"Obesity may simply be a normal response to an abnormal environment" (Dr Greger, How not to Diet)
First of all, let's say that the problem with obesity is not about how we look but about what it does to our body : increased risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, body pain, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, mental illness, breathing disorder, sleeping disorder.... Stats show that over 70% of people in the US are overweight (BMI>25) and 42% are obese (BMI>30).
The presence of food that is not good for us but that is easily available (highly processed food at the store, fast food joints, drive throughs,...) is one factor making being overweight the new "norm". Another factor is the lack of movement, since everything is so convenient and all is done for us. And really, after eating that pizza or that burger combo, we don't feel like moving much but watching Netflix sounds way better. Can you relate?
On the other hand, if we surround ourself with healthy food in our kitchen, if we meet with friends who share the same vision of health, if we grow a garden full of fresh produce and teach our children how to do it, if we reconnect with movement, meditation and nature, we will create good environments so eating healthy and staying fit will slowly become our new normal.
Go deeper: What is one thing you could do today or that you're doing already to improve your natural environment so it leads to healthy habits?
[Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash]
