The Weight of the Nation: Addressing Obesity
by Obesity, a big problem. What are the real issues affecting new generations?
Work/life balance
For many families, it is a necessity for both partners to work full-time. The UK has the longest working hours in Europe and the fewest Bank holidays. For those who have a full time job, a house and care for children, there is very little time left to pursue a regular exercise regime. Children learn by example and many are watching exhausted, drained parents flop onto the sofa in the evenings or weekends. If the Government took immediate significant measures to improve the work/life balance – the result would be a happier, healthier, more productive nation.
Whilst we eagerly await the Government’s plans to tackle obesity , we need to look individually at what we can do to improve our lifestyles and in particular our eating habits.
If you have access to a garden
Stuff the desire for a regimented clean designer look, get the spade out and dig yourself a couple of vegetable patches. This gives you the double bonus of exercise and natural, untainted, nutritious organic food.
Try to avoid pre-prepared, pre-packaged foods – even if they are quick and easy. Always stick to the basic ingredients – it is quicker and healthier to make something like an omelette than to heat up a pre-prepared boxed lasagne – full of fat and salt.
Drink plenty of water, as often hunger can be mistaken for thirst.
If you daren’t venture out onto the streets and a gym membership is beyond your means, go home, forget about the phone and the TV, put on your favourite CD, and have a dance around for half an hour – It will do wonders for your health and your frame of mind.
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