The Ethics of Eating

The last few years of my professional, as well as personal, life have been dedicated to helping others lose weight. The mantra has become simple – eat more fiber foods, drink more water, don’t eat when you aren’t hungry, and move a little more. But in the course of delivering this message, I am afraid a more deeply philosophical point has often been overlooked. This is understandable, because it is disregarded by almost every American on a daily basis. What I am referring to is the ethics of eating.

Let me give just a few examples. Our planet’s resources are slowly being depleted, and at the same time population is increasing. Growing fiber foods is 10 times more efficient than raising livestock. Because of this, eating fiber foods contributes far less to water and air pollution than eating, say, a steak. Wouldn’t ethics dictate that we should eat more fiber foods and not eat when we aren’t hungry?

Here’s another. Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate, and the health of our children is suffering as a result. It is now estimated that children being born today will be the first generation who don’t live longer than their parents. A major contributor is the standard American diet, consisting of processed and fiber-poor foods. Ethics would dictate that parents should not only defend their children from a diet that harms them, but adults should also set an example by eating the healthiest diet possible themselves. This just so happens to be a diet high in fiber foods. Think of it this way – naturally occurring fiber in a food is a marker for other healthy nutrients. The more natural fiber there is, the healthier the food.

There are many more examples – too many to list. What I am asking is this – just give thought to what you eat, and ask yourself whether or not you are eating ethically. For every instance you can think of, consuming a diet rich in fiber foods and not eating when you aren’t hungry will always be the most principled way to live. And besides, it helps you slim down, look great, and feel years younger.



The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.

Just move a little more and eat more fiber – it’s as easy as that

A few days ago I was in a large discount department store picking up a few things. In the checkout line there was an overweight couple placing their items on the conveyor. They were buying a large package of skinless chicken breasts (no fiber), a large beef roast (no fiber), and a Wii game remote control. Then I noticed that the cashier was nowhere to be seen. She soon returned from a special area of the store, carrying a Wii console (to go with the remote) as well as a Wii Fit game package. It all made sense to me then. The couple had decided to lose weight and become fit. Apparently their plan was to eat a low-carb, high-protein, near-zero fiber diet, and use the Wii Fit for exercise. All of this at a cost of several hundred dollars at the register, plus the potential health risks of following a diet lacking in nutrition. I suspect in a few weeks or months, the Wii won’t be seeing the light of day. Since studies show a low-carb diet is nearly impossible to stick to long term, it will also likely be abandoned. Any weight lost will probably return, in amounts greater than before.

It would be much more effective, healthier, and cheaper to simply eat more fiber foods, and stop eating when not hungry. Fiber foods satisfy and prevent hunger, causing you to eat less. They also contain vitamins, anti-oxidants, and phytochemicals not found in foods that contain no fiber. This is a simple plan that can be followed for life. Add to this just a little more activity – take 10,000 steps per day, for example – and the pounds will melt away. No Wii required.


The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.

What Sort of Role Model Are You?

The National Obesity Forum of the United Kingdom earlier this month announced their recommendation for midwives to measure the body mass index (BMI) of all pregnant women and their partners during the 12-week prenatal visit.  For those found to be obese (BMI over 30), it was further recommended that the expectant parents be counseled on how to change their eating habits, for the sake of their unborn child.  What prompted this recommendation were results of a recent British study, revealing that daughters of obese mothers were 10 times more likely to develop obesity, and sons of obese fathers were 6 times more likely.  Excess weight in these children had typically developed by the age of 5 years.

The vital point of this study is that children will mimick the habits of important role models in their lives.  Parents who have lifestyle habits leading to obesity will most likely pass those habits on to their children, and the obesity pyramid continues.

So, if you are a parent-to-be, or are a parent or grandparent of small children, ask yourself the question "What kind of role model am I for the little ones I love?"  To help yourself answer this question, find out what your BMI is by using the calculator at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.  If your BMI is over 30, not only is your own health at serious risk, but you may not be the role model you wish to be.

More later on how to get that BMI in the range you want it to be - less than 25.  But for now, eat more fiber foods, drink 8 glasses of water per day, and don't eat when you aren't hungry.  Also, get a copy of The Full Plate Diet - it will help you jump start your weight loss program.  Visit http://www.fullplatediet.org/ for details on how to order a book, to download a free electronic advance reader copy, or to listen to a free audio version.
  

The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.