The Weight of a Nation - what will you do?

So did everyone see the new HBO series on Monday? If you missed it, you can see it for free on the HBO website! There are now two episodes available and the other two will be available next week. I really urge you to watch it. In America, 2/3's of us are overweight or obese...in other words, only 1/3 of us have figured out how to maintain a healthy weight. As I've mentioned in my earlier post, this is absolutely not an issue of vanity -- rather, it is an issue of disease and sickness...of jobs moving overseas because companies can no longer afford to insure their ill American workforce...of sadness and despair for those struggling with their weight...of dependence on medicines for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol etc....of human lives cut short by PREVENTABLE ill-health.

I challenge you to consider the impact of obesity in your own life and in your sphere of influence. What can you do to make a difference? Here's some ideas!

• eliminate any and all sugary beverages from your diet and replace them with whole fruits and vegetables. This includes juice! Did you know, Americans consume more calories from sweet drinks, than any other source?
• make half your plate fruits and vegetables....and your kids plates too! Extra portions of pasta, french fries, bread and juice "because they don't like veges" does your kids no favors...it just perpetuates their poor food choices.
• encourage your children to PLAY and be active; limit "screen" time (TV, Computer, iPhone etc)-- they get plenty of that at school!
• make time for your daily walk, or any other form of physical activity that you enjoy
• work with your city council to ensure there are safe pavements and parks for you and your children to enjoy
• organize a local family walk event
• organize a regular office walk-for-health, healthy recipe swap or a healthy snack bar (ditch the candies!!)
• and most of all, provide support and encouragement for those dealing with obesity - they don't need your pity, criticism or judgement; they need your help, love and support!

What other ideas do you have? I'd love to hear from you!