Researchers from Harvard and the University of California, San Diego have conducted a study that shows that obesity is not only a growing epidemic in the United States, it is as contagious as the common cold. The study says that if you associate with a group that is overweight, it is very likely that you will be overweight as well.
Spouses spend a lot of time together, but an overweight spouse has a smaller influence on you than your friends do. You share the same genetic makeup with your siblings, but they, also, have a smaller influence than your friends do. This is because we look to our close friends when determining appropriate social behavior. It feels more comfortable to be overweight if the majority of our friends are overweight. This makes sense, right? Are you always motivated to go out and run when you see your spouse lace up his/her running shoes? And just think back to all the times you were perplexed at your sibling's choice of hair style or clothing, but at the same time you wanted to dress exactly the way your friends did. We may not be in junior high any more, but things have not changed completely.
Try conducting your own survey. The next time you are at a social event, take a look at the groups of friends around you. See how many groups seem to be made up of mostly overweight individuals or mostly non- overweight individuals. Or even study your own different social circles.
However, the inverse can be true also. If you want to become healthier this year, you might need to spend time with a healthier group of friends. I don't mean that you need to completely divorce your current group of friends, but associating with healthier people can influence you to become healthier also. Plus, when your other friends see how healthy and fit you have become, they will likely want to join you! People that want to stop smoking or drinking will often join new social circles. Individuals that want to become healthier should think along the same lines.
Or perhaps you can convince your closest friends to work out with you?
To read more on this subject, check out the article in Time Magazine.
For more information on small group personal training in the Washington DC area, check out www.fitindc.com.
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1 comment:
I love your advice on surrounding yourself with healthy, positive people! It's amazing how our friends and family are an integral part of our thoughts and emotions.
I thought I'd share with your readers some information about beans which are a fabulous warming food during this time of year. There's a yummy recipe at the end. Enjoy!
Beans, or legumes, including peas and lentils, are an excellent source of plant-based protein. This seed (or fruit if you are consuming the whole pod) is found in most traditional cultures. The grounding and strengthening properties of beans make it a great endurance food. In particular, they strengthen the kidneys and adrenal glands, thus promoting physical growth and development. Funny enough, they even look like our kidneys! In Traditional Chinese Medicine the color of the bean indicates the organ it most benefits. For example, red beans such as adzuki beans and kidney beans target the heart while green beans such as mung beans and split peas focus on the liver. Beans range from 17 to 25 percent protein and are great for building body mass. They are a good source of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and several B vitamins.
Beans have a reputation for causing digestive distress, but this is usually because they have been undercooked or improperly prepared. Remember, beans are seeds that are waiting to be germinated! There are enzyme inhibitors in the seed coat that keep the seed dormant and prevent it from germinating until the conditions are right. If your beans aren't pre-soaked in water (Sally Fallon recommends soaking with a tablespoon or two of whey, lemon juice or raw apple cider vinegar) you won't be able to fully assimilate the nutrients of the bean. To further reduce gas, add spices like bay leaf, oregano, fennel or cumin, or the sea vegetable, kombu, when cooking.
Recipe of the Month: Easy Beans and Greens
Source: Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup of dried beans or 1 can of black beans (I like adzuki beans as they are easier to digest)
1 bunch collard greens (or kale, bok choy, spinach, etc.)
your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado or guacamole, and sour cream
Directions:
1.In a medium saucepan, heat drained beans. Add your favorite seasonings, if desired.
2.Fill a separate medium saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
3.Wash and chop greens (you can use the stems, too) and add to boiling water.
4.Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are bright green and tender. Drain off water (You can save this water for cooking your grains).
5.On a plate, arrange a portion of the greens, top with a portion of the beans, and finish with toppings of your choice.
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