Recent studies show that the rate of obesity amongst adults in the U.S. continues to rise. It is alarming, especially when the holidays are coming and all we can think about is eating and perhaps starting another diet as part of the New Year’s resolutions.
The rate of obesity didn’t improve at all in any of the 50 states in 2017, compared to the rates in 2016, and seven states actually exceeded the national obesity rate of 35 percent.
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently revealed that 30 to 35 percent of people in 22 states are obese, and 19 states have adult obesity rates between 25 and 30 percent. In other words, one in five adults in the U.S. is obese.
Unfortunately, obesity levels are higher in Latino (47 percent) and African-American (46.8 percent) communities, followed by white citizens (37.9 percent).
Obesity is a complex condition, but not impossible to battle. Nowadays, there are methods to control and eliminate it. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of themselves and help a friend or family member who suffers from obesity. Obesity is not just a matter of appearance, it consumes a person’s well-being, from their self-esteem to their quality of life, and it can have serious health consequences and can even lead to fatal complications.
Now that the holidays are upon us, use these guidelines that I follow all year round to help you celebrate without complications:
- Cook at home as much as possible and use fresh products.
- Eat more protein than carbohydrates. Pork is a healthy protein, especially if you eat loin, which is a leaner cut. Roast it in the oven with all the seasonal holiday herbs and seasonings.
- Eat a little before going to holiday parties, doing so will help you avoid eating too much of the unhealthy party food.
- Try to serve more vegetables and salads.
- Avocado is also a healthy fat—consume it fresh and never processed.
- Buy good-quality olive oil. I use it as a substitute for butter. I also use it to cook my pork loin, for my avocado, and even for frying eggs.
- Exercise is not just a New Year’s resolution—it is a religion and should be part of your lifestyle. If it isn’t, start today. Exercise helps both your physical and your emotional health.
- If you have a friend or family member who suffers from obesity, help them, educate them, and do everything you can to help them understand that they deserve a good life.
- Obesity starts when we’re young—educate your children and support your family as a team.
Go on and celebrate your holidays—without the extra calories and complications!
