If you're one of many people that struggle with weight control, please don't hate me as you read this. (It may be a long post, so bear with me.)

As you all know, we're becoming an obese country. The percentages are steadily rising, despite the promptings and urgings from physicians to Michelle Obama.

Most of my readers know that I'm a "lightweight" (120#) at 5'8". I don't know what my body fat index is, but it's way "below average". I think it's where it should be--certainly no higher, despite what the charts say.

Here's the problem with said charts and averages. They totally miss the point! Like the amount of mercury in fish the FDA says is acceptable (NONE is acceptable!), so is extra weight (fat) unacceptable. What is not taken into account are things such as bone and muscle density and weight distribution.

My neighbor Ken (and millions of others) THINKS he's NOT overweight, because of the charts (160 at 5'7"). But he has the skinniest legs you ever saw, with a belly that puts Santa Claus to shame. He justifies his protrubing midsection with the standard "I'm normal" (average). And he ridicules me for being "underweight"--which, by all charts, I am.

But let me tell you straight up, where Ken is, is unhealthy. HE IS OVERWEIGHT, PERIOD! I, on the other hand, am NOT underweight, and extremely healthy and physically fit (not to brag--just the facts). We see on TV and real life obese people--really obese--and, in comparison, say to ourselves, "At least I'm not THAT fat". And go about our business thinking "I'm good". WRONG!

The "beer belly" so many men have is not normal, and certainly not good. The gobs of under the skin fat is equaled by the fat surrounding the internal organs. And it's the amount of fat in the wrong places that is unhealthy, not your average overall weight. When I do gain a few winter time pounds, it always shows up in my stomach area. The Kens of the world that tell me I need to gain weight don't see that for every 1 pound that goes to my face, arms, and legs, 3 lbs (minimum) goes to my belly and waist (despite my 1000 crunches/day).

And crunches/situps won't help with the abdominal fat. Sure, it strengthens muscles (back included), but unless one can burn off the calories as fast as they are taken in, weight (and fat) increases. I know. I'm living evidence. I don't eat any more in the winter than the summer (although I perhaps snack more out of boredom), but I burn less calories by less work and exercise (no garden, golf, jogging, etc.).

(Here's where I should stop and write a "part 2" later, but I'll continue. You can postpone the rest 'til later if desired.)

Now, I'm no expert, physician, diet guru, or anybody notable in the field of nutrition. But I have my opinions and my own personal history to guide my philosophies on the subject of weight control and longevity. Let's face it--I want to live past 100--a healthy, viable 100. My father will soon be 94, his mother made it to the century mark. I'm counting on it. But, it takes more than good genes. It takes knowledge, education (not formal), good sense, and most of all, self determination (strong will).

Eating is more than a way of staying alive. It's an addiction. I claim we are addicted to food. Furthermore, we are addicted to the wrong kinds of food. Oh, and how! And, like water is necessary for survival, but can cause drowning, too much food (good or bad) can and will kill us.

How many times I've heard people say to me, "You're lucky to have high metabolism." Or that I have "skinny genes". Bull patties. I have neither. For the record, my mother's side was fat--no, obese. And my one sister is 50 lbs. overweight.
My Dad's dad was plump, as was his sister. No, it's not a matter of luck.

Admittedly, I've never had to "diet" per se. Yes, I've watched my weight and "cut back" on portions, sweets, snacks, etc. Plus, I've increased my workout numbers if I've "been bad". But, in my opinion, fad diets don't work. What does work is dedication to doing the right things (and not falling off the wagon).

Foods can be toxic. I don't mean poisonous, but harmful.

As mentioned earlier, we are, for the most part, addicted to food. We crave it. Even if we aren't hungry, we eat. We're like cannibals. If it's readily available, we nibble away at whatever is in the pantry or refrigerator. And it's not carrots or apple slices. I'm guilty--I speak from experience. It is a "toxic hunger". It's a bad habit--an addiction. We feel we have to eat, even if we aren't hungry. It makes us feel good. We know we're being bad, and that it's bad for us, but we continue. The dopamine hormones are flowing at waterfall speed. Eat, eat, eat some more. We can't stop. We are out of control. Yes, I've been there.

I compensate by exercising more. But that isn't the solution. The catabolic (burning calories) side doesn't alleviate the anabolic (consuming calories--eating) end. It's not as simple as they say--balancing intake with outgo. That's not to say exercise or being active isn't important. It's vital! Not only does it help burn calories, but it keeps one fit, both physically and mentally.

Fat people are constantly being warned that they are "candidates" for heart attacks. However, even "fit" people get heart attacks (or cancer, etc.). No one is 100% immune to sudden death. But one can minimize the chances by eating less and less frequently (despite what I've heard about eating 6 small meals a day, which I disagree with).

I very strongly believe the secret of good health, living a long life, being happy and productive, is not exclusively found in "dieting", exercising, or having annual physical checkups, but is found in eating the RIGHT foods. I don't have to tell you what the bad foods are. We all know. I can tell you what IS good for you, but I won't (unless asked).

Here's the bottom line to all this. Eat right, eat in moderation, get your butt off the couch, and you, too, will live to be 100. It just takes a little (okay, a lot) of will power. Do you have it in you?