You have heard the raging political debate over healthcare reform...the politicians argue the position that it is all about "care". But have you noticed that none of them debate our country’s failing personal health. To them it is much easier to stir up the voters and divide them on how to pay for the care. The problem is much deeper than just who is going to dole out the cash. Not a single one of them has discussed the primary means to reduce health care costs; self-control. It is projected that 43% of U.S. adults will become obese and they will cost the U.S. health care system $344 Billion annually. That is a huge number.

I sound like a commercial here, but seriously, personal committment to health is the single most important predictor of our future in healthcare. With that said, I truly believe anyone can lose weight, but to restore health, we need to focus on life beyond weight loss.

Where do we start? First off, we must ignore the conventional wisdom that utilizes the food pyramid to dictate what we should eat. The food pyramid is flawed for its primary reliance on carbohydrate predominant foods. Turning the food pyramid upside down does not fix the flaw either! Basic physiology tells us that carbohydrates not immediately used for energy, are converted to fat and stored in the adipose cells of the body. What is the result? Increased obesity.

Secondly, we need to make decisions and retrain ourselves that food is not for pleasure, comfort or something to do while watching television. Food is plainly and simply fuel. Yet, I am not ignorant in the fact that food tastes good. So what is the answer? Planned splurges! Sounds good so far, eh?

Thirdly, we must not forget my favorite component...EXERCISE! By combining progressive resistance training and cardiovascular conditioning, you can train your body to be a fat burning furnace! As I have stated many times in the past, I do not advocate hours of cardio in order to burn off the excess carbohydrates that you have consumed. My approach has always been to increase muscle mass through resistance training and allow the muscle to burn off your bodyfat.

This is not rocket science. With a system of proper eating and exercise YOU become the master of your appetite and tastes — they no longer master you.

So, while the politicians argue how healthcare is going to be payed for, lets start our own healthcare policy! Prevention almost always is less costly than the cure. Remember, diet alone is not the answer. Do not forget about the importance of physical education or fitness. There is no point in doing something, if you are only going to go half way!

I want end by giving a plug to my friends who do personal training and nutrition counseling:

http://www.bodyphatbyjill.com/ is owned and managed by Jill Olsen. She can be contacted via her website, email at olsenjill@yahoo.com, or by phone at 515.778.1636

Nutrisport-Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA 50325
(515) 331-2141
Nutrisport FPT offers Personal Trainer, Sports Supplements, Body Sculpting Class, Bodybuilding, and Power Lifting in Des Moines, IA.
http://www.nutrisportfpt.com/