|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grubble Grubble
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, October 24, 2003 :::
rant
Let's talk about the obesity problem in the U.S.
Government officials are now saying that obesity is at epidemic proportions. Maps charting obesity show that Colorado is the only state that does not seem to have a rampant problem with fat.
Everyone is talking about what diet will work, what combination of fat, protein, and carbohydrates will finally be the answer to weight loss. As a person who has fought the battle of the bulge since grade school, I will answer that question. NONE! At least not alone.
I don't care how healthy your diet is. That is not the be all, end all answer to getting in shape. Want to get into decent shape? GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS and get away from the internet or your television set!
We are eating better than we ever have before yet we are in horrible shape. This is because we, as a nation, no longer exercise. Kids no longer head to the park to play. They plop down in front of a tv screen with the latest video games. This may be good for hand-eye coordination, but it is bad for the waist line. These kids are learning to be lazy.
And us adults are just as bad. We surf the internet all evening long and watch tv till we fall asleep. The only exercise many Americans get right now is typing on their keyboards.
I am 6 ft. tall and weigh 290 lbs. My BMI is 35. This puts me at almost morbidly obese. However, the BMI scale does not take into account that I am quite muscular and have a large frame. I have a 54" chest and a 40" waist. I certainly am fatter than I should be or want to be right now, but I am not obese. When I did, at one time, get down to my "optimal" weight of 184 lbs., I looked gaunt and too thin. It was too thin for my body. I have found over the years that my optimal weight is right around 225-240 lbs. This would still give me a BMI that lists me as obese.
"Caveguy, why are you telling us this?" you may ask. I am telling you this to emphasize that the BMI scale should be eliminated. You can be in shape and still not conform to the BMI scale. Like pictures of waif-like supermodels in teen magazines, this insidiously evil self-esteem killer needs to go away.
I am also telling you this because you can be thin as a rail and still be horribly out of shape. Yes, we all need to lose a few pounds, but weight loss should never be the primary goal to any diet and exercise plan. The goal should be to become physically fit. That does not always equate to a six-pack set of abs.
I go to the gym. But that can get tedious and boring at times. Play softball. Go rollerblading. I play rugby to add to the workout. I do NOT recommend this to everyone. Go frolick in a park, for god's sake. Just get outside of your house and do something. Even bowling burns more calories than sitting on your butt.
I was born and raised in Colorado. I know why they do not have the same fitness problem as the rest of the country. Denver has bike paths that make it easy, and safe, to get from one side of the city to the other. You almost never have to encounter vehicle traffic. Even downtown. Jefferson County has the most amazing open space project I have ever seen. Land in and near the metro with hiking trails for all fitness levels. Exercise and nature. It is a fantastic combination. And it is like that all over the state.
Still, all the amenities in the world do not matter unless you get out and use them. Go see what your city and state has to offer. Go to the park, go to the gym, go to the batting cages, the golf courses. If you have them, take your kids with you. You'll be healthier and happier.
Oh, and while you are at it, lay off all that butter on your microwave popcorn.
/rant
|
|
|
|
