How To Get Fat Without Really Trying

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  • JuberooJuberoo Posts: 472
    Overall though american society lends itself to laziness and overeating. Kids these days don't run around outside like their parents or grandparents. They sit home on computers or video games. The physical activity levels just aren't there. Combine that with poor food choices and you have rampant obesity.
    Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense.

    A truly liberal person is conservative when necessary.

    Pro-life by choice.
  • ryan198ryan198 Posts: 1,015
    Juberoo wrote:
    There are plenty of discount stores now. Even at a major chain, a box of hamburger helper would cost about $3 plus add the ground meat $2....for the same $3 the box costs, you could buy a .99c box of noodles and add the catsup and spices to make a healthier version. Plus when you buy fresh you usually have enough for at least two meals. Thus spreading your dollar further.
    A lot of families do this, in fact, when I was young we rarely went out, and my mom still got a decent amount of produce for us. However, the foods she was able to afford - especially cheap things like noodles - are loaded with carbs, b/c those things fill you up quicker. Further they are quicker and easier to make, AND they perish much less quickly, particularly when compared to fresh produce. So when you are pounding down carbs, especially late night b/c your moms and/or dad is working late these things contribute to obesity. Moreover, they instill poor eating habits early in life.
  • Uncle LeoUncle Leo Posts: 1,059
    Juberoo wrote:
    Overall though american society lends itself to laziness and overeating. Kids these days don't run around outside like their parents or grandparents. They sit home on computers or video games. The physical activity levels just aren't there. Combine that with poor food choices and you have rampant obesity.

    This I agree with.
    I cannot come up with a new sig till I get this egg off my face.
  • Uncle LeoUncle Leo Posts: 1,059
    Juberoo wrote:
    There are plenty of discount stores now. Even at a major chain, a box of hamburger helper would cost about $3 plus add the ground meat $2....for the same $3 the box costs, you could buy a .99c box of noodles and add the catsup and spices to make a healthier version. Plus when you buy fresh you usually have enough for at least two meals. Thus spreading your dollar further.

    http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/190061_obesity09.html

    Between 1985 and 2000, the cost of fruits and vegetables shot up nearly 120 percent, while the price tags on soft drinks, fats, sugars and sweets increased by less than 50 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    In a 2003 survey at a Seattle supermarket, Drewnowski found that foods considered culprits in the obesity epidemic, including chips, cookies and soft drinks, were cheaper per calorie than more nutritious options such as fresh carrots, lean meats and fruits.

    ==================
    I cannot come up with a new sig till I get this egg off my face.
  • JuberooJuberoo Posts: 472
    Uncle Leo wrote:
    http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/190061_obesity09.html

    Between 1985 and 2000, the cost of fruits and vegetables shot up nearly 120 percent, while the price tags on soft drinks, fats, sugars and sweets increased by less than 50 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    In a 2003 survey at a Seattle supermarket, Drewnowski found that foods considered culprits in the obesity epidemic, including chips, cookies and soft drinks, were cheaper per calorie than more nutritious options such as fresh carrots, lean meats and fruits.

    ==================

    I can give you a months worth of dinner recipes that would cost less than $10 each to make. So if the kids get free breakfast and lunch in school...(which most impoverished school districts give)...that means a total monthly food bill of approx. $300-500 per month. (including some snacks)

    As opposed to feeding a family of say 4 every day fast food (estimated meal $5 each) for $600-800 per month (including purchased snacks)
    Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense.

    A truly liberal person is conservative when necessary.

    Pro-life by choice.
  • Uncle LeoUncle Leo Posts: 1,059
    Juberoo wrote:
    I can give you a months worth of dinner recipes that would cost less than $10 each to make. So if the kids get free breakfast and lunch in school...(which most impoverished school districts give)...that means a total monthly food bill of approx. $300-500 per month. (including some snacks)

    As opposed to feeding a family of say 4 every day fast food (estimated meal $5 each) for $600-800 per month (including purchased snacks)

    Only extremely lazy/stupid families eat fast food anywhere near every day. But filling up is cheaper in the middle aisles.
    I cannot come up with a new sig till I get this egg off my face.
  • JuberooJuberoo Posts: 472
    Here is an example of a weeks menue with meals $10 or under. Of course many of these items would be part of your pantry stock. So the prices are guesstimates of breakdowns of those times.

    Chicken Paprikash:
    1 pkg chicken thighs $5.00
    ½ tub sour crème .50c.
    1 pkg. wide egg noodles $2.00
    3 boullion cubes .25c.
    2 lg. onions .25c.
    2 garlic cloves .15c.
    Paprika .50c.
    Green beans (frozen for side dish) $1.25
    Butter .25c.


    Pot Roast:
    1 Lg. roast $11.00
    6 potatoes $1.00
    2 carrots .50c.
    1 stalk celery .15c.
    1 pkg. lipton onion mushroom soup mix $1.25
    Bay leaf .20c.
    ½ can of beer (optional) .75c.
    Broccoli (frozen for side dish) $1.25


    BBQ Beef Sandwiches:
    Shreaded beef (leftovers from roast) FREE
    ½ bottle bbq sauce $1.25
    Hamburger buns .99c.
    Salad with carrots and celery (side dish) $3.00


    Spaghetti:
    1 can tomatoe sauce .99c.
    1 can crushed tomatoes .99c.
    1 sm. Onion .15c.
    4 cloves garlic .60c.
    1 lb. ground meat $1.50
    1 box wheat noodles .99c.
    Salad with carrots and celery (side dish) $3.00


    Pork Chops:
    1 family pack chops $7.00
    Rosemary .10c.
    Salt and pepper .05c.
    1 lg. onion 20c.
    1 cup wine .75c.
    Baked Potatoes (side dish) $1.00
    Broccoli (frozen side dish) $1.25
    Butter .25c.


    BBQ Chicken Thighs:
    1 family pack thighs $3.00
    ½ bottle bbq sauce $1.25
    Corn on the cob $3.00
    Corn Bread $2.00
    Butter .25c.


    Hot Dogs:
    Dogs $2.25
    Buns .99c.
    Fries $3.00
    Cucumber $75c.
    Carrots/Celery sticks $1.00
    Ranch Salad Dressing $1.50
    Katchup/Mustard .50c.


    Snacks:
    Apples and Cheese $2.00
    Popcorn $1.50
    Popscicles $2.25
    Wheat Puffs $1.50
    Sun Chips $3.25
    Yogurt $5.00
    Oranges $2.00
    Grapes $3.00
    PBJ Crackers $4.00


    Total for the week: less than $100
    Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense.

    A truly liberal person is conservative when necessary.

    Pro-life by choice.
  • JuberooJuberoo Posts: 472
    Uncle Leo wrote:
    Only extremely lazy/stupid families eat fast food anywhere near every day.
    I agree...but other posters claim that poor or struggling families have neither the time nor the energy to cook meals. Thus eating out every day.
    Makes much more sense, to live in the present tense.

    A truly liberal person is conservative when necessary.

    Pro-life by choice.
  • macgyver06macgyver06 Posts: 2,500
    Juberoo wrote:
    wow got a bit of an issue with authority figurese eh?

    yes..yes I do
  • fanch75fanch75 Posts: 3,734
    All I can say is that I'm glad I lift weights and am glad that I run.
    Do you remember Rock & Roll Radio?
  • JeanieJeanie Posts: 9,446
    baraka wrote:
    I just read an article about this the other day.

    My 2 cents:

    Obesity is very complex disease that now effects vast numbers of humans and there is widespread evidence of genetic disposition to obesity. Some folks have multiple issues that lead to obesity. Some articles:

    http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/ddl204v1
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11087657&dopt=AbstractPlus
    http://www.muhealth.org/weightlosssurgery/understanding.shtml
    http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9904EFDB173FF93BA25757C0A9609C8B63

    However, I do believe that eating too much is as such as an addiction as alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling. I really think the medical profession needs to look at it in this light and treat accordingly.

    Thanks barak. :) We get a lot of updates and abstracts here because Mum was doing her Masters on obesity related issues and there have been some very interesting studies done. I believe over eating can be an addiction in some cases, along with other eating disorders such as Bulimia, Anorexia and Binge eating disorder. Not to mention a medical issue because of diseases things like Prader Willi, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, mental health issues, and others. All of these things can contribute to weight gain as well as weight gain from medications. I find it a fascinating subject that is often oversimplified by some health professionals and the general public as well.
    I find it offensive in the extreme the types of comments that are levelled at larger people and the assumptions that are made about their character based on their exterior. If black people were called lazy or stupid in this day and age there would be an outcry. If Arabs or Jews or the disabled were spoken about the way that people still generalize about larger people they would quickly be called out for their discriminatory comments. It's far too easy to "blame" people when it really does nothing to improve the situation and you can't really tell jack about a person's health or their life or who they are by looking at their body anyway.
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
  • barakabaraka Posts: 1,268
    No problem, Jeanie. There are so many variables when it comes to obesity. Not everyone are on an equal paying field when it comes to this and by this I mean genetics. The bottom line is everyone needs to be aware of their bodies. How is it that I can eat all I want and not worry about my weight, yet my sis has to 'be careful'. It boils down to our genetic makeup and body types.

    As far as addiction to food: I would think this would be a very hard addiction to overcome. With most addictive things, one can simply avoid them, however, eating is necessary for survival and food is all around us.

    I will say, though, that diet and exercise is the key to a healthy existence. I'm reminded of a David Letterman joke: I just heard there is a new way to lose weight without diet and exercise. What does that leave? Disease?

    There are many that are over-weight due to emotional stresses and food serves as comfort, like alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, sex, or drugs do for some. Being raised in the south, I'm all about 'comfort' food! But, over-eating is an addiction for some. For those folks, a change in lifestyle and a 'head change' (getting to the source of the stress) is a must.

    In summary, you can't paint all over-weight folks with the same brush.
    The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance,
    but the illusion of knowledge.
    ~Daniel Boorstin

    Only a life lived for others is worth living.
    ~Albert Einstein
  • surferdudesurferdude Posts: 2,057
    baraka wrote:
    In summary, you can't paint all over-weight folks with the same brush.
    You can't but for about 80% it's about the lifestyle choices they've made. If you have an eating problem deal with it, the same advice I'd give someone with a drinking or drug problem. Just don't expect too much compassion when you are wallowing in your own misery. Sorry but I'm not granting the same amount of compassion for people when it's a self induced problem as I am for people when it's completely no fault of their own, i.e. genetic or due to medical reasons. Everything I've read on the subject says the only thing to pin the huge rise in obesiety on is personal choices.
    “One good thing about music,
    when it hits you, you feel to pain.
    So brutalize me with music.”
    ~ Bob Marley
  • fanch75fanch75 Posts: 3,734
    surferdude wrote:
    You can't but for about 80% it's about the lifestyle choices they've made. If you have an eating problem deal with it, the same advice I'd give someone with a drinking or drug problem. Just don't expect too much compassion when you are wallowing in your own misery. Sorry but I'm not granting the same amount of compassion for people when it's a self induced problem as I am for people when it's completely no fault of their own, i.e. genetic or due to medical reasons. Everything I've read on the subject says the only thing to pin the huge rise in obesiety on is personal choices.

    There are other factors, it's easier for some than others, etc etc, but at the end of the day, if you take in more calories than you're burning, you're going to gain weight. It's impossible to gain weight otherwise.

    Where it can get tough for some is the calorie burning side...medications, thyroid, etc.
    Do you remember Rock & Roll Radio?
  • barakabaraka Posts: 1,268
    surferdude wrote:
    You can't but for about 80% it's about the lifestyle choices they've made. If you have an eating problem deal with it, the same advice I'd give someone with a drinking or drug problem. Just don't expect too much compassion when you are wallowing in your own misery. Sorry but I'm not granting the same amount of compassion for people when it's a self induced problem as I am for people when it's completely no fault of their own, i.e. genetic or due to medical reasons. Everything I've read on the subject says the only thing to pin the huge rise in obesiety on is personal choices.

    And I mentioned that very important fact. In another post of mine in this thread, I stated that the medical profession needs to look at over eating as an addiction (like alcoholism and drug abuse) and treat accordingly. There are many, perhaps most, that can change their situation by simply changing the way they eat and exercise. I, by no mean, glossed over this point.

    However, being in the medical profession, I would be intellectually dishonest if I didn't mention the genetic and medical predispositions to obesity. There are many that eat no more than you or I and exercise as much as us, yet can't seem to keep the weight off. Perhaps due to thyroid problems or medications they need to take, ie steroids. Do not pretend we are all on the same playing field here. I stand by my statement you quoted, you can not paint all over weight folks with the same brush. There are many variables at play and each individual is unique.
    The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance,
    but the illusion of knowledge.
    ~Daniel Boorstin

    Only a life lived for others is worth living.
    ~Albert Einstein
  • barakabaraka Posts: 1,268
    fanch75 wrote:
    There are other factors, it's easier for some than others, etc etc, but at the end of the day, if you take in more calories than you're burning, you're going to gain weight. It's impossible to gain weight otherwise.

    Where it can get tough for some is the calorie burning side...medications, thyroid, etc.

    Props, fanch. I didn't see your post before replying to surferdude.
    The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance,
    but the illusion of knowledge.
    ~Daniel Boorstin

    Only a life lived for others is worth living.
    ~Albert Einstein
  • surferdudesurferdude Posts: 2,057
    baraka wrote:
    And I mentioned that very important fact. In another post of mine in this thread, I stated that the medical profession needs to look at over eating as an addiction (like alcoholism and drug abuse) and treat accordingly. There are many, perhaps most, that can change their situation by simply changing the way they eat and exercise. I, by no mean, glossed over this point.

    However, being in the medical profession, I would be intellectually dishonest if I didn't mention the genetic and medical predispositions to obesity. There are many that eat no more than you or I and exercise as much as us, yet can't seem to keep the weight off. Perhaps due to thyroid problems or medications they need to take, ie steroids. Do not pretend we are all on the same playing field here. I stand by my statement you quoted, you can not paint all over weight folks with the same brush. There are many variables at play and each individual is unique.
    I specifically mentioned genetics and medical issues. What percentage obesiety do you think is caused by lifestyle choices, including eating disorders? How do you explain the rise in obesiety? I know for myself when my weight gets more than 10 pounds from where it should be I address the issue. I make changes, I don't blame the world for it. Al I hear are cheap excuses for the vast majority of overweight people. It's called the produce aisle, it's called exercise. It's not easy, no one ever said it was. I fully accept you can be fat but fit, but those people are few and far between.
    “One good thing about music,
    when it hits you, you feel to pain.
    So brutalize me with music.”
    ~ Bob Marley
  • barakabaraka Posts: 1,268
    surferdude wrote:
    I specifically mentioned genetics and medical issues. What percentage obesiety do you think is caused by lifestyle choices, including eating disorders? How do you explain the rise in obesiety? I know for myself when my weight gets more than 10 pounds from where it should be I address the issue. I make changes, I don't blame the world for it. Al I hear are cheap excuses for the vast majority of overweight people. It's called the produce aisle, it's called exercise. It's not easy, no one ever said it was. I fully accept you can be fat but fit, but those people are few and far between.


    I'm not sure of the stats, although I did post some medical articles concerning the issue of genetics earlier in this thread.

    And yes, it is hard to lose weight. And yes, there are those that could be healthier by simply changing their lifestyles. And yes, there are those that refuse to except personal responsibility. But this is true for many things in life. I guess I personally do not think I have any right to point fingers at anyone. I might not have a weight problem, but I don't think that is necessarily due to my attention to what I eat or how much I exercise. I have always been slender and I think much of that is due to my genes. My sister who has the same (if not more) active lifestyle and eats better than I do, fights her weight. The issue is not black and white.
    The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance,
    but the illusion of knowledge.
    ~Daniel Boorstin

    Only a life lived for others is worth living.
    ~Albert Einstein
  • surferdudesurferdude Posts: 2,057
    baraka wrote:
    I'm not sure of the stats, although I did post some medical articles concerning the issue of genetics earlier in this thread.

    And yes, it is hard to lose weight. And yes, there are those that could be healthier by simply changing their lifestyles. And yes, there are those that refuse to except personal responsibility. But this is true for many things in life. I guess I personally do not think I have any right to point fingers at anyone. I might not have a weight problem, but I don't think that is necessarily due to my attention to what I eat or how much I exercise. I have always been slender and I think much of that is due to my genes. My sister who has the same (if not more) active lifestyle and eats better than I do, fights her weight. The issue is not black and white.
    I'm probably coming off much harsher than I should but I definitely have an addictive personality. I've probably gone through stretches where I've been addicted to drinking, drugs and adrenaline. It would be so easy to just wallow in the "this is the way I'm made" bullshit and not address the issues as they occur. By giving just about everyone the benefit of the doubt and making it not their issue that they can control I believe it's doing a real disservice to those braking their figurative asses addressing the issue dead on.
    “One good thing about music,
    when it hits you, you feel to pain.
    So brutalize me with music.”
    ~ Bob Marley
  • barakabaraka Posts: 1,268
    surferdude wrote:
    I'm probably coming off much harsher than I should but I definitely have an addictive personality. I've probably gone through stretches where I've been addicted to drinking, drugs and adrenaline. It would be so easy to just wallow in the "this is the way I'm made" bullshit and not address the issues as they occur. By giving just about everyone the benefit of the doubt and making it not their issue that they can control I believe it's doing a real disservice to those braking their figurative asses addressing the issue dead on.

    I hear you on the addictive personality! I can relate.

    And when the issue is addiction, then yes, it is frustrating when folks don't address their life issues and project blame.

    You know, I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but my father-in-law is a physician that runs a weight loss clinic. He might know some statistics concerning addiction/life style choices vs medical predisposition. I know in his clinic, each person's diet is individual. I do know his clinic focuses on the variables that lead to weight gain, whether it be poor life style habits, eating disorders, or managing weight gain due to a medical issue and addresses those individually. He can usually discern those that are not following their diet and those that have medical problems that make dieting harder for them, ie those that follow the diet to a 'T' yet can't seem to lose the weight.
    The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance,
    but the illusion of knowledge.
    ~Daniel Boorstin

    Only a life lived for others is worth living.
    ~Albert Einstein
  • mdigenakismdigenakis Posts: 1,337
    you get fat by not really trying.
    "Don't let the darkness eat you up..."

    -Greg Dulli

  • JeanieJeanie Posts: 9,446
    mdigenakis wrote:
    you get fat by not really trying.

    or by trying too hard.
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
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