Obesity, Blood Pressure & Compromises

Despite the obvious connection between obesity and high blood pressure, researchers found that regardless of the rise in childhood obesity, children's blood pressure has dipped. In a Fox News article, government studies are now suggesting high blood pressure is not a direct result of obesity.

Among nearly 11,500 children and teens assessed over those 20 years, the rate of obesity rose from 6 percent to 17 percent. But their blood pressure, on average, remained fairly stable. And far fewer children than expected actually had high blood pressure by 1993: about 4 percent of boys and 6 percent of girls.

This is a small victory in the battle against obesity. Unfortunately, the greatest danger for overweight children is that they will most likely become obese adults. The cure to obesity is said to be simple. Eat healthy and exercise. However, for many individuals, this is an up-hill battle. Despite being a health and nutrition advocate, I am equally guilty of skipping the gym and picking the less-healthy option. However, one must remember that healthy is not a diet. Rather, living clean, healthy and active is a way of life.

 Recently, I read an excellent novel - Mindless Eating. The author, Brian Wansink, explains that in life, we must make compromises. This is true to almost anything if life. Let's put this into a realistic example: If you are on a budget, instead of going out to dinner and a movie, you may choose to eat at a restaurant and watch a program on TV.

 Now, relate this to health and nutrition. If you are going to a friend's birthday party and are most likely going to indulge, put in an extra hour or two at the gym. This is a completely reasonable way to compromise. But if it is a stressful week and you are unable to exercise, then make food compromises. Have one piece of cake instead of two. Instead of a second glass of wine, switch to water. When appetizers are involved, fill your plate with fruit and vegetables.

 Additionally, give your kitchen a healthy makeover. As suggested in an article on Fox News, make some simple, easy switches.

I personally love ice cream - chocolate peanut butter is my guilty pleasure. But did you know that Dreyer's makes an exceptional light ice cream? Their Triple Cookie Fudge Sundae is heaven. In half a cup there is only 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat.

So there you have it - Simple compromises.