Time To Get Off The "SoFAS"!

It's not what you might be thinking.  This isn't going to be a post about increasing activity and getting off the couch, although that's a good idea too!  No, this is about a different kind of "SoFAS".  In this situation "SoFAS" is a clever acronym for "Solid Fats and Added Sugars".  Unfortunately SoFAS are entirely too popular in the SAD (Standard American Diet).  This is especially true among the child and adolescent population.

There are over 23 million overweight or obese children and teens in the United States today; and unfortunately that number, along with their waistlines, just keeps growing.  If this trend continues the next generation is going to 'crush' the current overweight and obesity statistics.  There will be even more cases of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other chronic diseases.  We live in an "obesogenic" world where huge portions, fast food, soda and inactivity rule; where French fries are the most commonly consumed 'vegetable' and high sugar granola bars are viewed as 'healthy'.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association identified the top SoFAS sources in the diets of 2-18 year olds.  Researchers report that SoFAS contribute 40 percent of daily calories for this age group; this is about 800 calories per day.  Top sources of overall daily calories in the study population were identified as being: grain based desserts (donuts, cookies, cake, granola bars, pie, etc.), pizza, soda and fruit juice, whole milk (for the younger population), and yeast breads.  It looks like a "Carb-spiracy" to me... 

The foods that children and teens are choosing are not the foods that their bodies need to be healthy, leaving them 'malnourished' although in caloric excess.  It's no doubt time for a change.  If you have or know kids and/or adolescents help them get off the "SoFAS"...  And if you're currently 'lounging' too, understand that "SoFAS" aren't getting you any closer to your fitness, health, and 'look good naked' goals either...

So...  Get Off Your SoFAS!!!

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