My idea is really big. I want to help stop obesity. I know that childhood obesity is a really big problem, but I think it has to start with the parents. From watching “Biggest Loser” from the beginning, I see that so many parents with obese children are obese themselves. Also, “In the United States, some 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese, as are nearly 13 percent of children.” They really need to be educated on health, fitness and wellness. My goal is to get my degree and then become a Certified Fitness and Wellness Consultant. I would love to work out of my home. I would like to counsel adults and seniors on nutrition, possibly going into their homes or into Assisted Living Facilities to help them with their diet and plan their meals. I wouldn’t even mind helping them prepare the meals because I love to cook. Maybe even teach healthy cooking classes at the community center. From my own experience, I know that diet needs to be changed one step at a time. Years ago, I was 200 lbs. and by learning all I could and taking small steps, I lost 40 pounds. I didn’t even start exercising until I had lost about half that weight. Walking is the only exercise that I enjoy! Admittedly, I have gained a lot of that weight back because 2 years ago I had to have a knee replacement and I cannot do a lot of exercising. But now that I can walk well again, I am working on losing that weight again. I have worked in the school lunch program and even though our school district has tried hard to provide healthier options, the kids just won’t eat it! You would be surprised how much food goes in the trash can. This is why I think that first the parents need to be educated, because if they are not eating healthy at home, they will not eat healthy food when it is offered in school.
