Obama and Our Fast Food Nation
I began this blog with one goal in mind: to share my story and the knowledge I have (and will learn) in hopes that some might be encouraged and inspired. In the first email to my friends when I was letting them know what I was up to, I said Competing to Lose was my little contribution to help fight the health crisis in America. So when I heard Obama’s speech the following part jumped out to me, not only in the way he meant it, but in the context of our health.
“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.”
We are living in a fast food nation. A sea of cubicles. A plethora of processed food in every convenience store. Fortunately here in America most of us are only a drive-through away from our next meal. These luxuries are ushering in a new era of responsibility regarding our health. It’s evident that not only is our country facing an economic crisis but a health crisis as well. Yes, much of the crisis is caused by genetics and environmental factors that we have little-to-no control over but a large part of this crisis is preventable. We owe it to ourselves, our children, our loved ones, and the future of our nation to take responsibility for our health. Is it easy? No. Not when budgets are tight and the “value” menus offer a sense convenience to our tired and stressed bodies. But it can be done. One small choice at a time. We don’t have to look at it as a chore but as a chance. A chance we can seize begrudgingly or gladly. I find it exciting that we have the opportunity to make healthy choices. Many in the world are not as fortunate. And the choices we make will affect others. Co-workers will notice your slimmer waistline. Friends will notice a change in your attitude. Children will learn and hopefully have a healthier future. You’ll be inspiring others by your good choices wether you intend to or not. This thought makes me ridiculously happy. I changed my habits and body because I saw other people do it first. I thought if they can do it then I can do it. And if I can do it….YOU CAN. I never thought I’d be able to say no to cookies or see the numbers I now see on the scale. I once thought depression would rule my life. Many of you are experiencing changes you only used to think about. And YOU are inspiring people who will inspire people. By taking responsibility for our health others find hope and they begin their own journey towards health. Taking control of your health is a difficult task but the rewards are so satisfying not only to you but to the others who are inspired by you and so on.
xoxo
j
This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
