Word of Wisdom and Obesity?

[Dove]

Wow, that's very heartwarming. Please feel free to email me with any and all the support you can offer. I love to have friends ( and to be a friend) and would be happy to find another friend in you.

Thanks

Dove

[Hemidakota]

Not to detract from both Dove and Suzie informative postings, today for those who love Jimmy Deans sausages [we use to buy the Costco breakfast sandwiches in the past], died today.

Singer, sausage businessman Jimmy Dean dies at 81

[Hemidakota]

Not to detract from both Dove and Suzie informative postings, today for those who love Jimmy Deans sausages [we use to buy the Costco breakfast sandwiches in the past], died today.

Singer, sausage businessman Jimmy Dean dies at 81

[pam]

Hemi could you start a new thread with that. It's totally off topic.

[martybess]

Thankyou for that post Suzie....

I want to admit here that I am clinically obese (about 150 lbs overweight). Also, that I am obese because I eat too much. Diet and exercise is an effective way for me to lose weight; but, Suzie shows a lot more understanding as to why I do overeat. Traumatic childhood events being one.

I am also diabetic and I have a personality of addiction (smoking and gambling also). I write this here because I am one who struggles with all of these things.

These addictions, while I don't condone them, do well to numb the emotional pain I feel so often. It is a daily battle to overcome them.

Because of my diabetes, I have received a lot of education on healthy eating. I am well aware of the importance of diet and exercise in my life. I think they are as important for me as daily prayer and scripture study. I believe that I will give an accouting for how I've treated my body at the last day. Yet, even as I write this, I feel God's love for me, His compassion and understanding as to what a battle this is for me. My struggle with obesity is an invaluable lesson in self restraint and self mastery.

It saddens me that there have been posts that have been unkind to anyone struggling with any kind of addiction. This reminds me of being teased by mean kids at the playground in grade school. It just seems so calloused and judgemental in the finger pointing. As has been said, we all struggle with different weakenesses and failings. Just because there are more obvious ones, such as obesity and the smell of cigarette smoke, doesn't give anyone (except God) the right to point their fingers at us. Don't forget the three pointing back.

I am not faulting anyone for being obese (except myself) because we all have different reasons for being so.

Dove

Dove,

Thanks for sharing your story. Most can relate in one way or another and the fact of the matter is the Savior felt your pain too. He knows why some struggle and why some don't. We will leave it up to him to know who's had it extremely tuff. I admire you for admitting it's up to you and the Lord to deal with the issues. Thank You for your honesty. I have baggage but don't wont to talk about them so my hat goes of to you!!

[Vanhin]

I am a lover of good food. I love to cook, and taste different foods. I especially like to make foods for others to eat, and I like to receive the compliments of a meal well made.

I think there is so much joy in foods, and I can't imagine the Celestial Kingdom without a variety of foods (not just manna, or bread and water).

I am obese, but it is because I don't exercise that much. I don't think I eat more than others based on my observations of how much they eat, and I always eat a healthy variety. I don't consume a lot of sugar, but I do get a few carbohydrates from other more savory foods.

I have five little children, with all of their activities, and a demanding day job. I am active in the Church, and a dedicated home teacher. I am an owner of a side business, that I work in the evenings and weekends when I have jobs. My calling is currently with the deacons/boy scouts, but I have served in various callings, many of them which demand loads of my spare time, if I am to magnify them.

What that all means, is that I don't have very much time or opportunity to devote to regular exercise. Any spare time I have is usually a minute or two at work, from time to time to post a few things online, and late at night when I am home and the children are asleep. That's when my wife and I try to spend some time doing the things we like to do. I guess if it was really that important to me, I could spend that time running on the treadmill or lifting weights, but I am usually too tired for that type of activity that late at night. Instead, I watch some TV with my wife, or a movie, or I play games online with my brother.

Sure, I do things to improve my health, like I stopped drinking caffeine to cut down on the soda consumption. And I do go camping and hiking with the scouts, and with my family. But over all I feel like I am living the word of wisdom, and I answer "yes" to the question when asked in the temple recommend interview.

Regards,

Vanhin

[martybess]

I think this is the boat most are in like me.. Thanks. Good health takes time and means.

[Guest]

I think this is the boat most are in like me.. Thanks. Good health takes time and means.

Only in America.

In the Philippines (and most other countries) being overweight is a sign of wealth.

Except for obesity caused by medical conditions, being overweight in America is a product of the American culture.

In the Philippines - McDonald's is fine dining (as in, only people with money can go to McDonald's). Most people go to the local market where fish, shrimps, crabs is the "poor man's food", chicken and pork is the "middle class", and beef is the "rich man's fare".

Most food comes straight from the sea or the farm to the market to your house. No preservatives included - too expensive.

[Hemidakota]

True! I have been to the Philippines years ago, have seen classes of who has from those who have not wealth [food]. One of the larger islands south, I found it quite disturbing to see amount of poor villages versus being in Manila. What a disparity Anatess. Hopefully, it has change since I have been there.

In America, we simply need to do a complete daily eating ritual reversal from our old cultural European cousins, and adapt a healthier eating habit. This means, leave behind the old notable three meals a day and go to a leaner five to six meals a day, smaller portion and eat slowly to taste it vice inhaling it like a Marine in a chow hall.

Edited June 16, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Maureen]

...This means, leave behind the old notable three meals a day and to a leaner five to six meals a day, smaller portion and eat slowly to taste it vice inhaling it like a Marine in a chow hall.

Excellent idea Hemi. I am amazed how much people can eat. At a family gathering last year, my BIL had no problem downing 3 helpings at one mealtime. I wonder if people just do not realize "how much" they really eat.

M.

[Hemidakota]

They must be former military. Always in a hurry to inhale food instead taking the time to really enjoy the food. Same thing what Vanhin posted.

[HiJolly]

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Taken less than a month ago... One big, one not big.

HiJolly

[Hemidakota]

My friend. let me you remind you, President Monson has a diabetic problem.

[pam]

Most people go to the local market where fish, shrimps, crabs is the "poor man's food",

This is in response to Anatess' remark about the Philippines. Here in the US these items would be more middle or upper as they can be pricey here. Funny how it's different in the different countries.

[Suzie]

If Pres. Monson is diabetic then he probably has/should have a very strict diet.

[Dravin]

This is in response to Anatess' remark about the Philippines. Here in the US these items would be more middle or upper as they can be pricey here. Funny how it's different in the different countries.

Once upon a time lobster was New Englander poor man's food. To the point where in Colonial times some servants would stipulate in their 'contract' that they not have to eat lobster more than twice a week.

[Guest]

If Pres. Monson is diabetic then he probably has/should have a very strict diet.

Which doesn't necessarily equate to lean-ness.

My father-in-law is diabetic. He is so diabetic that he can put his palm on a burning stove and not feel it.

He is on a monitored diet. He is still 30 lbs overweight. His body doesn't know how to maintain proper insulin levels (prevents proper ketosis) so it converts sugar to fat even if his body needs the sugar (hence he has no feeling on his extremities).

[kimiko]

Only in America.

In the Philippines (and most other countries) being overweight is a sign of wealth.

Except for obesity caused by medical conditions, being overweight in America is a product of the American culture.

In the Philippines - McDonald's is fine dining (as in, only people with money can go to McDonald's). Most people go to the local market where fish, shrimps, crabs is the "poor man's food", chicken and pork is the "middle class", and beef is the "rich man's fare".

Most food comes straight from the sea or the farm to the market to your house. No preservatives included - too expensive.

This sounds amazing! I would much rather have fresh foods than greasy, fried, fast food. It's interesting how here in America, it's so expensive to eat healthy foods, and sometimes you can't even find foods that aren't loaded with preservatives, hormones, etc. Between the health care issues we have here and the price of healthy food, it's almost like our country is destined to become obese.

But I agree that portion sizes are something most people don't take into consideration when they're cooking and eating. I know a lot of people who really have no clue how much food they should be eating and how to balance different types of food. I think it's just something we're not taught, and we have to learn moderation.

Another issue, that I don't think has been mentioned yet, is sugar. People probably don't realize that sugar is a very addicting substance, and it's found in basically every food. Our bodies process simple sugar in the same way that it would alcohol. In fact, if you go to an AA meeting, you'll probably hear a beginner being told to eat something sweet when they have a craving for alcohol because it will give them the same effect that the alcohol would (without the getting drunk part). And excess sugar consumption can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity.

[Hemidakota]

Kimiko and Anatess, I find this is very prevalent with people have Type 2 diabetes and having obesity issues. Using commercial sugar as source maintenance to normalize the body sugar levels, I can understand the problems that is presented with having Type 2 diabetes and usage of commercial sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed after age forty; however it is now being found in all ages including children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and physical inactivity. In this form of diabetes your body makes insulin but can't use its insulin properly. At first, your body overproduces insulin to keep blood sugar normal, but over time this causes your body to lose its ability to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal healthy range. (The Obesity Society)

[Dravin]

It's interesting how here in America, it's so expensive to eat healthy foods, and sometimes you can't even find foods that aren't loaded with preservatives, hormones, etc.

It's not so much an issue of straight up cost, beans and brown rice are cheap and healthy and pretty much preservative free, so much as it is time. Eating a box of GV mac and cheese (or Top Ramen) is both cheap and quick. Also to get the most bang for your buck you need to buy beans and brown rice in bulk so even if it is ultimately cheaper a 25# or 50# bag of each has larger sticker shock than a $0.20 on sale box of Mac and Cheese.

Now if we are talking about healthy easy/quick to prepare foods then yeah, that stuff is definitely more expensive than it's less healthy counterparts.

[Suzie]

Which doesn't necessarily equate to lean-ness.

My father-in-law is diabetic. He is so diabetic that he can put his palm on a burning stove and not feel it.

He is on a monitored diet. He is still 30 lbs overweight. His body doesn't know how to maintain proper insulin levels (prevents proper ketosis) so it converts sugar to fat even if his body needs the sugar (hence he has no feeling on his extremities).

Thanks, I'm aware of that. My comment wasn't targeted towards his weight (because I don't believe weight really measures how healthy someone is, you can be very slim and still fill your body with junk and be unhealthy) but towards a restricted diet that diabetics must follow.

[Guest]

It's not so much an issue of straight up cost, beans and brown rice are cheap and healthy and pretty much preservative free, so much as it is time. Eating a box of GV mac and cheese (or Top Ramen) is both cheap and quick. Also to get the most bang for your buck you need to buy beans and brown rice in bulk so even if it is ultimately cheaper a 25# or 50# bag of each has larger sticker shock than a $0.20 on sale box of Mac and Cheese.

Now if we are talking about healthy easy/quick to prepare foods then yeah, that stuff is definitely more expensive than it's less healthy counterparts.

Excellent point, Dravin.

The Mac and Cheese in on sale for 20 cents because the manufacturer of Mac and Cheese can mass produce it by using chemical additives.

What people do not think of when they buy the mac and cheese for 20 cents is that they are spending the "savings" in healthcare costs.

My kids go to a holistic pediatrician. My friends look at me funny when I mention it.

Here is a true-to-life example of the savings of dietary choices: My first-born started with a regular pediatrician. By the time he was 7 months old, he's had 3 rounds of anti-biotics. I got frustrated with it that's why I sought the holistic pediatrician (which practiced medicine the way Filipino doctors do). So, from 7 months old on to now (he's 8 now), he has only had anti-biotics ONCE - and that was because he broke his elbow and had to undergo surgery.

My second-born started out with the holistic pediatrician. He is 6 now. He only had anti-biotics once in his life as well - when he cut his eyebrow and had to get 8 stitches.

They both haven't had prescription medicine except for those 2 incidences. Usually, when they get sick (which is not often) the doctor gives me a list of diet suggestions and vitamin supplements (homeopathic stuff). And she always tells me, if it doesn't get better, come back and we'll prescribe you something. I've never had to come back so far.

Note: Our very first visit to the doctor (when my firstborn was 7 months old and my second-born was 3 days old - she came to the hospital), lasted over 2 hours each. She outlined nutritional suggestions for the first 5 years! She also gave me a "what to expect" and "what to do when..." stack of papers that she made herself and gave me a list of lactation specialists to help me with breastfeeding. She's a big proponent for it. So, of course, because I'm breastfeeding, she gave me a list of nutritional suggestions for me too.

This is how Filipino doctors work. They can't just prescribe medicine for every ache and pain. It's expensive! Even over the counter drugs are lots of money!

So, they spend the time to study the patient holistically and figure out how to medicate using food intake and natural substances. You got cough? Vicks vaporub (this is cheap in the Philippines). Your stomach hurts? Efficacent oil. You got constipation? Eat papaya, or avocado (very cheap there).

Anyway, Filipino doctors are disadvantaged by technology. So, if you have cancer or lost a leg and that kind of stuff, you want an American hospital. But for everyday healthcare, they are superior in diagnostic skills. They have to be creative because they can't just "send stuff to the lab". You won't believe the things my uncle (a general surgeon) and my brother (a neurologist) can do without a lab!

And Filipino doctors are braver in trying out stuff because nobody wants to sue a doctor in the Philippines. No need for malpractice insurance which drives healthcare costs to the roof.

[HiJolly]

My friend. let me you remind you, President Monson has a diabetic problem.

As do I. And I've got a gut too.

HiJolly

[MarginOfError]

I'm less concerned with obesity in the older population. Americans live a really, really long time, and after about 50 or 60 years, the body just doesn't function very well any more. Eating a proper diet while young can certainly delay the onset of diseases like diabetes, but it's usually a matter of a few years. But diabetes in the elderly population is something we see as a problem now and often attribute to diet when the fact is that we probably would have seen just as much of the diabetes 100 years ago if people lived as long as they do now.

Anyway, back to my point, obesity in the older population isn't as disturbing to me because a lot of it is attributable to the body just not functioning as well as it used to.

obesity and diabetes in younger generations, however, is a pretty disturbing. I think a portion of it can be attributed to poor portion control, another (very) small portion to the artificial contents of our food, but the majority of it goes to sedentary life style. We drive too much, we watch too much tv, and we don't exercise anywhere near enough.

The lack of exercise is also kind of related to the portion control. Something people often don't consider is that the recommended 2,000 calorie diet (for adult males) assumes a normal exercise and activity level (roughly 30 minutes of cardiovascular work three times a week). If you aren't meeting those activity assumptions, you don't need 2,000 calories. But most people still eat that much or more because that's what is recommended.

Some other weird things I see...I live a quarter mile from my neighborhood's elementary school. The kids on my street ride the bus there. Can anyone explain to me why that is? What's so hard about walking your kid a quarter mile to school and back. That's a great (really great) workout for the kid and a moderately good workout for the parent. And if all the kids within a half mile of the school walked, almost the entire school would be walking. I suspect that little things like this are really adding up to contribute to the problem.

[Hemidakota]

As do I. And I've got a gut too.

HiJolly

Don't we all....