In the US, we have some staggering obesity rates. I have a hard time accepting that we are just a bunch of lazy, non-motivated people. So I wanted to take a look and write about the difference between the American fitness lifestyle and the rest of the world. I always tell my clients that beFIT is a lifestyle and about incorporating fitness into your lifestyle. I sometimes wonder if they fully understand what this means. Now, I understand that it's easier said then done. The American lifestyle consists of convenience, inactivity, and quantity. Let me explain what I mean.
Convenience plays a huge role in our lifestyle. Americans work long hours and have shorter lunch breaks. So when lunch comes around, we look for the quickest bite to eat. We turn to fast food. Not to mention that its not enough to get a value meal but we have to get the bigger size value meal. If you somehow manage to escape fast food fever on a daily basis, then I'm sure that you are stricken by going out to eat fever. Not saying that going out to eat is wrong for you, but its about what you order when you get there. I know people that go out literally everyday. Some restaurants do offer healthier options but the crowd favorites are always on the menu. Portion size has gone from large to huge in the last few years. Partly, because we think that if there is not enough food then we are getting ripped off. Usually, dinner consists of a few drinks, appetizers, and the main course. As a added bonus, some throw in dessert as well. The art of cooking for yourself has gone out the window. We use time as the excuse. I don't have time to cook so I will just grab something quick. I don't feel like cooking so let's eat or order out. We can't use this as our crutch anymore! It's all about preparation!
Inactivity is the killer! Americans work so much. By the time we get home, we have an excuse to lay on the couch and watch TV. Oh yeah, that's after we picked up something quick on the way home. Many of my clients seek rescue from the numerous types of desk jobs that they have. Sitting in a cubicle all day in front of a computer screen does not burn many calories. Not to mention, the added stress that comes with their jobs which makes snacking on candy all day a good idea. This is a common thing throughout the work week. The weekend is spent drinking, socializing, and going out to dinner. It's like a vicious cycle! I recommend to my clients five days of physical activity for at least forty five minutes. We must find a way to become more active. No, weather is not an acceptable excuse!
Quantity was mentioned in relation to convenience. We live in a bigger is better society when it comes to must things. We have to be smart when it comes to portion control not only with food but also what we drink. Alcohol is a huge problem and obstacle when it comes to becoming and maintaining fitness. I will be writing a blog on this topic at a later date.
Now, let's talk about the rest of the world. What makes them so different? Why do they look at Americans as selfish, lazy people? It's all about perception and lifestyle! I just want to briefly tell you of a few regions of the world and how they live. The European lifestyle is very interesting. They often have shorter work weeks and get more vacations. Every time that I travel, I often see tons of Europeans on vacation. Honestly, it seems that I see the same people on vacation whenever I am. Their lifestyle is mainly a relaxed one. Not everywhere but mostly. Let's take France for instance. France has some of the lowest obesity rates and heart related illness. Why??
In France, meals are used to catch up on the latest world news. French meals consist of many courses and can take hours from the first to the last course. Heavy creams and butter is often used in meals and the French never skip out on dessert. This have been a phenomenon for fitness and nutrition enthusiasts. The trick is the portion size. Courses are very small and not meant to fill you up. Meals are also eaten very slowly giving the body time to digest and break down the food. Wine is also consumed with meals. Red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and increase life expectancy. Again, wine is consumed in moderation and slowly with meals. The French are also very active. They don't work out or go to a big box gym for exercise. They simply ride bikes everywhere or walk. This goes back to the very basic roots of transportation. We can learn a few things from them. We can also learn a few things from countries surrounding the Mediterranean.
In those countries, people eat local seasonal fruit grown in the land. They also have a high protein diet that consists of fish and meat that are range free. They don't have a lot of foods that are processed and sit on shelves for months at a time. They also stay active by riding bikes and walking everywhere. I recently had a client of mine come back from Jordan. He complained that since being back that he lost some muscle mass and feels lazy again.
America is the greatest country in the world hands down! It doesn't mean that we can't burrow a few ideas from around the world. To help raise our level of fitness, we need to become more active and watch not only what we eat but how much of it. Simple things as walking or riding a bike instead of driving goes a long way. Try to buy foods that are fresh and get meat that is range free. Control portion sizes and eat more frequently to keep your metabolism at its peak. Yes, you can enjoy a glass of wine or two on occasion. We just need to get out of the mindset that bigger and more means better. Be functional, be inspired, be transformed, and beFIT Chicago!! www.befit-chicago.com
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