How are we going to save our children?

An email landed in my inbox a few days ago - it was spurting statistics about obesity and diabetes.
Of course the stats were based on the population of the USA.

Here they are; 
40% of adult Americans are obese
20% of children in the USA are obese
50% of Americans have diabetes or are pre-diabetic
and 2 out 3 people who are diabetic die from a heart attack...
So it got me thinking...

How bad is it here in South Africa?

It is BAD here in South Africa. Take a look - 

• 50% of South Africans, 15 years and older are Overweight
• 12% of men are obese

and this is the scariest stat I've seen - 
40% of women are obese.

And a 2016 survey found that 14% of primary school children - 6 - 13 year olds - are already over weight!
 
This is a powerful predictor fo the chances that as these children grow up they will continue to be overweight or become obese.

And as we are living longer it stands to reason that a greater part of life as an overweight person is going to be spent suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.

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What can we do as parents?

In a nutshell we need to change the way we eat so that all our other efforts towards good health will not be wasted.

Exercise alone will not make the changes needed to undo FAT Gain.

Think about it - You're likely only going to exercise for about 3 - 5 hours per week. 
What about the other 160+ hours?

The fact is that it is the decisions we make around what we choose to eat that contributes towards our body's transformation.

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So if it all boils dow to food why dont we just all choose whole foods? 

And then the reasons, excuses come flooding in....

• I don't have time...
• It's easier to just...
• I could never stop eating (insert your food of choice)
• I don't know what to cook
• My family is fussy

 
Go on add your own and let me know what they are...

The reasons or excuses are affecting your health.

And of course it is scary to make changes.

Yes, there is going to be resistance. Your own and your family's. 

But isn't it better to start making some changes now?
                      Get your health on track now?
Help your kids learn what is a good choice from a nutrition point of view.

Do you really want to end up having a heart attack?

Do you really want to have to take medication to control an illness that you can control through good nutrition?

And that is why baby steps are the best way to tackle this big issue.

Start with the next time you reach for something to eat or drink.

Ask yourself - Is this choice going to build me up and make me stronger or will it impact on my health?
 
I'd love to help you start making better choices for yourself and your family. 

Please contact me for a complimentary call to discuss your needs and goals.

Feel free to pass this on to someone you think needs to find health & harmony.
To choosing health one baby step at a time,

Lee