America, Land of the Obese

"More people die in the United States of too much food than of too little."   - John Kenneth 

Everyone has heard that totally cliche proverb, "Your body is a temple, so treat it that way" a thousand times. I've heard it so much that it's completely lost its meaning to me and probably every other American. But, If you don't worship your own body, who will? Some sorry desperate loser looking to get laid while in throes of an alcoholic binge might. But who wants that? Seriously.

mmm a fat midget stripper

Most people that knew me in my younger days would be surprised to hear me touting about the importance of taking care of your body through diet and exercise, but I've changed. I've evolved from a skittle and mountain dew, high-fructose sugar crazed addict into a fitness freak, all thanks to the greatest invention in the history of mankind, the bicycle. Co-workers poke fun at me in the break room for eating so healthy. Some people just don't get it. I know I'm not the healthiest person on the planet, I drink alcohol, I indulge. But I avoid the gut bombs, the downfall of American health, Fast Food Restaurants and I exercise...a lot.

this kid probably already has type II diabetes...poor bastard

Now onto the good stuff. Foods that boost your mood and energy levels. I'm talking about those foods that release a little wonder chemical called serotonin (controls feelings of well-being) and are packed with protein, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and whatever else your "temple" desires. Not what your taste buds desire....Here are a few foods and guidelines for a better sense of well-being throughout your day:

• NEVER EVER skip breakfast!! It's the first thing you put in your body since that snack you had last night at 9pm. It's like not filling up your gas tank and trying to drive your car on empty, you're gonna run out of gas eventually. Try eating oatmeal, muesli, yogurts, kachi cereal with soymilk. Basically, anything with fiber and protein. Proteins are your bodies building blocks for converting what you ingest into usable energy. 

too pretty to eat...I think not.

•  Snack often! Don't base your day around large meals and starve yourself from meal to meal. Its hard on your digestive system and slows your metabolism. Instead, eat small portions every 3-4 hours. Eat before you get hungry.

• Avoid foods that cause your blood sugar to spike and then plummet. i.e. foods with high fructose sugar (candy and sodas) and bad carbs, like white breads and packaged pretzels. Go for whole grains, your body uses them at a much slower rate, keeping your sugar levels at an even keel. 

high fructose = devil

• Drink lots of water. Dehydration and fatigue go hand in hand. Some studies suggest even mild dehydration can slow your metabolism. 

Hydration is key!

• Everyone gets cravings for something sweet at some point throughout the day and most people turn to sodas, candies and baked goods. BAD IDEA. Instead, get the sugar from fresh fruits or a piece of chocolate. 

Happy Food!

•  Indulge in moderation. Don't eat two or three cookies, you piglet. Eat one. Have a few french fries, not the entire carton. Grab a small piece of candy, but don't take a handful. It's ok to indulge, but what isn't ok, is when you can't control yourself. If you have control issues, sometimes abstaining is the best idea until you can learn to curb your urges.  

If he can, so can you!

• Here's a quick list of some of my personal favorites for grab and go snacks: pb & j, mixed nuts, bananas, apples and peanut butter, peaches, any fresh fruits, carrots, string cheese, yogurt w/ crushed nature valley oats bars, cliff bars, chocolate milk and popcorn. 

• EXERCISE. Get out and do something. Even if you don't feel like it, do something, it will make you feel a lot better. Remember that wonder chemical....serotonin. Whenever you exercise this is released into your blood stream and gives you what some people refer to as "The Runner's High." 

Runner's High

I'm certainly no expert, but I know what works for me and thought it might be informative to share my ideas. Diets don't work, but forming smart and healthy habits do!