Day 22- Something that upsets me, in great detail.
There are many things that upset me, but the topic of something that really has me going lately is childhood obesity. It upsets me to think that parents complain about their children being overweight, but yet they are the ones who bring the food into the house; they are the ones who are responsible for putting the food on the table or taking the kids out to eat; aren’t making sure that the kids get enough exercise and then wonder how they came to be overweight.
I’m no Saint and I’m still on my own weight-loss journey, but I’ve learned in the past six months that some people don’t really know what ‘eating healthy’ is all about. I know that some people d0, but it seems that more often than not- people really don’t ‘get it’.
I could go on and on about this- but I think I’ll stop there- you get the point. Expect to hear more on this subject from me though.
As you know, Mississippi leads all national obesity rates and I’ve never been skinny myself. So, I tend to be hyper attentive to food choices around me. Today in the supermarket, I saw a XL family walking through the aisle. My first bad impression was due to the fact that none of them were at any level aware of what was going on around them. They were strung out across the aisle blocking anyone in their path (at that moment me). Then, when they all squeezed into a huddle around the cart and I was able to sneak by I saw that the overweight middle school age girl was busily eating two cookies right there in the aisle. I have to admit I was horrified. It seemed very slobbish of the parent to allow that kind of behavior and lack of discipline. That may sound super critical, especially in someone with a family not blessed in the skinny gene pool but I just shudder to think what it must look like when they get all that food home if they can’t restrain themselves in the supermarket.
Comment by BethanyC — August 22, 2010 @ 6:52 pm
Bethany- I really think that some of us may never be super skinny, but you can at least be conscious. It doesn’t mean don’t enjoy yourself, because Lord knows I do from time to time- but the idea is for it to be an occasional treat as opposed to healthy eating being the occasional treat.
Unfortunately the less expensive products are also the ones which are the worst for us, and for any family that is struggling financially they will obviously reach for the stuff they can afford. Even with that being said, I see where people can affford to make better choices, but don’t out of convenience reasons. It makes me sad to think it can all be avoided with a little planning. I mean seriously, what’s more important convienience or your health?
I don’t think it’s super critical at all of you. If so, then count me amongst the super critical. I mean seriously- do you think you’d see people grabbing fresh fruit and walking around eating it? I think it’s sad AND extremely irresponsible for ANY parent to allow that kind of behavior and if they are struggling with weight issues themselves should be even MORE ashamed simply because they now the risks associated with it.
I seriously could get on a soap box about this and I KNOW for a fact that it’s something that will step on the toes of some people who read this, but the truth of the matter is- if they are really honest, then they know it’s true.
With that being said- I also believe you can be skinny and just as unhealthy, because I know some bone skinny people and they they consider a chicken breast friend in butter healthy eating lol It makes me angry because children model the behavior of their parents, SO if that child was acting so out of control with those cookies in the store- chances are she’d seen it somewhere else.
I’ve got to write more about this, but that shall come soon 🙂
It’s always great to hear from you and can’t wait to see you.
Comment by gardener — August 23, 2010 @ 1:24 pm