raising godzillas

Poor does not equal fat

Pretty much all of us know by now that the obesity epidemic in our country has hit the poorest the hardest, and we hear many reasons for this. While all these reasons have some level of validity, I find it really frustrating to hear someone say they "can't afford" to get in shape. Since I am almost always the least well off person in any group I am in, it's especially frustrating.
You don't need money to get in shape. Here I will take you through a few common agruments and tell you how I did it without spending very much money

Healthy food is more expensive . This is very true if you're comparing prepared foods ( as most Americans are). Cooking from scratch more is a good idea even if you have a great food budget, but it's a must of you're making do with less. Dried beans, large bags of brown rice, ...these kind of foods are way cheaper by the pound than mac and cheese and frozen dinners. But aren't fresh produce and real meat more expensive? They can be ( though not always). And here is an important thing...here in North America most of us take in way, way too many calories. CUT DOWN YOUR PORTIONS!!!! and you will be able to afford better food.

I can't afford to exercise A very real concern for the poor is they have more dangerous neighborhoods than the well off, so they cannot walk as easily ( while the rich drive to the gym...) That is not the only way to exercise. Check your local library's website- there is a wide range of exercise vidoes you can access for free, that will match your fitness level and interests. I exersice barefoot at home, so you can even get started without outlay for shoes. However, I got brand new (with tags) Nike Air running shoes at the Deseret store for $3, so that is not much of a barrier. Pick up some handweights at the thrift store to maximize your workouts. If your neighborhood is safe, walk everywhere you possibly can. And for Pete's sake, take the stairs instead of the elevator and don't waste gas looking for a parking space close to the store.

I don't have time to cook It takes no more time to start boiling water for whole wheat pasta while you throw a can of tomatos, and some garlic, salt and oregano into your blender, than it does to make Mac and cheese. It takes no more time to ask the fast food teller for a salad than a bacon cheeseburger. Quesadillas ( with whole wheat or sprouted grain tortillas) are fast and my kids were making their own by the age of 4.

Everyone deserves fitness, and it's within everyone's reach. Take care of yourself!

posted by gojirama @ 1:28 PM