As you may recall, last year ABC aired a series called "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution". The series followed Jamie Oliver's crusade to bring healthier lunches to the schools of Huntington, WV, statistically one of the unhealthiest cities in the country. The lunch program in their school district had deteriorated to processed, fried foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Most were finger foods, removing the need to teach the children how to use a fork. When confronted with silverware, most of the children in the lower elementary grades did not know how to use it. The series sparked interest across the country in improving public school lunch programs as well as home nutrition education for families.
OBESITY STATISTICS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010 statistics show that nearly 34 percent of American adults are obese, while 17 percent of children are now categorized as obese. A person is considered obese if their body mass index, which is a height to weight ratio, is 30 or greater.
OBESITY EFFECTS ON HEALTH
According to the CDC, obesity increases the risk of coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. The obese also have a higher risk of certain types of cancer, respiratory problems, and osteoarthritis.
"FOOD REVOLUTION" RETURNS
Obviously, Americans have not yet reversed these disturbing trends. Not only do most of us need to rethink our diets at home, the dietary rules of the public school system in most of our country needs a serious overhaul. Beginning April 12, the show returns to ABC, this time in Los Angeles, the nation's second largest city, where he will try once more to revamp the school menu. In the meantime, we can all do our part to help. The USDA has drafted a new set of school meal standards as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This act will require schools to begin using fresh, whole ingredients in place of processed foods. You can show your support by going to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and signing the comment to be sent to the USDA.
While I readily admit that I enjoy eating as well as cooking, and my diet isn't always perfect, I realize that I need to make changes. But as important as it to my own health, the future of our children and grandchildren concerns me even more. Let's do it, America; let's start a Revolution!
CONTACT ME
OBESITY STATISTICS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010 statistics show that nearly 34 percent of American adults are obese, while 17 percent of children are now categorized as obese. A person is considered obese if their body mass index, which is a height to weight ratio, is 30 or greater.
OBESITY EFFECTS ON HEALTH
According to the CDC, obesity increases the risk of coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. The obese also have a higher risk of certain types of cancer, respiratory problems, and osteoarthritis.
"FOOD REVOLUTION" RETURNS
Obviously, Americans have not yet reversed these disturbing trends. Not only do most of us need to rethink our diets at home, the dietary rules of the public school system in most of our country needs a serious overhaul. Beginning April 12, the show returns to ABC, this time in Los Angeles, the nation's second largest city, where he will try once more to revamp the school menu. In the meantime, we can all do our part to help. The USDA has drafted a new set of school meal standards as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This act will require schools to begin using fresh, whole ingredients in place of processed foods. You can show your support by going to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and signing the comment to be sent to the USDA.
While I readily admit that I enjoy eating as well as cooking, and my diet isn't always perfect, I realize that I need to make changes. But as important as it to my own health, the future of our children and grandchildren concerns me even more. Let's do it, America; let's start a Revolution!
CONTACT ME
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