Jimmy Moore's '30-In-30' Challenge

Hey there "30-In-30" Low-Carb Weight Loss Challenge participants and THANKS so much for checking in today for Teeeeeeerrrific Tuesday (aka "Weigh-In Day") yet again. I'm now down to 216 pounds--my LOWEST WEIGHT EVER AS AN ADULT--and feel absolutely fantastic! Let me hear from you in the comments section below to know how you are doing, okay? I love it when you interact, so don't be shy. :)

I came across a brand new study this week from the preeminent UK government health authority that concluded something I really never thought much about: whether it's a healthy or an unhealthy lifestyle change--it's YOUR choice. Hmm...

This BakeryAndSnacks.com column reports on how the poor actually eat the same amount of nutritional garbage as the rest of the population, despite the stereotype that poverty promotes pudginess. But the fact is there are fat rich people as well as fat poor people.

Looking at this idea of a weight and wealth connection from an objective position is the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Great Britain--the British equivalent of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. They conducted a study whose results were published recently showing that making a poor personal decision about diet is as much a lifestyle change as changing to a solid nutritional approach like livin' la vida low-carb is.

This is something I never really thought about before, but it makes sense. The concept of "lifestyle change" is indeed within the framework of virtually every successful diet and health story because you can't go back to your old ways. Until you realize your previous choices are what got you to be obese in the first place, then you will NEVER reach your fullest potential with getting a real handle on this aspect of your life.

Now, the same can be said about making bad dietary choices, too.

The FSA researchers have been looking closely at the specific foods consumed by the members of the lowest 15 percent income bracket since early 2006 to determine what if any differences there are between this group and their wealthier counterparts. When all was said and done, the FSA noticed that the wealthy and the unwealthy all consumed an excessive amount of sugary sodas, fat, and sugar.

Their conclusion: People are making the conscious CHOICE to eat unhealthy.

What will likely happen next as a result of this study is a change in government policy concerning dietary recommendations. Oh how I wish the FDA and USDA here in the U.S. would follow suit because it is obvious the current path is just not working. But the protection of the food manufacturers' best interests is superceding the concerns for the general public at this point, so we are at an impasse. It's not impossible to break, but it will take a major shift in thinking by everyone involved.

In the UK, the food companies are quaking in their boots bracing for what this will mean to their bottom line. As well they should be worried because there is a certain cause and effect factor at work here. The study found that the number of overweight and obese among the study participants was identical to the most recent statistics for the country as a whole:

- MEN--62 percent
- WOMEN--63 percent
- BOYS--35 percent
- GIRLS--34 percent

Two-thirds of the children get empty calories from sugary soft drinks and fruit juice, although the study found soda consumption dropped among the older participants. Also, cakes and other sweets comprised 14 percent of adult caloric intake among study participants--higher than the recommended daily allowance.

Total fat intake, something the FSA made a big deal about but shouldn't, was as follows:

- MEN--79.1g
- WOMEN--59.4g
- BOYS--76.7g
- GIRLS--67.0g

The primary sources of fat among the adults in the study was meat and meat-based products (24 percent), cereal (18 percent), dairy (18 percent), fatty spreads (15 percent), and chips/potato products (9 percent).

Interestingly, the FSA found these poorer people actually get MORE vitamins and minerals from their food than what is recommended. However, there is an iron, folate, and vitamin D deficiency among this group which is common amongst the entire population.

Another area of the diet which falls miserably short is fiber consumption with over half of men and over two-thirds of women not getting the recommended minimum of 18g daily in their diet. There is debate over the value of eating high amounts of fiber, but I think it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle that should not be completely ignored.

With obesity-fighting measures being stepped up thanks to research like this, look for the food manufacturers to feign concern over the issue and make mostly symbolic gestures about caring about the subject. I'm not convinced it's gonna do anything to bring about meaningful changes, but that's just the cynical man inside of me screaming for REAL change to FINALLY come about. We are approaching a place where any chance for an obesity turnaround may NEVER happen.

I don't know why food companies get so uptight about studies like this because it can help them cater to a customer base that would become loyal to their health-conscious products. At some point, these people who are overweight or obese will want to lose weight and will be looking for foods that will help them do that. The smart food companies know this and are meeting the consumer demand while others only pretend to care and keep pumping out junk.

ARGH!

That's where the individual must evaluate what is best for them before making choices about what they will eat. Obesity has always been about individual responsibility to me and people must make the decision about what's best for them. Those who are obese CHOOSE to remain that way and each person must CHOOSE to treat their obesity when they are ready to do it. Grab that bull by the horns and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

It's a lifestyle change whether you choose to be healthy or unhealthy. Which way will YOU choose?

What do you think about the issue of CHOOSING to make a healthy or even an unhealthy lifestyle? Do you buy into this either/or scenario or is there an in between? Share your comments below as well as an update on your weight loss progress.

Labels: 30-in-30, challenge, choice, diet, food, FSA, government, low-carb, personal responsibility, poor, recommendations, research, study, UK, weight loss