I only lived in Europe for a year, almost four years ago. Yet, in that year, I ate healthier, exercised more, breathed deeper - wasn't even trying - and felt a lot better because of it (except for the days after over-indulging on Bohemian Pivo). I lost weight, firmed up, didn't feel over-greased, and this was even while living in the Czech Republic, known more for its gulas and kolac than its salads and smoothies.
As April mentioned in her article about portion distortion, and as Jamie Oliver is pointing out in his new project, Food Revolution, not to mention the Fab First-Lady's official mission, Americans and their children are FAT. I'm not just talking about the lady who is trying to become the heaviest woman alive, but you and me and others who eat fatty foods, and a lot of them. We who hate the gym and pilates videos. We who circle the parking lot for half-an-hour and burn all kinds of fossil fuel so we can get the closest parking spot at the mall, because god forbid that we have to walk more than 100 feet outside of that air-conditioned, cookie-smelling oasis. AKA, a lot of us.
Our diet is tasty, but not healthy. We scarf down food instead of savoring it, and we like having our plates full and our all-you-can-eat buffets and "getting our money's worth" of this fatty, rich stuff. Screw that Nouvelle-Cuisine shit...gimme lots of food that will leave me feeling full for at least a full twelve hours, just in case I can't eat another five pounds before then.
I haven't gained that much weight in the four years that I haven't eaten Euro-style, but enough to feel it. The extra ten pounds really makes a difference...especially in the belly area. I can feel it and it's lumpy and fleshy and not comfortable and I want it gone!
I am going to try to eat like I did in Europe - having some bread and Laughing Cow cheese with an apple in the morning, some soup and a filling meal for lunch, and then a light dinner. Snacking on fruits and veggies, walking as much as possible, taking the stairs, all of that. I'm going to test this thing on myself, because I really hate the spare tire weighing me down, and the enchilada grease clinging to my arteries. I'll be sure to make note of what I eat and pass along any news, good or bad.
Anyone else who knows what I'm talking about or who wants to try it out, post your experiences, too! Good health is more than just looking good and avoiding disease, it feels good as well.
Yayyyy for Kimmie! A healthier you in 2010! I am so glad someone gets it! Much love to ya sista
I'm with ya Kim. I finally realized about 1-2 years ago that it requires a lifestyle change to be healthy. You have to resist the sweets and fried crap, drink water/milk/juice instead of soft drinks, eat fish and chicken. Make sure to get some fresh green veggies in... (the list goes on). Since I've made these changes in my life, I am 14 pounds lighter than I used to be. I admit though, I do need to move my ass a little more. Being a web designer and sitting in a chair all day is definitely not good. I'll work on it :)
Okay this is weird, but after three mornings of getting nauseous after eating an apple, I'm pretty sure I have an apple intolerance! :( BOO I even found a couple of other people who had the same thing happen, when I Googled it. wth?