Fast Food Nation Notes
Feb | Leave a Comment
America, the fast food nation leaders: the times, they are a’changing, for the better! Here are some fast food nation notes.
No matter how small a community you might live in, there’s a fast food establishment on almost every corner. We’ve long been frequent patrons of these drive through food sources. While it’s easy and relatively economical to pick up a quick lunch or dinner on the run, we all know eating at the fast food places is not the healthiest choice we can make.
You may remember the man who sued a certain fast food franchise, blaming them for his having gained a couple of hundred pounds in a year of dining exclusively, for breakfast, lunch and dinner at his local fast food favorite vendor. This guy is the poster child of the fast food nation syndrome. In order to gain that much weight, he must have had double portions of the worst choices on offer. The fact that obesity is rampant, both in children and adults, is ample testament to our indulgence in the fast food nation syndrome.
The fast food companies have been flying high for decades and they certainly don’t want to lose that edge. Probably due to the recent focus on some of the unhealthy ingredients served up, such as fries cooked in cheap, trans-fatty and saturated oils, most of the fast food franchises are making some major changes to their menus.
Many have switched to a better grade and healthier type of oil, as well as offering salads and sub style sandwiches, smoothie style beverages as an alternative to sugary sodas and the new, broiled, white meat chicken wraps and such. The economy has had an impact on their sales as well. Rather than lose their fast food nation base of customers, they now seem to understand that they need to change their old business model to stay abreast of the more health conscious consumer.
This doesn’t mean they’re eliminating the old standbys. The processed meat burger made with fillers of who knows what, sodas and the perennial French fries are still staples on the typical fast food menus. While Moms, bringing young kids in for lunch or dinner are choosing healthier items, unsupervised teens and die-hards of the adult persuasion, are still loading up on the double burger with cheese and a large order of fries.
I suppose that this is a clever marketing strategy, pleasing a new and wider base of loyal customers in this fast food nation.
One aspect that the burger franchises may not have properly taken into account, is the rise of the new brand of sub style sandwiches cropping up everywhere. Some have even run TV ads, with testimonials from their customers, describing how they lost countless pounds by making the sub shop their regular fast food stop. Artisan, whole grain breads, with a choice of toppings baked into the crust, along with loads of veggies and grilled low fat meats are among their healthy and delicious meals. Most also offer an array of beverages, such as smoothies made with real fruit and the traditional orange Julius. These sandwich shops are definitely finding favor with the fast food nation crowd, winning the business of teens and adults alike.
The times, they are a’changing indeed. It remains to be seen who captures the heart of the American fast food devotees.
Pilates During Pregnancy?
Feb | Leave a Comment
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Keeping active while pregnant offers many benefits. Not only will it help keep your weight under control but it can also make the delivery process go much smoother. Women who exercise during the months leading up to the birth of their baby feel better and have stronger muscle tone which can really help during a difficult and long delivery. One way to stay in shape without hurting the baby is to do a series of Pilates during pregnancy exercises.
This form of exercise has shot onto the work out scene in recent years. Many people who are long time fans of yoga swear by the benefits of Pilates exercise. It consists of a series of moves that help to define your muscle tone and also strengthen your body. Pilates pregnancy exercises are designed specifically for women who are expecting.
Many cities have fitness centers where you can go to engage in all types of physical activities. You’ll often find Pilates exercise equipment there along with classes focused on this effective work out regime. For a woman who is pregnant she first needs to discuss with her doctor how Pilates exercise can benefit her. If the physician feels it’s a good idea, then it’s a great idea to take a Pilates pregnancy exercise class.
If you’ve never been physically active before, your pregnancy is an ideal time to start. Women with small children will tell you that you need all the energy you can muster once the baby arrives. Doing Pilates pregnancy exercises will help with that and because it’s such a gentle form of exercise you’ll be more inclined to continue with it even after delivery.
As your pregnancy progresses you’ll notice definite changes in your body; all a sign of the life growing within you. Your belly will start to expand, your hips will soften and your breasts will swell. With this comes added weight and it’s essential to be mindful of that during the course of your pregnancy. Although many women are inclined to follow the old adage of eating for two, this usually only results in additional post pregnancy weight that needs to be shed.
It’s much easier to be prudent about what you are eating for the nine months before the baby’s arrival. A healthy diet combined with regular Pilates pregnancy exercises will help keep your weight where it needs to be and will make it much easier to get back into your pre-baby clothing. After all, even moms want to look great.
