Watch this documentary when you have the time:

Most of the information I had heard before—obviously, it’s no secret that obesity is bad and is a spreading epidemic. Out here in America, we see this the most. Our PE and nutrition standards in our schools are not even close to what they should be. I always assumed this is why our children are becoming more and more obese—and it certainly is a contributing factor—but this is not the root of the problem. The real reason why our children are obese is because of TV and advertising.

Also, because of technology use increasing, the time kids spend stagnant is also increasing. There is a direct correlation between TV watching and obesity. We need to get back to basics—kids need to play outside! And do real things! Also, most of the information that they are receiving from TV is horrible for their health and development. The documentary gravely revealed that the media is “undermining” our youth and “marketing the worst products for our kids.” We need to be investing in organizations that promote actually healthy foods. If you have to question what the processed food is supposed to be (IE: no recognizable fruits or veggies or other real food groups), then it is probably not healthy and we should not be consuming it, much less feeding it to our children. Big corporations selling mass loads of processed sugar through their advertisements, designed to appeal to our youth, and then to program them to think that they want the brand names and that everything else is “yucky.” I remember being a kid and, despite my parents’ healthy diets, I still hated veggies! When you are adapted to eating ridiculously sweet foods with loads of artificial sugar and gluten, of course natural foods are going to taste bland. We must find a way to advertise healthy foods to make them “goofy” or “charming” and appealing to the kids. I absolutely LOVE this picture that is on the wall of the cafeteria at Silver Gate Elementary, the school that I work at:

yo-bro

If we broadcasted healthy foods as opposed to Cocoa Puffs and other brands with no nutritional value, without a doubt we would drastically see a positive change in the lives and health of our kids. Also, in school cafeterias, we need to be offering the kids healthier foods and completely eliminate all beverages except for water.

Another solution to the obesity epidemic lies in making PE fun. PE does not have to be boring or exhausting! All it takes is some creativity and variation to get the kids smiling and enjoying the activity. We need to up our current PE standards and encourage more movement in all fields of learning. So many people don’t even realize the “pump,” the rush of endorphins you receive from a demanding workout because they don’t push themselves there! Challenging yet fun fitness regimes are necessary if we are to improve the futures of our kids.

It is so sad to see this next generation seeping into the screens. Less and less socialization and movement, and increasing obesity and other health concerns. The answer is simple because everything we need is right in front of us: the world, in its natural state, is the perfect playground and contains the most delicious harvest. We tend to complicate things by trying to constantly “improve” upon what is: trick ourselves into thinking artificial foods taste better than real foods, and that sitting on the couch passively is more fun than active play. This is a lie and its detrimental effects are evident! Through more choice advertisement, encouraging outside play as opposed to TV watching and other passivity, and incorporating challenging yet fun PE in schools, we can turn this next generation around.