I use the word pandemic here specifically. Although it started as an epidemic, probably in America, it has spread across the world to such an extent that other nations are literally biting at the heels of America (i hear bogan chants of "aussie aussie aussie!" and "we can do it fellas" from here).
Consumerism can be a great thing but when it comes to food we are just consuming too much of generally what we should not be. The whole idea of something being always within reach or available stems from the American business and culture model and it has caused the loosening of belts and explosion in "one size fits all" pants across the world. I feel that if you fix the cause, the beginning, then we will be able to trickle this down through to the rest of the world (although the trickle down effect is largely refuted in economics - for good reason).
So what has caused this abundance of supplies and growth in girth? To be honest, it is not too hard to see how America won the mantle of World's Fattest. Everything is convenient. Everything is bigger. You use the drive through to do your banking, buy your food, buy groceries and even receive law advice (this really happened!). With this sort of convenience and also removing the necessity of exerting any physical effort, people are obviously becoming more lazy and consuming more while exercising less. My advice, lose the drive thrus unless you are a fast food restaurant!
The mention of fast food must also raise a poignant factor for Americans. There are so many fast food joints here that i never knew existed. And they are everywhere. You cannot go down four streets without running into a McDonald's, Del Taco or Red Robin. The proliferation of these, and their convenience, makes them popular at all hours of the day and night. As many of these are open 24 hours, there is no escaping them. The prices for burgers and burritos are also frightfully cheap. If you are living on a big budget, it may be cheaper for you to go and get some double-double's for the kids rather than cook your own thing. In comparison, fresh food - fruits and vegetables - are a very similar price in America to what they are back home. So the cheaper, easier, greasier option is often the one you will go for. Do not get me wrong. I love my fast food. And i love my American fast food. Tonight i had El Pollo Loco for dinner and it was freaking scrumptious. But too much is not a good thing.
I am quickly learning how important portion size is to overall well being. Much of this comes down to what you put on your plate but, when eating out, portion sizes are bigger and juicier. Just look at the whole point of the tv show Man Vs Food. Many places have food challenges or just things bigger than normal for the more extreme eaters. Add to that the plentiful sides of "fries" (chips) and you have yourself a huge meal to get through. No one wins from overeating but in eating contests you may win the respect of equally fat people. If you are lucky, they will muster up the energy but do not hold your breath - it may be your death.
The common thread here seems to be laziness. Walk around the shops, take the time to cook your own food and know what is going in to your body. Exercise helps too but, if you are serious about staying thin, you can do it by simply eating less and healthier.
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