If I could do anything as a health activist, I would drastically
alter the American diet. This requires a lot of change, not only in what foods we have available to us, but how we
approach eating, our ideas concerning eating and the purpose food
serves in our lives, as well as a realistic look at our dietary trends
and constantly rising obesity rates. If you just look at the time lapse
of the U.S. map for obesity rates... it literally brought tears to my
eyes (click here to view). What are we doing to ourselves? We are all
fully aware of it, and we all know something should change, but we don't
do it! The main problem is the over-consumption of calories. Our bodies
have learned over the years, the importance to consume food whenever
it's available (which was obviously very useful when we were
hunter-gatherers). But now, with food literally everywhere you turn, we
have to develop workshops and programs that teach us how our bodies are
hardwired, and to recognize and accept this. By learning these important
tools, we can work together to share tips, tricks and advice on how to
master our own mind and body in regards to eating and consumption.
America
needs to look at food much differently than we do now. Rather than
seeing food as a treat (which it is...) we need to also recognize that
it is energy for our bodies, and the chemical composition of that
substance interacts with our body in very specific ways. I think having
workshops and educational discussions about this can help people
understand their bodies and our close relationship with food. It's not
until we have this knowledge that we can begin making educated,
controlled, rational, and healthy decisions. This information (and the
latest research findings) should be constantly shared with the world in
very public and up-front ways.
For one an essay I recently
completed, I actually devised an entire plan/program that addresses
these needs! Maybe I'll post it soon... or try to get it published?
I plan on becoming a health activist after I complete Naturopathic Schooling... so keep a look out for me! :)
Until then,
Andrea Garza
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