Obesity

Don H · Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 187

It's probably the case that few persons are "naturally obese"; most get that
way by excessive eating of wrong foods, and inactivity.
On the other hand, weird dietary fads can be equally damaging to health.
The solution, perhaps, is to teach children about the basic food elements -
protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals - and that quality and
quantity are equally important. Sweets, popcorn, etc, are OK if in limited
quantity, but a good basic diet is the main thing. In winter, you need to
eat more than in summer to maintain body heat; also, eat more when active
than inactive. Breakfast should be of reasonable quantity cos you've been
all night without food, and need a good start to the day. Lunch should also
be substantial, while the evening meal should be light. - though this
balance is not always possible. However, there should be at least one large
meal per day, with some protein at each meal.
But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know - just that it is
the kids which should know it.

Archived from group: aus>education

Don H · Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 187

Just a word in defence of McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, Red Rooster, KFC, and
other fast-food outlets. As someone who often dines at such establishments,
I think they're somewhat maligned in the obesity debate. They do provide
food FAST, which is their main advantage over more traditional restaurants.
And they have taken into account criticism about too much carbohydrate - now
having salads, etc. The point is - no one is expected to eat at these food
outlets on a constant basis; once or twice a week should be enough (for us,
if not for them). The food they provide is "healthy"; at least it isn't
basically detrimental like smoking or alcoholic drinks. People have to take
responsibility for their own food intake, both as to quality and quantity.
I haven't yet seen the movie "Super Size Me", which does have a valid point,
in that incessant consumption of fast-food, and lack of exercise, can be
detrimental; but that is all. I'm more concerned about popcorn consumption
in cinemas, and encouragement to do so by their "candy bars".
(As to adverts during children's TV, I'd ban ALL ads, as children are too
young to understand the emotive manipulation involved, and are susceptible
to it. If ads MUST exist, then put them at the beginning or end of the whole
session - and hope that mum or dad doesn't switch off.)
=========================================
"Don H" wrote in message$sj4.20559@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> It's probably the case that few persons are "naturally obese"; most get
that
> way by excessive eating of wrong foods, and inactivity.
> On the other hand, weird dietary fads can be equally damaging to health.
> The solution, perhaps, is to teach children about the basic food
elements -
> protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals - and that quality and
> quantity are equally important. Sweets, popcorn, etc, are OK if in
limited
> quantity, but a good basic diet is the main thing. In winter, you need to
> eat more than in summer to maintain body heat; also, eat more when active
> than inactive. Breakfast should be of reasonable quantity cos you've been
> all night without food, and need a good start to the day. Lunch should
also
> be substantial, while the evening meal should be light. - though this
> balance is not always possible. However, there should be at least one
large
> meal per day, with some protein at each meal.
> But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know - just that it is
> the kids which should know it.
>
>