The Weight of the Nation

A while back I was introduced to a documentary that was put together by HBO called The Weight of the Nation. It is a four part documentary with each segment being just over an hour in length.

I had wanted to watch it but never really made the time, it was just kind of on my list of things to do someday.

When I got back from my crazy trips and Rylee was trying to adjust to our time zone we had lots of short naps and I wasn't really getting much accomplished so I decided to watch the segments in pieces when I could.

To watch it I went to http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/. I started at segment one and went from there.

I liked how the segments were broken down and the facts that were given. I could relate to what a lot of them were saying. It was also near to read all of the facts and information about different stats. Granted they are based on the American population, but the fact is that we Canadians are not far behind them, in fact we are right on their tails.

Obesity in adults has been a growing problem for a few decades now, but the growing obesity rates in children is becoming alarming. Our children don't know any better, they only know what WE teach them. The problem is that WE as adults don't always know all the facts. Sure, we know that McDonald's isn't healthy for us, but do we know WHY? We need to educated ourselves so that we can teach our children how to make healthy choices. We need to get our kids out playing and exercising and joining sports, instead of glued to the TV.

I know that eating healthy ALL the time is not realistic, but I also know that our kids deserve to have healthy meals and learn about nutrition in it's basic form. Giving them a chance to get outdoors and move will go a long way to helping them obtain this active lifestyle right from the beginning. 

We also need to stop using food as a reward. Good grades on a report card? Let's go to dinner. Behave well at the doctor? We'll get an ice cream. I'm not saying that going out to dinner or getting ice cream is wrong, but it's the context. 

I know a little boy who saw apples as treats (he was given them regularly but if he had a choice over a cookie or an apple, he chose an apple). His parents instilled in him healthy choices by always having them available. 

Ahhhh. But my kid is picky you say. So...involve them! Change the standard for which they are eating. Don't remove chicken fingers from the household menu, instead pair them with a salad or vegetable, not french fries. Or make them at home, letting your child help instead of buying processed ones. Take them to the grocery store with you (a daunting task I know) and let them pick a new fruit or vegetable to try. Make going grocery shopping a change to teach them about health and reading food labels.

AGAIN, I know this is not realistic ALL THE TIME but we need to be teaching them good healthy and nutrition and what is good for our bodies from a young age.

We also need to stop feeling guilty. Sometimes going through a drive thru to get dinner is needed -- but as long as that is not your norm IT'S OKAY! They are not going to be obese by having a Happy Meal once in a while -- especially when you balance that meal choice with some extra activity!

One thing that I got from the documentary was how much sugary drinks add to our caloric intake. But I drink diet pop you say so it doesn't count for me. Well friend, I thought the exact same thing. Yes we know how much sugar is in regular pop so we try to stay away from it, but there is nothing and I repeat NOTHING in pop that is good for you, both diet and regular. It messes up your glucose levels and does much worse to other body organs.

Ahh -- but my child only drinks apple juice. Still full of sugar. In fact it only has 1-2 teaspoons less sugar than pop per serving.

I am not claiming to know all and my information is my own opinion that I have gathered over the past few years of learning in depth about nutrition and from this recent documentary so don't take my word for it...read about it on your own! If you find an article that shows you scientifically that pop or juice (both regular or diet) are good for you...please pass that on as I would be intrigued to read it. 

If you are interested in being part of the movement of getting healthy and helping others get healthy send me a message or leave a comment. 

Here is a preview for the documentary if you are interested in knowing more about what it is about: