Did you resolve to lose weight this year? - Our Daily Green

Monday, January 7, 2013

Did you resolve to lose weight this year?

I count myself among those who have made such a resolution and this infographic is a stark reminder of how my choices have changed not just my appearance but also my health. There are several keys to consider and I'd like to address some of the inflammatory language that is used surrounding weight issues. Fat and fit are not mutually exclusive, and skinny is not synonymous with healthy. More important than a number on a scale is whether we are making healthy choices.

Food that is processed with additives and chemical alteration or packaged in plastic containers, prepared with tools made of known endocrine disruptors may present a far greater challenge to any weight loss goal than any diet. In other words, it's not simply how much we eat, but what kind of food we eat and how we prepare it.

For example, it is not safe to reheat food in Styrofoam or wrapped in plastic wrap. It is not safe to cook on petrol-coated nonstick surfaces, and it is not healthy to eat food that was created in lab instead of a field or barn. It is not safe to eat food that was nurtured with chemically altered food or dosed with massive amounts of chemical fertilizers. This sort of food manipulation may disrupt the endocrine system of the body which can affect metabolism as well as fat absorption. (please follow orange highlighted links for additional information regarding these issues). 

All these issues factor into the body's ability maintain a healthy weight. If you're finding it difficult to lose weight, consider how you prepare your food and where your food comes from. It may well be another cause.

The skinny on fat
by KyleKim. Browse more data visualization.

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