 |
Eat Healthy, Keep Your Job: Health Trends in America
Author: Pat Barone  | Posted: 13-03-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 3 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
There's a lot of talk about fat in the media today. As the U.S. government heightens its "war on obesity", fat is rapidly becoming a hot topic and more attention is being focused on the role body image plays in society.
The Good News
Americans are becoming more aware of the role of a healthy lifestyle and making healthier choices with food. The food industry seems to be listening too!
In a recent study by Mark Clements Research, Inc., 54% of consumers surveyed said they look for items that are made with 100% whole wheat or whole grains when they shop for baked goods. 50% said they look for items that are low in saturated fats. 57% said they make an effort to add more salads, vegetables and fruits to their daily meals. These are great trends!
Did you know?
New York City has banned trans fat in restaurants there. Many restaurants, seeing this topic gathering steam, have already begun to eliminate trans fats that make many snacks and fried foods dangerous to your heart and health.
But listen to how the National Restaurant Association formally responded to the ban: "We don't think that a municipal health agency has any business banning a product the Food and Drug Administration has already approved," said Dan Fleshler, a spokesman for the association.
However, the fact that the FDA approves trans fats shows you just how little that agency's nod of approval means! The FDA has long been known to put food and drug manufacturers' interests before the public's health.
Chicago is now considering a similar ban. Note, however, that simply because something is low in trans fat, does not mean it's low in fat. There are lots of empty calories in a potato chip, even if it was fried in a healthier oil. Also, even if served in a restaurant, any food that comes packaged from a manufacturer, like a bag of potato chips or a cookie, is exempt from the ban!
Seeing the handwriting on the wall, Taco Bell, KFC and Wendy's are already eliminating the trans fats from their menus. Expect to see calorie and nutrient counts on many menus in the coming year too. That's a trend that will empower consumers to make healthier choices.
Did you know?
Spain took the unprecedented action of banning fashion models who fall below an 18 BMI (Body Mass Index) from their runways and fashion photography! Wow! At least part of the world is taking responsibility for the fact that the images we see in the media every day have a powerful, negative effect on women. Super-thin models have enormous impact on young women, who see them as "normal" and their shapes as desirable, often spawning eating disorders. But, don't think that Spain's models are now average sized! 18 is still considered underweight (think 119 lbs. on a 5'8" frame). "Normal" BMI measurements are in the range of 18.5 to 25. Below 18.5 is underweight.
The Spanish decision caused quite a scandal among American designers, who favor models with BMIs way below 18. While it's definitely a move in the right direction, there's room for further change here.
66% of women say they are unhappy with their weight and only 13% say they are happy with their weight. It's hard to say how many are unhappy because they're comparing themselves to the models and actresses in the media. The fact is most people who are unhappy with their weight will diet and studies show the average diet adds pounds because, no matter how much weight is lost while following a strict calorie reduction diet, the dieter eventually gains the weight back plus an average of 10% more.
Talk show host Tyra Banks is proclaiming her right to weigh 162 lbs. At 5'10" tall (a BMI of 23, well within the normal range), her audiences love her looks but fashion industry folks are ragging on her. We might be healthier following her lead rather than dieting ourselves fatter every year.
Did you know?
Many corporations are taking an interest in the health and weight of their employees. Some regularly present programs on health, fitness and weight loss to their employees. Others host weight loss contests or offer health coaches to their workers.
However, Scott's Miracle-Gro has taken "interest" to a new level. They hired medical specialists to scour every aspect of employees' heath, targeting those who needed to reduce their weight, stop smoking, or get their cholesterol in line.
They offer employees various programs to help them reduce the number on the scale or quit smoking. In September of 2006, they went "smoke free" and began firing anyone who smoked when they "failed their drug test."
Time will tell the outcome of the lawsuits that are coming from this policy, but the question is: With the rising cost of medical insurance, will companies hire/fire people who choose unhealthy habits? Will you have to "qualify" for a job with a certain level of health? Can companies refuse to provide health insurance for anyone who can't maintain a healthy weight?
"Big brother" may be alive and well in America's corporations!
Conclusion
Between the big marketing machines of the food industry luring Americans to eat more and more (and spend more and more), and the fashion industry touting size 0 bodies as a norm, it's no wonder Americans are confused.
As more and more evidence mounts that strict diets and new drugs don't work, doctors and healthcare professionals often feel helpless.
One thing is clear: taking personal responsibility for our own health is a positive step. It gives us the power, not the doctor, the media or the company for whom we work.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/eat-healthy-keep-your-job-health-trends-in-america-358913.html
About the Author:Pat Barone, CPCC, PCC, earned her title "America's Weight Loss Catalyst" by coaching thousands of clients toward permanent weight loss. Her status as an expert is heightened by her own personal weight loss success. Receive her free newsletter "The Catalyst" by visiting
patbarone.com
today!
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Winning the Long-Term Weight Loss Game
By: Pat Barone | 05/07/2008 | Weight Loss
Weight loss efforts eventually encounter resistance and sticking points, but being proactive can determine whether the tough spots lead to failure or renewed focus.
Fatten Up to Lose Weight!
By: Pat Barone | 26/03/2008 | Weight Loss
Healthy fats are a vital part of good nutrition and any successful weight loss effort. Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats is more effective than utilizing processed "fat free" products.
5 Steps To A Better Body That Anyone Can Take
By: Kathryn Oneill | 30/03/2006 | Health
If only there were a 'better body boot camp', we'd be there every April - before spring started to show itself and those lovely winter jackets had to come off. Although this isn't a better body boot camp, this article can offer you 5 practical steps to a
Self Esteem for Women
By: Katrina Wilton | 16/11/2007 | Self Help
“Would you consider yourself someone with high self esteem, or low self esteem?” The natural reaction when asked a question like this may well be “high self esteem of course!”, but the truth may paint a very different picture.
The Magic Number 3
By: Simon Jordan | 11/10/2007 | Health
This article will give you simple information to help you understand what your body needs everyday. Helping you live a healthier life with more energy and more vitality, plus get you looking and feeling fantastic.
Energy Crisis!
By: Leeann Simons | 09/10/2007 | Health
We know about the need to save energy for our planet. Let's talk about saving energy-for ourselves.We think too much about how we are "supposed to look, to eat"
Your New Year's Resolution? Stop Dieting
By: Leeann Simons | 10/12/2007 | Health
Instead of starting off the New Year with a new diet, try a non-diet. Instead of depriving yourself of foods you love, learn to trust yourself to make the right choices for you. It's scary AND liberating. Once you let go of your preconceptions of what you "should" eat, you will be able to learn to listen to your true hunger signals, and you will learn to feed yourself safely and appropriately. Let's make this next diet the Non diet.
A New Way to Watch your Weight
By: Leeann Simons | 18/02/2008 | Health
If you are a person who weighs yourself all the time, try giving yourself a week off-you know you deserve it. Pay attention to how you are feeling, emotionally. If you can learn to trust yourself not to rely on a single number, you will be able to learn to trust yourself to make healthy choices for yourself. Perhaps
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is word Islam means?
By: blueberry 43 | 15-07-2008
what is word Islam means?
Any social media coupon sites......................?
By: laracheryl | 15-07-2008
I would like to know some social media coupon sites. These days online shopping has become mandatory and i prefer to browse coupon sites for the discount codes. Where can i share my views about the coupons which i have used?
Is Ceroxim 500mg safe for pregnant women (5th ...
By: Surbjeet | 15-07-2008
is Ceroxim 500mg safe for pregnant women (5th month of pregnancy)?
Armani jeans being shipped to ireland
By: jefdebooy | 15-07-2008
hi , does any one know the best way, from the states to have jeans in dollars shipped to ireland? thanks
Am i fat cuz my thighs are big
By: saleh1028 | 15-07-2008
am i fat cuz my thighs are big
Was Joel Surnow Forced Off 24?
By: sybaright | 15-07-2008
The Wall Street Journal awhile back seemed to blame declining ratings for 24 on negative publicity surrounding creator Joel Surnow's outing as a conservative in a New Yorker hit piece last year. Leftie show-runner Howard Gordon was lionized and liberally quoted by the WSJ -- no comments by Joel Surnow, who shortly thereafter announced he was leaving 24 to 'pursue other projects'. Was Joel Surnow forced off the show he created?
Q&A Powered by: 
More from Pat Barone
Companies Fight Food Culture
By: Pat Barone | 23/07/2008 | Weight Loss
America lives in a food culture that is increasing obesity at an alarming rate. Businesses and corporations are finding re-education and changing their corporate food cultures a successful alternative to higher medical insurance cost.
Wanting v. Needing Food?
By: Pat Barone | 15/07/2008 | Weight Loss
Physical hunger and physical desire for food are two different, often-confused conditions. Learning to handle these conditions proactively has a positive impact on weight.
Winning the Long-Term Weight Loss Game
By: Pat Barone | 05/07/2008 | Weight Loss
Weight loss efforts eventually encounter resistance and sticking points, but being proactive can determine whether the tough spots lead to failure or renewed focus.
Fatten Up to Lose Weight!
By: Pat Barone | 26/03/2008 | Weight Loss
Healthy fats are a vital part of good nutrition and any successful weight loss effort. Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats is more effective than utilizing processed "fat free" products.
Comfort Food: Understanding Why We Eat
By: Pat Barone | 07/03/2008 | Wellness
Trying to restrict eating in order to lose weight usually backfires. But knowing WHY we eat is actually the key to unlocking permanent weight loss.
Thirteen Tips to Improve Your Health
By: Pat Barone | 02/03/2008 | Wellness
Thirteen simple tips can have huge impact on your health and wellness, says a professional life coach. Implement changes in small increments for the best success.
No More "Rollover" Resolutions!
By: Pat Barone | 03/01/2008 | Motivational
Believing we can "magically" change at 12:01 a.m. on January 1st, is a recipe for disappointment, says "America's Weight Loss Catalyst" Pat Barone. Resolutions and goals are achievable, given the attention and focus necessary to grow them to fruition.
The One-Size-Fits-All Weight Loss Goal
By: Pat Barone | 03/01/2008 | Weight Loss
Large weight loss goals are too intimidating, says "America's Weight Loss Catalyst" Pat Barone. No matter how much you have to lose, breaking your goals into very small subgoals can be invigorating and motivating as well as help you focus on the immediate work you need to do to get your weightloss in progress.
|
|
Health 
