about $1,30 per lb, eggs are currently $0,99. Potatoes go for ..what..$2,50 a bag, depending on brand. 8 oz of cheese are less than $2,00 and I have no idea what regular milk costs because I only buy organic. Anyway, it IS cheaper than the fast food meal because with all those ingredients I can feed more people. One fast-food meal just feeds one.
Potatoes are, in itself, a healthy, low-calorie food. A baked potato is nutritious until you drown it in butter and sour cream, same for mashed potatoes. All I put in my mashed potatoes is some salt, skim milk and maybe some chives or parsley. Eggs are also highly nutritious and one egg only has about 80 calories. Of course, if you have high cholesterol you may have to watch how many you eat. SOME low-fat cheese is not going to hurt you either and you need protein and calcium as well as some flavor.

[eyescene]

I don't know if healthy food is necessarily more expensive than "junk food". What does a regular meal at a fast food joint cost nowadays? $6,00?? ( I honestly have no idea ) For that money I can probably buy a couple of pounds of broccoli, a sack of potatoes, some eggs, milk and cheese and make a broccoli casserole with mashed potatoes for several people. An apple costs as much or less than a candy bar. It does take longer to cook a healthy meal than picking something up at the drive-through, that's true. I think it's often a matter of convenience and lack of personal control. Everybody gets a craving for fries, tacos or whatnot at some time but why not go with the smallest serving they sell in order to satsify that craving instead of ordering the supersized shoebox size? Why not drink water or flavored seltzer instead of a gallon of soda ? You also don't need a gym membership to exercise. A decent pair of sneakers is all that is needed to get in a brisk walk every day.

It is not money, it is not time! Convenience = we are JUST lazy period.

[jkspatty]

Who cares if MS is fat? We're happy and our women know how to cook!
Cali can have the freaking tofu and granola.
You gotta die sometime. You might as well enjoy life.

And it is that attitude that keeps MS the poorest state in the nation, the resistance to change, even if it is a positive change. I am an excellent cook, and LOVE to eat , however I am smart enough to know that I cannot eat/drink/smoke/etc..however much I want and not suffer the health consequences.

[eyescene]

It depends. I make smoothies for my kids with skim milk, lots of ice cubes, bananas, strawberries and Stevia. Throw it in the blender, give it a good whirl and you got a great snack. Low in fat, calories and sugar, but full of vitamins. My boys love them.

Stevia? isn't that the sweetener plant....Where do we get those?

[Fish-Bait]

Paris doesn't seem to have a problem with hamburgers.

[58ford]

Paris doesn't seem to have a problem with hamburgers.
You notice she's not actually eating it.

[Fish-Bait]

You notice she's not actually eating it.

Therefore she is not having any problems with it.:-D

[LipsofanAngel]

I don't know if healthy food is necessarily more expensive than "junk food". What does a regular meal at a fast food joint cost nowadays? $6,00?? ( I honestly have no idea ) For that money I can probably buy a couple of pounds of broccoli, a sack of potatoes, some eggs, milk and cheese and make a broccoli casserole with mashed potatoes for several people. An apple costs as much or less than a candy bar. It does take longer to cook a healthy meal than picking something up at the drive-through, that's true. I think it's often a matter of convenience and lack of personal control. Everybody gets a craving for fries, tacos or whatnot at some time but why not go with the smallest serving they sell in order to satsify that craving instead of ordering the supersized shoebox size? Why not drink water or flavored seltzer instead of a gallon of soda ? You also don't need a gym membership to exercise. A decent pair of sneakers is all that is needed to get in a brisk walk every day.

Well, from my finding- it is more expensive to get something healthy if I HAVE to eat fast food. At Wendy's I can pay $2.00 for chicken nuggets and fries, or $6 for a salad. Course this is why I agree with IGID on the exercise thing... ANYBODY can do it. There are no excuses. And if you work out like you should, then the eating thing wouldn't be as big of a deal.

Smoothies...are those really healthy? I never had one but wonder if it is a sugary drink with vitamins and stuff added and then call healthy.
as you could see from the other posts- yepp, they can be very healthy & a good alternative to ice cream if you're craving something cold and sweet.

Who cares if MS is fat? We're happy and our women know how to cook!
Cali can have the freaking tofu and granola.
You gotta die sometime. You might as well enjoy life.

hmmm.... well, I'd much prefer my mother eat healthy and exercise and actually live long enough to see her grandchildren. Not taking care of yourself is just slow suicide- and it's selfish.

[ComputerDude]

Therefore she is not having any problems with it.:-DI remember burning a couple hundred calories just watching that commercial. I should have recorded it.:laugh::laugh:

[CircusRide]

Most people would prefer to have a longer one to enjoy, then a shorter one.

Not if it means eating cardboard. Besides, genetics and exercise has more to do with your length of life than your diet. Look those old black ladies that live to be 110. They lived on pork fat but they worked their rumps off.
You can pretty much eat anything you want as long as you exercise properly. But, if genetics aren't on your side, you're screwed regardless.

[58ford]

Course this is why I agree with IGID on the exercise thing... ANYBODY can do it. There are no excuses. And if you work out like you should, then the eating thing wouldn't be as big of a deal.
While for the most part I agree with you, there are some of us who have physical problems that prevent most conventional exercise. I still exercise & lead a fairly active lifestyle, but as far as what most people think of as working out, I can't.
And at Wendy's those .99 ceasar salads are pretty good, I can make a meal out of a couple of those.

[SoMissTV]

Marshall Ramsey summed it up best:

http://www.clarionledger.com/misc/blogs/mramsey/uploaded_images/Fat-753127.jpg

[58ford]

I propose that the state declare MS's state pass time as "Buffet Grazing".
Did you know that MS's state soil is Natchez Silt Loam?
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/ms_symb.htm

[Bahlk]

That's why I don't like going to buffets. Since I am cutting down on the amount I will fix my plate and eat it and that's it, no 2nd's or 3rd's. The prices of these places are so high most people feel the need to overeat just to get their money's worth (somebody else mentioned that.) Everytime I go and eat sensibly I'm alway's kinda mad at how much I spent and how little I ate.

[SueScribe]

I've seen some people eat 5 pieces of fried chicken, plate all piled up, but they are going to drink their slim fast with it LOL

I'm through with food. Through, I tell you (unless it is a steak grilled to perfection from Donanelle's. I'll eat that).

Seriously, I have to remind myself to eat and this usually occurs around nine in the evening. Shredded Wheat & banana slices. That works.

[SoMissTV]

We could declare a "war on obesity" and bring our national guardsmen home to run a statewide PT camp....

[Fish-Bait]

Let's go walkin' Missippi'! Yeah, let's go walkin'.

[CircusRide]

12 ounce curls have always worked for me.

[LipsofanAngel]

While for the most part I agree with you, there are some of us who have physical problems that prevent most conventional exercise. I still exercise & lead a fairly active lifestyle, but as far as what most people think of as working out, I can't.
And at Wendy's those .99 ceasar salads are pretty good, I can make a meal out of a couple of those.

conventional or not, I think the majority of folks don't have an excuse to not exercise in some form or fashion. Sure health or physical problems may regulate the type of activity, but I figure there's some way for everyone to get their heart rate up and burn some calories.

I also like the chili from wendy's. The 99cent one is enough to fill me up and actually doesn't have too many calories.

[ComputerDude]

Let's go walkin' Missippi'! Yeah, let's go walkin'.Apparently that didn't work so well.:kekeke:

[Fish-Bait]

Apparently that didn't work so well.:kekeke:

Let's go run a 100 marathon's in a 100 days Missippi'!:smt023

[eyescene]

Did any watch the Fat March last night?

[ComputerDude]

Did any watch the Fat March last night?No need. I see that everyday when I get up and walk around. :laugh::laugh:

[Kitty]

My most recent post in the Jokes thread is an appropriate cross-post for this thread:

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it.. don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way.Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride" AND......

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

[wilebill]

Kitty posted a joke in the joke thread that actually sums up my philosophy of eating and life, but I didn't know how to put it into words until I saw it:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"

Edit: now I see that she posted it here, too.

[onlyme]

Stevia? isn't that the sweetener plant....Where do we get those?

That's it. The Health Hut has powdered and liquid ( which I have not tried ) varieties. It is extremely sweet so be careful if you use it. Use too much and you will get a nasty aftertaste. I buy the powdered variety that comes in little packages - the size of Nutrasweet packages - and I use one package for 3 or 4 drinks.

[eyescene]

Oh OK thanks! I thought you were using the plant leaves, Silly me! I did taste one of the leaves once and it was very sweet...but now I see we can get it in powder!! Great!

[Fish-Bait]

It's hot, I need an ice-cream.

[onlyme]

Not if it means eating cardboard. Besides, genetics and exercise has more to do with your length of life than your diet. Look those old black ladies that live to be 110. They lived on pork fat but they worked their rumps off.
You can pretty much eat anything you want as long as you exercise properly. But, if genetics aren't on your side, you're screwed regardless.

I don't believe in genetic obesity. My parents, grandparents and my sister are/were obese but I'll be darned if I am going down that road or let my children become obese while they are in my care. My father died when he was 57, 3rd heart attack, and my mother has been pretty much housebound for the last 6 years because she cannot move around properly anymore, yet she refuses to adjust her diet or lifestyle. She is severely diabetic, has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and is in constant pain because her bones and joints can't cope with the weight anymore. In addition to hurting herself she is making life quite difficult for us. It's one thing if you fall ill for some unknown reason but don't kill yourself slowly on purpose and inflict pain on others as a result.

[58ford]

It's hot, I need an ice-cream.
Did you know that Ice cream is so high in fat & sugar that it can actually raise your body temperature?
Have a sno-cone.

[Fish-Bait]

I know this girl who wore a size zero in high-school. I could literaly wrap my hands all the way around her waist and my touch my thumbs and middle fingers together (hheheee). Well, she could eat 3 times what I could. No kiddin'. I think it was her metabolism or sumthing. All she done was cheerlead. The rest of the time she just layed around eatin' bon-bons. I played f-ball, baseball, worked out 3 times a week on the weights. I never got a six-pack. I ate healthy also. my mom always cooked healthy. I got to the point where I only ate breakfast and lunch and cut out supper all together. So, yeah. I think genetics has something to do with it. Some people just aren't going to have that physique that everyone drools about and is able to run 3 miles every morning that they want to.

[Fish-Bait]

Did you know that Ice cream is so high in fat & sugar that it can actually raise your body temperature?
Have a sno-cone.

When it raises it I'll cut the air down some more, but for now I am enjoying my Klondike bar.

[onlyme]

I know this girl who wore a size zero in high-school. I could literaly wrap my hands all the way around her waist and my touch my thumbs and middle fingers together (hheheee). Well, she could eat 3 times what I could. No kiddin'. I think it was her metabolism or sumthing. All she done was cheerlead. The rest of the time she just layed around eatin' bon-bons. I played f-ball, baseball, worked out 3 times a week on the weights. I never got a six-pack. I ate healthy also. my mom always cooked healthy. I got to the point where I only ate breakfast and lunch and cut out supper all together. So, yeah. I think genetics has something to do with it. Some people just aren't going to have that phsyique that everyone drools about and is able to run 3 miles every morning that they want to.

There is a slight difference between a size zero and a size 30something ;) . No, not everyone can ( or wants to ) look like a rail-thin model. A few extra pounds are not going to kill you but we are talking about obesity here, which is more serious and dangerous than carrying an extra 10-20 lbs around.

[fuzzis]

I know this girl who wore a size zero in high-school. I could literaly wrap my hands all the way around her waist and my touch my thumbs and middle fingers together (hheheee). Well, she could eat 3 times what I could. No kiddin'. I think it was her metabolism or sumthing. All she done was cheerlead. The rest of the time she just layed around eatin' bon-bons. I played f-ball, baseball, worked out 3 times a week on the weights. I never got a six-pack. I ate healthy also. my mom always cooked healthy. I got to the point where I only ate breakfast and lunch and cut out supper all together. So, yeah. I think genetics has something to do with it. Some people just aren't going to have that physique that everyone drools about and is able to run 3 miles every morning that they want to.

My best friend is still a size zero...I remember watching her devour most of the menu at McDonalds when we were in high school...just amazed. At one point a few years ago, before they started playing with her thyroid, her husband worked a second job just to afford the grocery bill. If she doesn't eat every couple of hours, it's going to be a very, very bad scene. When the Dragon starts to come out to play, offer her food. :hidesofa:

[CircusRide]

I don't believe in genetic obesity. My parents, grandparents and my sister are/were obese but I'll be darned if I am going down that road or let my children become obese while they are in my care. My father died when he was 57, 3rd heart attack, and my mother has been pretty much housebound for the last 6 years because she cannot move around properly anymore, yet she refuses to adjust her diet or lifestyle. She is severely diabetic, has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and is in constant pain because her bones and joints can't cope with the weight anymore. In addition to hurting herself she is making life quite difficult for us. It's one thing if you fall ill for some unknown reason but don't kill yourself slowly on purpose and inflict pain on others as a result.

I'm sorry but genetics does play a big role. Diabetes generally runs in families, as does heart disease, certain cancers, etc. I'm not obese but a number of the female family members are. They all look alike, they all have diabetes. My grandmother is a very large lady. She eats very little but is still a very large lady. She's worked very hard all of her life too, so exercise is not the issue either. Genetics is huge! Maybe not the reason everyone is fat but like I said, if you have bad genetics, you're screwed anyway.

[58ford]

I'm sorry but genetics does play a big role. Diabetes generally runs in families, as does heart disease, certain cancers, etc. I'm not obese but a number of the female family members are. They all look alike, they all have diabetes. My grandmother is a very large lady. She eats very little but is still a very large lady. She's worked very hard all of her life too, so exercise is not the issue either. Genetics is huge! Maybe not the reason everyone is fat but like I said, if you have bad genetics, you're screwed anyway.
So, are we to assume that all the fat genes made their way to MS, while the skinny genes fled to Colorado?

[onlyme]

I'm sorry but genetics does play a big role. Diabetes generally runs in families, as does heart disease, certain cancers, etc. I'm not obese but a number of the female family members are. They all look alike, they all have diabetes. My grandmother is a very large lady. She eats very little but is still a very large lady. She's worked very hard all of her life too, so exercise is not the issue either. Genetics is huge! Maybe not the reason everyone is fat but like I said, if you have bad genetics, you're screwed anyway.

My mother developed diabetes because she is so obese. It's not as if diabetes caused her to become obese. It may be different for type 1 diabetics.

[Bahlk]

So, are we to assume that all the fat genes made their way to MS, while the skinny genes fled to Colorado?

No, it's in the water here

[58ford]

No, it's in the water here
Nobody drinks the water, they drink coke, "energy drinks" & smoothies.

[fuzzis]

Nobody drinks the water, they drink coke, "energy drinks" & smoothies.

And sweet tea. :-D

[Fish-Bait]

I got fat jeans.

[CircusRide]

My mother developed diabetes because she is so obese. It's not as if diabetes caused her to become obese. It may be different for type 1 diabetics.

Yeah, my dad developed type II when he was about 50 and my grandmother did when she was about 70. But, neither are obese. Both are very skinny. Eating isn't what got them either.
My uncle, who is still playing sports (softball & flag football) at age 68, has devoloped it too. He's in better shape than me...LOL.
I'm just saying, eating and excercise aren't always the problem. You can probably look in the mirror and see you look like one of your parents. You probably catch yourself doing many of the samethings they used to do to.
Genetics are strange.
Personally, I'm with Lips on this too. The socio-ecomonic background plays a part too. Look to see what percentage of MS is on welfare and sitting at home all day.

[wilebill]

How much weight one gains or loses is generally a simple matter of physics.

Calories consumed
-calories burnt off
-calories expelled (one way or another)
= calories retained and converted into mass

How people metabolize those calories is generally the biggest difference among individuals.

However, it's physically impossible to gain weight without consuming an equal or greater amount of food. That stuff doesn't magically appear on you.

[58ford]

Genetics probably play a role but environment & upbringing play a role also.
If you are raised by people who eat too much & don't exercise then it's no surprise when you grow up to eat too much & not exercise, whether it's genetics or conditioning, you know these practices are bad for you and you should change them.
Perhaps someone had a genetic propensity for alcoholism, that's no reason to give up & hit the bottle.
True, some people have to try harder than others. Life ain't fair.
It's a personal decision. If you don't want to be fat, don't be fat. If you don't care if you're fat, don't care, I certainly don't. Even in most cases where there is a cause, if medical advice is followed and proper diet & exercise are adhered to, you do not have to be fat.
Now I have to give the qualifier, because I know that somebody out there has a friend or relative that had something happen that made them fat and they can't help it, therefore I must be a douche bag. I'm not a doctor, and I've heard that there are medications & conditions out there that will cause weight gain, but the instances of patients who follow medical advice & still become obese are statistically insignificant.