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It is apparent that some physiological and genetic factors contribute to weight gain, however, our food choices and exercise habits have a more pronounced effect on our body weight. There is no doubt that many Americans eat too much of the wrong kinds of foods, and that these food choices have partly contributed to the epidemic of obesity in the United States. The typical American diet: high in fat, sugar and processed foods and low in fiber, is a prescription for weight gain. In addition, the stress of a hectic, fast-paced lifestyle leaves little time for physical activity and recreation and can lead to depression and anxiety, which causes many people to overeat.
Overeating just small amounts daily can accumulate in dramatic weight gain. For example, recent surveys (which are most likely underreporting actual caloric intake) indicate that on average, men consumed 216 more calories a day in the mid 1990’s than they did in the late 1970’s. For women, it was 112 additional calories per day. The impact of this can be more significant than one could imagine. For instance, a man weighing about 175 pounds who consumed an extra 216 calories a day without getting additional exercise would gain about 22 pound over the course of one year (Wall Street Journal).
Unfortunately, the food industry has made it much easier for Americans to overeat. In recent years, TV advertisements show mammoth muffins and extra large pizzas; cafes sell larger bagels and pastries; and fast food chains “biggie” size every part of your meal. This increase in portion sizes fits the American idea of “getting your money’s worth.” But on the down side, Americans consume sugar, the number one food additive, in amounts equaling 53 extra teaspoons daily of the sweet stuff. Furthermore, Americans drink 2.5 times more soda than milk, making soda the drink of choice for most people. Carbohydrate consumption in the form of refined flour and sugary cereal products has increased as well. But little of what’s eaten in this category is from whole-grain flours rich in minerals and low in fat. Foods with almost no nutritional value, such as cakes, cookies, corn chips and other snacks, make up much of that grouping. This increase in snack foods has displaced healthier foods, which are needed in our diet.
The result of all this unhealthy overeating, combined with more sedentary habits, is an overweight population with a prescription for disease. The lack of essential nutrients and exercise and the increased amount of fat and sugar in the typical diet are creating havoc in the metabolic and fat burning system of the body. Exercise, vitamins and minerals help maximize the utilization of the food you eat. Furthermore, vitamins and minerals also safeguard against nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies make it harder for your metabolic system to function efficiently and thus maintain or even lose weight. Committing yourself to permanent changes in your lifestyle, such as regular exercise and improved eating habits, is the best way to manage your weight. Furthermore, adding Cory’s solutions nutritional kit to your work out regimen and new eating pattern will dramatically affect your ability to lose weight and keep it off.
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