I’m sure we all know of the new epidemic in the Western world – obesity. Way back, if you wanted food you’d have to look for it yourself, catch it yourself or grow it yourself. Now, we live in a world of luxurious excess, processed & fast food, computerised entertainment and touch-of-the-button practically everything. If you want food you just have to walk 10 metres to the kitchen (if that). If there is no food in your kitchen then hop in the car and drive to the nearest grocery store. Not to mention the kinds of foods we end up consuming. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.
Schools have changed the rules for outdoor play due to an increase (or fear of an increase) in litigious claims – no chasing games and in some instances, no contact games at all. The school tuckshop/canteen rivals the supermarkets in their selection of cream doughnuts, meat pies and ice creams. Parents worried (rightly so) about the increase in kidnapping of little children, forbid their children from bikeriding, walking or playing without adult supervision. Supervision that the parents just don’t have the time to do. Television commercials between 3pm and 6pm are specifically targeting these sedentary children. The advertisments set the scene on “what’s in” foodwise – and it’s usually something sweet, fatty and processed. MMMMMMM…processed. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.
People are forced to live stressful lives – they are working longer hours, sacrificing family time in their pursuit of “making ends meet”. Inflation, enterprise bargaining, keeping up with the Jones’ – it’s getting more and more difficult to make and save money. Mothers are working too, dropping the children off at school or daycare on their way to work. Mothers at home are busy too taking care of the children, housework, Oprah .There is no time to do anything these days. When is there time to do any exercise? When is the time to prepare a healthy, homecooked meal? It’s easier, quicker and less washing up if we regularly ordered takeaway,then collapse into bed from exhaustion & heartburn. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.
Stop.
Isn’t it time we stopped playing this blaming game? This is the era of INFORMATION. We know all there is to know about good eating habits, healthy lifestyles, drug and alcohol abuse. We know what we need to do to stay healthy – eat well and excercise, right? No time, processed food and takeaway are convenient, the kids don’t want to go outside to play. Excuses, excuses, excuses.
We need to slow down and change our priorities. Children learn by example and if we don’t change things NOW, the next generation is doomed to repeat our mistakes. Think before you add that chip packet in your child’s lunch box – throw in an apple instead – it’s cheaper and just as quick. Take time to go for a walk with the family. It doesn’t have to be a long one – half an hour is ample. Do you really really *have* to stay and work overtime?
I’m not trying to lecture here – I’m just as guilty of making excuses not to exercise and not to eat well and I’m not a health nut by any means – the main reason we don’t stock much junk food in our house is because it’s so expensive!
For the record, as I am typing this – I am busy scoffing the packet of M&M’s I repeatedly told nearly 4-year-old was specifically “FOR BAKING ONLY!” This entry is more for me than it is for anyone else.
