Healthy Eating 1

Healthy Eating

i) Review the CDC research above. Explain in your own words the definitions of overweight, overfat, and obesity. What behaviors lead to obesity in American society? Identify risk factors for unhealthy weight and possible causes of unhealthy weight in our society. Write a minimum of 250 words on this section of the assignment.

The definition of overweight, overfat, and obesity have a common meaning, but is different based on ranges that are set forth by the CDC.Based on the CDC, an adult who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Of course there are some differences for special circumstances like people who are athletes. This is because their BMI may identify them as overweight but they may not have excess body fat. According to the CDC, Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skinfold thickness and waist circumference, calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).” The body mass index is based off of several factors which include height and weight.

Certain behaviors that lead to obesity are consuming more calories than needed to maintain body functions, making unhealthy food choices such as fast foods, being sedentary or not exercising the recommended time needed to be healthy. In our society there are so many temptations that cause us to over consume calories and choose not to exercise. Those temptation are things such as fast food restaurants, carryouts, and other places that provide meals that are filled with fat and large amounts of calores. Also, daily activities have changed a lot, which means that people are not exercising a lot because they are watching too much television, on the computer, or soing other things that avoid any daily activities or exercise.

ii) Review the USDA material above. Complete the USDA’s MyPyramid Plan personal profile. Print the PDF results of your plan. Additionally, select three tips that are new to you and of value to you, and state your plan to incorporate each. Write a minimum of 250 words on this section of the assignment.

Three things that I saw that I was not aware of was the intake that was recommended to me. That was the amount of grains, which was 7 ounces, the amount of fruit, which was 2 cups, and the amount of oils and fats, which was a limitation of 290 calories. I know that protein is important and that I need to eat my veggies. I love fruit so only 2 cups seems quite small for me. I am also aware that taking in a lot of fat is not good either, but 290 calories is just a small portion of my recommended daily caloric intake. I do understand that this is the way to stay healthy. The other thing I noticed was about the calcium rich foods. I love cheese as well; therefore I love the fact that cheese can be used for calcium since most people do not like milk as much.

I will incorporate the things that are new to me by changing certain habits. I already know that I am healthy in terms of my BMI, but the one thing I must do is make sure that I do not slack in the activities and exercise that I already enjoy and do everyday. This is because slacking off will lead me to possibly gain wait, and then reach a non-healthy range of BMI. I will just have to stay committed to being healthy and push myself to do this. This may consist of having reminders in my phone that it is time to exercise, or even little sticky notes around the house. It really is a commitment to stay healthy, and I realize I have to do whatever it takes in order to do this.

iii) Review the ASCM recommendations and Chamberlin’s Success Stories above. Outline the wellness goals you wish to achieve and why. Identify the date and year that you visualize yourself achieving this goal. Write your own “success story” as if you have already achieved it. Write a minimum of 250 words on this section of the assignment.

Of course in maintaining my weight, I have wellness goals that I want to achieve. These goals are sticking with my exercise of 45 minutes a day, or at least doing 30 minutes on most days as recommended by the MyPyramid. I want to achieve this because committing to the right amount of exercise can make sure that I properly maintain my weight throughout my life. I do not have a specific date since this is a lifestyle and lifelong commitment. I would just need to evaluate myself on a semi-annual basis to make sure I am still on the right track. After doing this I will be able to write my success story by saying:

“In a society where obesity and being overweight is rising every year, I am able to stay that I stayed the course. Looking back two years ago when I was 30 years old and 145 pounds, it amazes me that I am not 35 years old and still in my 140’s. At times I wanted to stop exercising as I became increasingly busier with work and other priorities. It is just simply difficult to find the time to exercise while still maintaining a life. Nonetheless, I stand here today 5 years younger with a healthy lifestyle, and am able to still function like I am 30 again.”

Overall, with all of the distractions in our society with the fast food chains, sedentary personalities, and lack of motivation, it is very easy to stray from a healthy practice of eating good and exercising. There are so many temptations in our society. The best thing someone can do is stay committed to doing right. Even if an obese person lost 1 pound a month at least that is one pound less that is weighing them down. Moreover, healthy eating and exercising properly is something that I am committed to doing for myself for life.

References

American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM). (2007). Physical activity and public

health guidelines. Retreived on February 21, 2009 from

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2007). U.S. obesity trends 1985-

2006. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Retreived on February 21, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm

Chamberlin, J. (n.d.). Success stories. United States Department of Health and Human

Services. Retreived on February 21, 2009 from http://www.smallstep.gov/success/index_success.html

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (n.d.). Inside the pyramid: What is

physical activity?. Retreived on February 21, 2009 from http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/physical_activity.html

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (n.d.). MyPyramid plan. Retreived on

February 21, 2009 from http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx