Tuesday 9 August 2011

Supersize Me

It's the second week of our holiday in Florida and I am already several inches wider than I was when I got here. It really isn't difficult to gain weight here. Obviously you treat yourself more when you are on holiday but that isn't the only problem. The thing about Florida that I have found is the abundance of good bad food and the lack of good good food.

I will explain . . .

We have been to several restaurants this week and although I haven't been overly conscious of my 'bad' food intake I do try and make sure that JC gets his 5 a day and doesn't eat too much junk. There really isn't much choice for a main meal beyond hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders and pizza. All of which I am sure have enough salt in them to make you float.

The funny moment comes when I ask the waiter if I can have a fruit salad for JC. It's not on the menu but I don't see it as a huge ask. They look at me like I have just asked them for rare oysters with a side of candy floss but as they are so helpful in the U S of A the waiter offers to pop out to the local shop to get some for me! This wasn't a one off and I am extremely surprised by the lack of healthy options available for kids as well as adults.



I saw a little girl about 3 years old today who was shopping with her very overweight mother. I smiled at her then my eyes were drawn to her legs. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor wee soul who could barely walk as her legs were covered in thick rolls of fat. Her feet couldn't fit in her shoes properly and were bulging over the top. It was a hot day and she looked so uncomfortable. I can totally understand why people are overweight living here as the portions are enormous, the food deliciously unhealthy and the access to food is 24hours a day. However, you don't need to eat it all, you don't need to accept what is on the menu, the more people who demand healthier options the more available it will become. Sometimes I feel like the UK is a bit OTT when it comes to healthy eating but I'd rather have that than the supersize mentality that seems to be the norm here.

*disclaimer - this is based on my limited experience of Florida and the restaurants I have visited so I am generalising. There will, I'm sure, be healthier restaurants and not all American children are obese. I did visit a lovely restaurant tonight called Bahama Breeze who served JC with yummy broccoli and fruit salad (alongside some greasy chicken tenders but we will turn a blind eye to that!)

Check out the other weight loss related posts over at Liska's wonderful blog

11 comments:

  1. Sarah MacFarlane9 August 2011 at 13:53

    You may be struggling for a well balanced meal but Id say your attitude is pretty well balanced.  Enjoy your holiday xx

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  2. I also think the abundance and non-stop availability is a big problem when it comes to food - we have forgotten what a normal person actually needs to eat. Not very much.

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  3. Mummyandthebeastie10 August 2011 at 14:52

    These were exactly my opinions when we visited Florida. Not only is everything huge but it is mainly unhealthy and greasy. I found it particularly hard when I went out there as I was suffering from morning sickness so the food was very off putting and I just wanted healthy options! x

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  4. workinglondonmummy12 August 2011 at 20:41

    What an interesting post for Mumentum!! I have to agree - I lived in the states and it is so easy to eat a little too well.
    Still that is what holidays are for you can catch up when you are back ! xx

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  5. I agree you seem to have a sensible attitude to it all so don't worry too much whilst on holiday and enjoy yourself. My experience of America  was that the amount of food on offer was unbelievable and that there were lots of very large people and lots of very thin people but not much in the middle x

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  6. Yes, I don't think there is much middle ground here! I think if I lived here I'd be in the huge bloater catagory!

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  7. I have enjoyed the food here despite it being unhealthy and far too much. I am looking forward to going back to my more sensible ways on Sunday though!

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  8. eek, I wouldn't like to be here and pregnant! I have actually been sick every morning this week. I think I am having a hysterical pregnancy! I'm blaming my hormones as it's JC birthday today!

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  9. I thought that our portions at home were large until I got here! 

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  10. Thanks! I have had a great time but I can't wait to get home for some lovely tap water and delicious fruit. I am easy to please!x

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  11. Hee hee, not if you stay away from all you can eat buffets....did you take your hotpants with you? Have a great trip :-) xx

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