The latest shot has been fired in the public battle against obesity – a “sin tax” on sugary drinks.
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This follows private health companies benching obesity-related illnesses and an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes caused by weight gains.
It’s yet another bandaid.
In this age of instant gratification we want instant answers to weight loss – and to still eat chocolate or down soft drinks.
I read an article recently that said we needed to “choose our hard”. It went onto to say it’s hard to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep. It’s also hard to deal with the effects of not doing all that – high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, strokes.
Many people face these choices, ones which can seem too hard when you’ve got a full-time job, kids and a social life. Right?
Into this argument sashay our peer group, our friends. Those who can give us the roots to succeed or make sure we fail.
A group of my friends a few years back all bought Fitbits. They were a mix of fitness levels, but they “competed” to walk the most steps each day and in doing so formed a life-changing exercise habit.
We all need somebody who understands it’s OK to say it’s hard, but holds you to account and won’t let you give up
The same is needed for eating well. Somebody with you on the journey willing to give up the chips, the cakes, the sugary drinks and alcohol, the “treats”. Somebody who will be with you eating well and exercising more.
We need friends who will get up early on a cold winter’s morning for a walk. A friend who will share the cost of a trainer so the gym isn’t so scary. Friends who pick the healthiest meals (and tell you to step away from the waffles). We all need somebody who understands it’s OK to say it’s hard, but holds you to account and won’t let you give up
The person trying to do the right thing is, however, often derided. Why don’t you want the donut? How can blueberries be a “treat”? Why would you want to spend your holidays hiking? I’ve heard them all. The message was: I’m not doing that, neither should you. You’re making me feel bad. Stop.
You should instead be the friend, lover, colleague who listens, encourages, lays-off judging and joins the journey by getting off your butt and also saying “No” to the cake.
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