Obstacles

We are all in a hurry. Our hurried lifestyle is a major part of the obesity problem in this country. We are busier now than ever before. We spend less time with our loved ones and on our hobbies or recreational activities. Do you know that in some countries in Europe it is normal to take a siesta after lunch? When was the last time you took a siesta after lunch? Many European countries also take longer vacations, and many companies even shut down for periods of time so their workers can take their vacations. Unfortunately, most large U.S. companies are more interested in the almighty dollar than the health of their employees, which is why you need to be proactive when it comes to your health.

For those of you who are time-challenged, I strongly recommend that you remind yourself of this fact: when embarking on a fitness regimen, it is vital to take time for yourself when it comes to eating and exercising. To successfully absorb the notion of "making time" and incorporate it into your lifestyle, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that food is ready and available when you need it. Because most of us are on the go and "don't have time," when we finally get around to eating, we are so hungry that we choose the quickest remedy: fast food.

There is no surer way to increase your body fat percentage than to make fast food a mainstay of your diet. Remember the documentary film Super Size Me, about the guy who ate just McDonald's food for thirty days? After twentyone days, his doctors asked him to quit because he was putting his life in jeopardy! The fastfood industry is a multibillion-dollar industry. Granted, many of the fast-food chains are now offering healthier food choices, which is a step in the right direction. On the West Coast we have several fast-service chains like Koo Koo Roo, EI Pollo Loco, and Baja Fresh that offer healthier food choices such as rotisserie or grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and salads. I realize that eating at fast-food restaurants cannot always be avoided due to your busy schedule, but the key is to make healthier food choices. Instead of a burger, fries, and a Coke, why not have a chicken sandwich(removing the top piece of bread) with a side salad and iced tea? The average American eats three hamburgers and four orders of fries every week. I'm not saying never have a burger and fries. What I am saying is to lose body fat, you need to eat in a way that supports that goal more consistently.