The Face of American Obesity

In the course of a normal day, most Americans find themselves diligently consumed by routine.  Their focus rotating every 24 hours on life's priorities, translated by a series of responsibilities.  Such as, 'What time do I need to get up?,  Who needs to go where & when?, Which chores or errands have to get done today?, What's for breakfast-lunch-dinner?,  When's that exercise class again?,  Who's going to pick up the kids?, Is homework done?,  Has everyone brushed their teeth?, & When am I going to get (these kids) to bed tonight?' ~ Whew!  Sound familiar?  

Yes as hectic as it may be, the standard American routine keeps most of us humming along nicely.  That is... until something happens to upset the status quo.  

Sadly, for nearly 50% of us (the American population) that something will be chronic disease.  

What's even more tragic?  Seven (7) out of every ten (10) deaths in the US, nearly 1.7 million are attributed to chronic disease each year. 

And the most dangerous top five?   Heart disease, obesity, cancer, strokes and diabetes are currently the leading causes of deaths & disability in the US.  However one is ravaging our nation in unprecedented numbers.  Since 1980, the rate of obesity has increased by more than 250%. 

Today- 1 in 3 adults and nearly 1 in 3 children are clinically obese.  A diagnosis vulnerable to additional health complications & chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, depression and sleep apnea to name a few.

Who's at risk?  For adults, obesity effects more than 35% of the population; over 78 million people.  According to 2011 statistics,

              - all 50 states reported adult obesity at 15%, 
              - 39 states were at 25% or higher, and
              - 9 states went on record at 30% +.

Should the trend continue, projections by 2030 are expected to exceed 50% in 39 states & 60% in 13 states.  In health care terms, an estimated $66 billion will be spent on obesity-related diseases.

Question:  If the adult population is plagued by this chronic epidemic... what effect is it having on America’s children? 

ñ         ANSWER:  The obesity rate has more than TRIPLED in children & adolescents between the ages of 2-19.

Ultimately, THIS is the Face of American Obesity; a tragic reality and heartbreaking precursor to a new American legacy.

What legacy?

For the first time, American children are expected to have SHORTER lifespans than their parents.  Additionally, one third of all children born in the year 2000 are expected to develop diabetes at some point in  their lifetime.

However- it DOESN’T have to be this way!!  Obesity and type II diabetes can be beaten by applying simple, real food modifications.

Are you at risk?  And WHEN does obesity become a reality?   

·        Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight. 

·        Using a measurement called BMI (body mass index) a BMI of 25.9-29 is considered overweight while a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

Ready to calculate your BMI?!  How about an online resource that will do just that?  (Just plug in your numbers.)

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

WHY is all of this critical information? 

1.  Considering the devastating statistics... ASK yourself how chronic disease is destroying your family. 

At this rate- EVERY generation is suffering.  Moreover, IF NOTHING CHANGES- America's youth shall suffer the greatest consequences from obesity; by inheriting, 

• a 1 in 3 chance of developing diabetes,
• a shorter life expectancy than their parents,
• an unprecedented risk of death (70% or greater) due to chronic disease.

2.  With obesity nearing a 1 to 3 ratio in America, there’s a strong likelihood that you, a friend, or a loved one is dealing with this horrible disease as we speak. 

If so, THE WAY OUT of this demoralizing and frustrating cycle- without starving, breaking the bank, or exercising to the point of injury... IS LEARNING HOW to apply simple, real food modifications everyday.  Learn how to be healthy without deprivation.  Ask me about the 80/20 rule.

NOW is the time to act before obesity leads to dangerous health consequences; another chronic disease, illness, disablement or death.  

3.  Do you know someone LOOKING FOR HELP?  If so- help is a FREE consultation away.  Ask for Jennifer at wholeinfusion@gmail.com.

Why should you trust me?  In short, I've been there.

I too was a ‘statistic’ of obesity; at 4' 11" I once weighed 164 lbs. That's a BMI of 33.1.   So I understand what it is to,

• LIVE with this disease, 
• STRUGGLE to manage my weight and
• LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME IT.  

For me FAT became a reality at the age of 9.  By ‘sweet 16’, I was clinically obese and newly diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.  But even medications didn't relieve my struggle, so in my mind hypothyroidism meant I had to work three times harder than anyone with a ‘normal’ metabolism.  Translation:  2 hours of exercise, 5 days per week and a strict, “healthy diet”; high protein, low carb, NON-fat/LOW fat.  Sound familiar?  

WHAT a STRESSFUL way to live, and little did I know I was destroying my body in the process.  If I only knew then, what I know now!!

Nutritional Therapy changed my life- forever!  It taught me that my obesity & disease were the result of poor food choices & nutritional deficiencies!!   

Case in point, the “healthy” non-fat/low-fat diet I used to follow WAS THE ROOT CAUSE of my weight management issues!  It was the opposite of healthy. 

Eating that way elevated my blood sugar levels, threw my hormones out of balance, contributed to my (adrenal) fatigue, horrible migraines, abdominal pain/bloating & gas, sensitivity to cold/heat, occasional yeast infections, and that’s not all!   I also suffered from waves of constipation, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, seasonal allergies and…OH YEAH- it was a CONSTANT STRUGGLE to keep my weight down!   

But NO MORE! -- I DON'T have to kill myself to “FEEL GOOD” about myself. 

Once I learned how to identify FOODS that contributed to health problems vs. those that promote wellness- my HEALTH FLOURISHED!!

In essence, the human body is capable of healing when FED PROPERLY.  And quality foods are critical for building and repairing health, I’m a living example of this.  How do I know?

NONE of the health problems I mentioned earlier are an issue for me today.  And as for my weight...my current BMI is (20.8), the lowest it’s ever been without having to exercise like crazy! 

What's the take away?  Obesity doesn't have to go on record as the great American tragedy of the 21st Century.  With Nutritional Therapy, TOGETHER we can CHANGE the Face of American Obesity and lengthen the lifespan of our most precious generation- our youth. 

Thank you for reading & please- share this article with friends or loved ones who want help.  ~ To schedule a conversation, send contact info, 3 health goals & availability to wholeinfusion@gmail.com.

Enjoy & EAT WELL to fuel the BEST YOU possible,

Jennifer Kronick, NTP

Fuel Life. Feed Your Force!

 

Resources:

JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association; Medical News Article, “Escalating Obesity Rates Pose Health, Budget Threats” October 17, 2012 -- JAMA. 2012;308(15):1514. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.13712.

Let’s move.gov: Learn the Facts (Childhood obesity); Obesity by Numbers; http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity

CDC.gov: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention; Adult Obesity Facts; http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

CDC.gov: NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 82 ■ January 2012; “Prevalence of Obesity in the United States, 2009–2010”; http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db82.pdf

CDC.gov: Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion; http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm

CDC.gov: PDF; ‘Vital Signs August 2010’; http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2010-08-vitalsigns.pdf
 

The Free Dictionary by Farlex; Medical Dictionary; Obesity; http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/obesity

URGENT RECALL NOTICE

Friends-

Today I learned Trader Joe's recalled ONE brand of peanut butter that's been linked to 29 salmonella illnesses in 18 states.  If you buy the 'Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter' please RETURN it immediately.

 

The peanut butter wasn't removed from Trader Joe's shelves until September 20th. 

Although the FDA, Food and Drug Administration & the CDC reported "Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter" as the most likely source of this outbreak, further investigation is being conducted to ensure no other Trader Joe's items may be contaminated. 

Per the CDC, people became sick between June 11 and Sept. 2. 

No deaths have been reported thus far, however more than three quarters of the reported illnesses were children- under the age of 18.  According individual State health departments, there have been three cases in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island and one in North Carolina.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 12 to 72 hours after the infection.  Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to the illness.

Please- take note & take care.

Look Out for Falling Fruit

Admittedly, as I begin this- I just can’t stop grinning.  And no, I’m not imagining anyone getting thunked by a piece of fruit.  It’s just that, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if someone’s thinking- ‘Why write about FRUIT in September?!’  And I can appreciate that… really. 

There’s a majority of us who enjoy deliciously fresh, whole-fruits in the SUMMER-time!  And though it may feel like summer, we’re in mid-September where the traditional focus is ‘back to school’, not outdoor picnics. 

So considering all the hustle & bustle associated with September, why am I talking about falling fruit?  Easy- it’s a gentle reminder that FALL fruits are here and pack a powerful- healthy punch.  They’re the perfect fuel for busy families and necessary to health.

With the children back in school trying to make good impressions on their teachers… what’s the first fruit that comes to mind?  Yep- apples, the Fall staple!  But there's more than just apples falling this time of year.

The list may surprise you, since the Fall offers a little something for everyone.  

The autumn harvest bares Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates, Pears, Limes, Quinces, Persimmons, Huckleberries, Cranberries, Pumpkins, Apples & Nuts, all ripe for the taking.  And yes, some nuts are considered a type of hard-shelled fruit. They include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts and hickory nuts.

Talk about a delectable variety of powerful nutrition!  ~ But why is this important information to share with you and your family? 

Unfortunately, our society is battling dozens of ‘common’ illnesses and the harsh reality is this.  Many of our loved ones are struggling from one form of health issue or another, whether it’s obesity, heart disease, Type II diabetes, thyroid disorders, depression, the list goes on.  And if that’s not enough, for the FIRST time in our nation’s history the life expectancy of our youngest generation is predicted to be shorter than that of their parents.

That said- it’s never been more important for us to eat seasonal, whole-foods on a daily basis.  Plus anyone can begin a healthy trend, by simply eating ONE fresh fruit or veggie per meal and build gradually from there.

However, for those who wish to do even better… it’s also wise to remove as many ‘dead’ foods from the daily menu as possible.  Think:  pre-packaged, fast and processed foods and don’t be fooled by ‘healthy’ marketing labels.  Neither additives nor chemicals are in fact “All Natural” according to our bodies or “Heart Healthy”.  On the contrary, the human body processes them as toxins.  So to put it mildly it’s cause for concern in a society plagued by ‘common’ illnesses. 

So what’s the take away?  It’s simple.  There’s NO better health supplement than eating seasonal, non-toxic, fresh whole-foods. 

REAL food is FUEL and HEALTH is the performance gauge, so energy and stamina performs best when the body’s fed WELL.  Consequently, a healthy serving of seasonal fruit is simply one natural way to Feed Your Force!  

Having said that, I truly hope this information encourages all of you, and your families to ‘Look Out for Falling Fruit’ together this season. 

Remember- Enjoy & EAT WELL to FUEL the BEST YOU Possible.

FUEL Life. Feed Your Force!

EMBRACE the SEASONS: A Tip to ‘Do Better’ & Build Good Health

Hello Again-

 

Ever hear the quote, 'VARIETY'S THE VERY SPICE OF LIFE'?  I love it… it evokes a sense of fun and inspiration, PLUS- it’s GREAT Nutritional Wisdom!! 
 

Think of it this way, the human body relies on an extensive VARIETY of nutrients to function WELL on a consistent basis.  It’s also designed to capture and utilize Mother Nature’s rotating harvest of SEASONAL whole-foods.  That said, the wisdom in ‘Variety’s the very spice of Life’ teaches us to embrace the natural abundance in every SEASON- for this is the parallel to good health and vitality in Life. 
 

Here’s the simple take away.  Health is stimulated by good nutrition; a wide variety of seasonal, fresh, non-toxic, whole-foods.  And for the highest nutrient density, LOCALLY GROWN is the way to go, so I encourage everyone to visit their local Farmer’s Market.  It's a great place to shop and get to know the local farmers.  Ultimately- they're the experts who will help us embrace the unique variety & seasonality of foods year-round.
 

Remember- Enjoy & EAT WELL to FUEL the BEST YOU Possible!

<<FUEL Life. Feed Your Force!>>

The 'WHOLE' Philosophy

Hello everyone-

Before I begin, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone reading.  It’s due to your passion for knowledge, curiosity in nutrition and joy of inspiration that the Whole Infusion Community is blossoming! 

That being said, I hope many of you will feel inspired by The ‘WHOLE’ Philosophy.

 

I believe the challenges & transformations in life FUEL our ESSENCE with purpose and determination. With this realization our focus can turn to doing those things that honor our BEST SELF... so that we may ENJOY a healthy, happy life; FEEL fulfilled & ultimately SAVOR LIVING. ~ Everyone's capable of this "Whole Infusion".   We simply have to invite the power of change to get there. 

If you find yourself encouraged by this philosophy, I’d like to personally invite you to begin your journey here.  

Learn how to uniquely nurture & rebuild physical health while fostering an acute awareness relative to food choices & lifestyle habits.   The knowledge gained will help to develop a lifetime of whole practices, an infusion that honors your BEST SELF.   

In Essence, to "Know Better" becomes the driving force in life to "Do Better". ~ Quotes by Maya Angelou

Enjoy & Eat Well to FUEL the BEST YOU possible,

Jennifer Kronick, NTP
Founder

FUEL Life. FEED YOUR FORCE!

'You Learn by Living'

Wondrous Inspiration!  Each experience & translation is as unique as we are individually.  That being said, I hope today's healthy inspiration positively moves you.  In my humble opinion, it's a gift for anyone it touches.

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

Packaged in timeless fashion, this healthy inspiration comes from an amazing and profoundly intelligent American icon, Eleanor Roosevelt. ~ The source: 'You Learn by Living' (1960)

May you find inspiration often, and where you least expect it. 

Enjoy & eat well to FUEL the BEST YOU possible. 
<FUEL Life.  FEED YOUR FORCE!>

Trader Joe's, Why NOT 'Do Better' for Your Customers?

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