My age will turn to 61 in 10 days. I come from a family, (my parents) who originated in the south. I grew up in the south. We southerners love our carbs of all kinds. Homemade bread, sweet rolls, biscuits, french fries, potato chips, etc. Are you salivating? My Mother, who is in her late 80's grew up in the mountains of North Carolina. So did my Dad. They lived through the depression. They lived off the land. They ate unprocessed food. There wasn't any processed food readily available. They grew up on vegetables that they grew and churned their butter from milk down the road. Eggs came from their own hens. Obesity was very rare. You say, "well they worked hard". Yes they did. However they lived in a family structured pretty much like middle America today. However speaking to my Mom, she tells me that an obese person was rare in those days. People died more of old age then any disease common today. Their life was hard but love abounded. The key to this was NO processed food. They ate sugar.
I remember in the early 70's when Burger King opened in our town. We went and got a Whopper. My parents couldn't eat the entire burger because it was so large. It was so good. Then we saw McDonalds, later Wendy's, etc. This last fall, my husband and I traveled to Florida with our son and family to Disney World. I sat and watched the people walk by. In a 10 minute span, I counted over 90 people who were all greatly obese. That included all ages of adults and children of all races.
I myself was slightly overweight. In fact, I was in the normal BMI index for a normal female of my height and weight. When I went for my physical in 2017, my bloodwork came in with my A1C of 5.9. I knew I was a prediabetic person as I had been following my fasting blood sugars for several years. My doctor and I had had a discussion earlier that if I gained weight, I would most likely convert to Type 2 Diabetes. This RN that I am, knew what could be ahead of me. I knew what road I DID NOT WANT TO WALK DOWN! However I also knew Type 2 Diabetes is curable in most all cases. He told me I had gained a couple more pounds and also had a fatty liver because my liver enzymes were slightly elevated. I needed to go on a low carbohydrate diet and lose some weight. Honestly he offended me. I went to work the next day and told some physicians what he said. They all said, "you need to find another doctor". Women stick together sometimes to a fault.
I have done lots of research to why we Americans are becoming the most obese country in the world. Sad but true. Fast food? I have for almost 30 years. When I was pregnant, I was told to not gain more than 30 lbs. It would be bad on not only my body, but my baby as well. I listened. Most of us did. I have worked in Labor and Delivery for almost 30 years. When a pregnant woman came in at 200 lbs, we would all say to each other, "she is very obese".
Yesterday, I cared for a pregnant, 20 year old female that was nearing 400 lbs or even more. (Scales reach to 300 lbs in most offices.) She wasn't the first I had taken care of. My largest was just under 500 lbs several years ago and she too was in her early 20's. Where have we gone in a society? Processed food. Why haven't OB/GYN's not sounded the alarm? They have in some degrees, but why do they hesitate to sit down with patients to deal with obesity? If and when they do, how are we as patients complying? Obese pregnant women can put themselves in grave danger. They usually develop gestational diabetes that often turn into Type 2 diabetes sometime in their life. Their rate of not having a vaginal birth greatly increases. The girl yesterday turned into a Cesarean Section. I tried all day for her to have a vaginal birth. Her baby did not tolerate any labor, to the point of, "we need to get this baby out now".
So here is my wake up call with my own health. Only I could fix my problem. I chose that low carbohydrate diet, however a year later. Yes I too procrastinate. I chose to give up my most favorite foods in the world. I chose to go for better health and the long haul to get there. It took 3 months and I lost 20 lbs. I am anxious to see my A1C results when I get my physical next month. My fasting blood sugars are much lower. Here is THE kicker. I sleep better resulting in being more rested. I have a lot more energy. I no longer "crave" carbs. Yes crave. There is a true addiction. I knew it that first week what "craving and addiction" is all about. Sugar is addictive.
All I can say going forward is this. Take your own health into your hands. You can't change genetics. Things that our parents pass on to us. My Dad had the same issue of Type 2. He too lost weight and his went away. However, you can make your own changes. It's worth the sacrifice to get in a normal weight range. Your body will thank you. Your family and friends may thank you. Hopefully they too will change their lifestyle.
Go for it. You are worth it. Women are my passion. We are worth it. We can make an example for others.
My suggestion is to find a different way to eat. Do your research. This is a lifestyle change! People regain their weight because they go back to their own bad habits. I won't begin to suggest a diet for you. That is your job along with your doctor. One doesn't have to be older to go to the doctor for physicals. Do it now. Don't wait for your 60's. However, do it at any age!!
This is a TRAIN that all women can jump on. It is not political. Anyone can jump on. We can help save America!!! We can save ourselves and maybe someone else. People do watch!! Let's be examples. Girls are watching us no matter the age.
Until next time...
