This year, Alabama takes #2 in the fat poll behind our southern neighbor Mississippi.
More than 30 percent of residents in AL are considered obese, and eight of the top 10 fat states are in the south.
Don’t get me wrong: I like southern cooking as much as the next person (try the homemade banana pudding at Ms. Myras!) but it’s become a state wide life threatening problem. Last year we were #3 in the poll, and we’re only getting bigger.
Unfortunately, it’s not just adults: more than 35 percent of kids in AL are considered obese, and obesity leads to pretty much every problem in the book: heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and death. It’s time to be more responsible, not only for ourselves as adults, but for the future.
What can we do? For some, it’s as simple as better portion control. I am huge fan of Slimware; or plates that have three images on them for the proper portion of veggies, carbs, and protein.
Beyond portion control, exercise is also important to your overall health, not just to lose weight. Try this: if you’re “too busy” for exercise, set your alarm one hour earlier and walk around the block. Or buy a staionary bike and get at least 30 minutes in before you start your day. Note: make sure you’re getting enough sleep too (7 to 8 hours a night); insomnia and sleep disorders have been linked to obesity.
Bottom line is that Alabama is getting bigger. We can’t or won’t give up the BBQ, but we can no longer afford to ignore this problem that can be easily corrected with a little education and a lot of moving.
