Fast Food and Americans' Weights

[SummerChild]

Well maybe I'm just an old softy deep down inside or probably my of-late mother instinct is kicking in again but I just feel like someone who is as grossly overweight as he was (mind you, he had trouble getting from between the door of the car and the car itself, even with both feet on the ground and could barely walk) who is still going to LA Fried Chicken may not be able to help himself. He may have a food addiction, anything. He definitely realizes that he can barely walk, yet he is still doing all of that to get there. He may not have been able to help himself. Guess I'm just a bleeding heart when it comes to some things. I felt that they were taking advantage of him just like tobacco companies take advantage of people who can't stop smoking pack after pack daily yet needs to carry one of those breathing devices just to make it to the store to buy the pack - and the cashier rings them right up. SMH

I know that we all have to be responsible for ourselves and this is the age of do you and to heck with everyone else but if I couldn't help myself, I would want someone to step in and help me, even if at first, I was mad.

Ok, I'm through being a bleeding heart LOL
SC

[QUOTE=tld221]you dont have to feel sorry for him, hell i dont.
QUOTE]

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by tld221

but eating healthy isnt just about "wanting to do better." there's a mindset and lifestyle change that goes along with weight loss and healthy eating that most people cant get with, mostly because of the food that's available (and not available) to them. when i'm at home, my supermarket options are Fine Fare and Key Food (which are pretty low-end supermarkets). however when i'm on campus/in school, i can get to a Food Emporium, a Whole Foods and even a Trader Joe's, not to mention an abundance of fruit and veggie stands. so even the industry is saying, "f*ck the po' folks, they can't afford to eat better so we wont even give them the option."

i think the saddest thing is that we (as citizens of a highlydeveloped country) have the OPTION of nutritional food, and most won't/can't take advantage.

So when I started my Ph.D. program I asked that question about low income supermarkets having poor food choices and never got an skrait answer... This was back in 1994...

Anyhow, I see I am not the only person noticing the difference...

Here's what is interesting to me... Refined sugar and salt are drugs, period... They are highly addictive. Try going off all sugar and salt products for a week and see if you do not get the "shakes" like a crack addict...

So, the quick and easy food to buy, by the fact it is processed, is often high in sugar and salt byproducts... And forget the fat calories in these meals, they are off the chart...

So if these low-end supermarkets fail to supply healthy and nutritious food to poorer communities--albeit they would deny that allegation 100% and prove that folks like US don't WANT to purchase healthy food--then how is anyone from these communities supposed to improve our health condition. Let's say we know what healthy eating looks like: vegetables, lean cuts of meat, some low/non-fat dairy, plenty of water, grains--the food pyramid stuff...

My thought is that OUR people fail to eat that way simply because it is outside OUR culture because "they" said "good food" was NEVER for us--like back in the slavery days when folks did thangs with the greens and "pot liquor"...

So our ancestors were resolved to eating salted pork, that made their hypertension worse, but back then it didn't matter because we didn't live that long.

But the granes, Collards, Mustards and Turnips--granes--oh right now, that's the most healthiest food on the planet, until we cook it... Like, the Executive Chefs have given their "stamp of approval" and make culinary delights that WE can no longer afford because "granes" are now "healthy" for you--ONLY IF YOU DON'T cook it like WE do...

Now, how many of our grandparents are gonna buy that logic?

Homie gettin' out the car... He ain't EVA gonna lose that weight 'less he gets bariatric. Period. And his heart is prolly overloaded and has cardiomyopathy unless he's already an insulin resistant type 2 diabetic with a non-existant dysfunctional pancreas and steatohepatosis...

Suffice to say, most folks like dat dere are only eating to supply brain neurotransmission... That is why bad food, like larded fried chicken with MSG pork and butter is not the best kinna diet one can consume, especially if they dayum near 300 lbs.

[SummerChild]

Originally Posted by tld221

you dont have to feel sorry for him, hell i dont.

but eating healthy isnt just about "wanting to do better." there's a mindset and lifestyle change that goes along with weight loss and healthy eating that most people cant get with, mostly because of the food that's available (and not available) to them. when i'm at home, my supermarket options are Fine Fare and Key Food (which are pretty low-end supermarkets). however when i'm on campus/in school, i can get to a Food Emporium, a Whole Foods and even a Trader Joe's, not to mention an abundance of fruit and veggie stands. so even the industry is saying, "f*ck the po' folks, they can't afford to eat better so we wont even give them the option."

Hi Tld221, has it been your experience that the supermarkets that you describe as "low-end" do not carry healthy food like vegetables, fruit, etc.? I ask b/c although I too have noticed a difference in what neighborhoods have Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, I still feel like even the "low-end" supermarkets carry basic essentials for healthy eating (it may not be as extensive or creative as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's) - but perhaps some actually do not carry those basic essentials.


SC

[RedefinedDiva]

I think that every market carries the "basics," but, as someone previously stated, the problem begins with preparation. I can testify to it because I have been guilty of it in the past. Sure, you can buy all the ingredients for a salad and make it nice and pretty, however, when you DROWN it in high fat/high calorie dressings, you defeat the purpose. The same goes for veggies. It makes no difference if you smother spinach, squash, greens, etc. in a ton of butter. It all starts with preparation. We have to find alternative means to prepare our food.

It is a cop out to blame the fast food industry for the way America looks. They make money by providing you with convenience. The same is true for any company that has its items sold in stores. How many people take the time to read the nutritional facts on a package? Not many. Since I have become conscience of watching my weight, I read packages like a hawk. I can spend nearly two hours in the market because I have to read every single thing that I pick up. Everyone doesn't do that. You would be surprised at how some common items that we pick up are LOADED with junk. For instance, I had to throw away an entire bag of frozen chicken breasts a few days ago because I read the packaging.

Aside from the markets and your average fast food restaurant, we have to also take into account some of our more "higher" end restaurants. I only attempt to patronize restaurants that provide its nutritional info on the internet or in restaurant. That way, I can determine what I WON'T eat before I get there and won't be tempted by pictures on the menu, fancy descriptions or aromas. And I know that people go to restaurants and order salads, thinking that it's the most friendly items on the menu. NOT! Some salads are insanely high in fat BEFORE the dressing even hits it.

We have to start teaching our kids how to make better food choices and we have to set the example. It can be done.

[AKA_Monet]

From the Seattle Times

Studies have documented that overeating and a lack of exercise are fueling America's high obesity rates. Researchers have developed a list of 10 other often-overlooked factors. They include:
Sleep deprivation, which boosts hunger;

Pollution and chemicals, which can disrupt hormones;

Heating and air conditioning, which prevent us from burning maximum calories;

Decreased smoking rates;

Use of antidepressants, steroids, contraceptives and other medications;

An aging population, as well as larger populations of ethnic groups that are more prone to obesity;

Older women bearing children, which increases the risk the offspring will be overweight;

Ancestry — in animal studies, rats that overate produced heavier pups, an effect that continued for three generations;

Higher fertility among slightly overweight women, who may reproduce more and pass obesity to their children;

Opposites don't attract, meaning individuals tend to mate with people of a similar body type.

Source: Dr. David Allison; International Journal of Obesity

Aside from the smoking , the rest sort of make sense... Interesting to say the least...

[AKA_Monet]

There was a recent report that even if folks do read labels we don't heed their statements...

The other issue is age. Biologically, we redistribute our fat content as we age, especially after giving childbirth for women. For men, they get the gut. For women, we will get the gut pretty much after menopause along with the thighs.

I think for women it is the sugar/salt intake that is damaging. Whereas, for the men it is the fat intake. Then overnutrition or increase caloric intake without much exercise and other risk factors become the same as one ages...

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Aside from the smoking , the rest sort of make sense... Interesting to say the least...

Perhaps the reference is to when people quit smoking they eat more, and also that smoking is an appetite supressant, so those who don't smoke eat more and are going to be over weight?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by tld221

it would be like a salesperson not selling a tube top to a woman who visibly shouldn't be wearing one. you cant say, "Well a woman your size shouldnt wear this..."

That would be so awesome if it could happen.

Or if you did sell it to them, it would have the equivalent of those things they put in cars that stop you from driving if you're drunk - like if you tried to walk out your door into public it would give you an electric shock or something.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Perhaps the reference is to when people quit smoking they eat more, and also that smoking is an appetite supressant, so those who don't smoke eat more and are going to be over weight?

Though this is true, I would rather be overweight than to develop lung cancer and/or emphysema. Stuff like that being on the list is what encourages people to start and/or continue smoking. "I might have an iron lung, but I've never been thinner in all my life!"

[tld221]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

Hi Tld221, has it been your experience that the supermarkets that you describe as "low-end" do not carry healthy food like vegetables, fruit, etc.? I ask b/c although I too have noticed a difference in what neighborhoods have Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, I still feel like even the "low-end" supermarkets carry basic essentials for healthy eating (it may not be as extensive or creative as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's) - but perhaps some actually do not carry those basic essentials.


SC

as mentioned, even "low end" supermarkets carry the basic essentials, but take note in the quality of the fruit and veggies. no one wants shriveled oranges, spoiled grapes, dirty broccoli, dented tomatos, etc. and then there isnt even the option of organic or not. its funny cause when i would watch TV and see people eat fruit straight off the produce aisle, i'd be soo grossed out, but i guess if you are in nicer supermarkets, the produce prolly is that clean to eat like that.

same with choices in dairy and meat - if leaner portions are available theyre scarce, close to expiration, and tend to be marked up to the point that the average shopper is naturally gonna be drawn to the cheaper (and not healthier) option.

more bang for the buck is the name of the game as well, which is probably what this overweight man in the fish fry spot is thinking. aint no salad gonna quench his appetite like deep fried fish and chicken.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by RedefinedDiva

Though this is true, I would rather be overweight than to develop lung cancer and/or emphysema. Stuff like that being on the list is what encourages people to start and/or continue smoking. "I might have an iron lung, but I've never been thinner in all my life!"

There's a new ad campaign out that is targeting women and the issues of smoking and weight loss. I can't remember the exact wording, but there'd be a statement such as "bikinis, or breat cancer?" "low riders or emphysema" etc and so on. Being overweight has problems, but with diet and exercise some of those problems can be reversed or delayed, not so with smoking and getting rid of the lines around the face or lung damage.

[tld221]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

There's a new ad campaign out that is targeting women and the issues of smoking and weight loss. I can't remember the exact wording, but there'd be a statement such as "bikinis, or breat cancer?" "low riders or emphysema" etc and so on. Being overweight has problems, but with diet and exercise some of those problems can be reversed or delayed, not so with smoking and getting rid of the lines around the face or lung damage.

i dont know if youre location is accurate, but if youre on the west coast, this ad campaign seems fitting, because 2 (of the many) things i noticed when i visited was the difference in body sizes and smoking, as in people are thinner and/or fitter (overall more health conscious) and lots less smoking (didnt walk through any smoke clouds)

[/hijack]

[FeeFee]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Perhaps the reference is to when people quit smoking they eat more, and also that smoking is an appetite supressant, so those who don't smoke eat more and are going to be over weight?

I believe smoking also dulls the tastes buds in your tongue. Once you quit smoking, those taste buds are rejuvenated, if you will - making food "taste better". There's probably some underlying oral fixation going on as well.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by tld221

i dont know if youre location is accurate, but if youre on the west coast, this ad campaign seems fitting, because 2 (of the many) things i noticed when i visited was the difference in body sizes and smoking, as in people are thinner and/or fitter (overall more health conscious) and lots less smoking (didnt walk through any smoke clouds)

[/hijack]

Where I live (in Idaho on the WA border) I see a lot more people chewing than smoking. Some of that is because one can't smoke many places other than bars (WA just passed a new smoking ban that includes bars), and chewing is another way to get the nic fix. I have family in California and Oregon, and there is a lot of healthy behavior and a lot of outdoors activities because it is rather lovely here. The University sponsors a lot of different programs to increase health ranging from exercise programs, healthy eating lectures, smoking cessation, and even Weight Watchers at work. I am sure a lot of the motivation has to do with insurance rates and absenteeism due to illness, but there are so many offerings there are no excuses.

[AKA_Monet]

People in WA still smoke like chimneys [sp?]... Ban or no ban, they still smoke cigarettes. It may be outside and all but not 25 ft away from buildings... I run into the smoke clouds everyday... I'm dying of second hand smoke inhalation every day...

The other thing the article stated is weather. Hotter weather usually burns more calories, etc... It has to be consistently hot weather... Not hot, then cold, then hot. The body needs insulation when there is cooler weather, aside from the fact that folks get cabin fever and pig out.

I dunno know how accurate California comparisons can be made about weight... Folks in Cali are more prone to get "augmented" with surgery to lose pounds or develop crazy eating disorders. All kinds of diets are consumed in Cali and there is also a drug problem that helps with weight reduction... Leave some folks "pimply" with a lot of acne issues, but those can be "cleared up"... If folks do cocaine, crystal meth, or heroin, they could lose weight... The opposite is true for smoking weed... And most Californians are prone to dabble in the weed part...

However, there are quite a few folks up here in the Pac Northwest that do drugs...

The dangerous part is asking the question to physicians: Which would your rather die from:

Heart Disease/Stroke or Cancer...

9 times outta 10 folks will probably get both if they life long enough...