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Hey everyone! Dream02 here, with another facisnating article. At least, I hope
so. Let's get to it, because this is a problem that needs addressing.
If I say eating disorder, you probably automatically think "Anorexia Nervosa" or
"Bulimia". But there is another weight disorder, and it's just as bad as either
of those. Obesity.
Fifteen percent of American children and teens aged 6-19 are obese, according to data from 1999 & 2000. You don't think 15
percent is that much? It is. It equals almost 9 MILLION kids, and that's TRIPLE
what the proportion was in 1980.
Obesity is considered an accumulation of body fat, resulting in teens being at
least 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight. Obesity is an ongoing problem
in the U.S., in adults, and sadly, in children and teens. Obese people of all
ages are at a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart
disease, and some types of cancer.
According to a recent study released in May 2004, overweight children and teens
are more likely to be bullied or even become bullies than normal-weight children
are.
If you are making bad food choices now, you are more likely to make them later
as well. The later you choose to start making healthy choices, the harder it
will become. This goes for obese children and teens as well as normal children
and teens.
If I asked you what you had for an after-school snack, what would you say? Soda?
Chips? Cake? Dare I say, cookies? LOL. I'm just kidding. But fact is, those
aren't very healthy choices. How many do you think would say an apple? Carrot
sticks? I know some of you would, but not many.
Thats why I have a couple recipies for you, ones that are easy to make and, I
think, healthy. Some parts you'll need to get your parents' permission or help,
depending on your age.
Fruit Smoothie
1 banana
2 cups peach yogurt
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup orange juice
Equipment:
blender
4 cups
Peel and wrap the banana tightly in plastic wrap. Put in the freezer for two
hours. Place the yogurt, banana, strawberries, and orange juice in the jar of
the blender. Puree until smooth and frothy. Serve.
Cheese Quesadillas
8 flour tortillas
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2 cups grated jack cheese
olive oil
Brush four tortillas lightly on one side with the oil. Place four tortillas on
the grill oiled side down (You can also do this in a frying pan, one at a time).
Top with cheese to taste and put another tortilla on each. turn quesadillas when
bottoms are browned and cheese begins to melt. Brown on the other side. Serve
hot.
Hope these recipies start you on your way to eating healthy.
*goes off to eat an apple*
Dream02
Sources Cited:
http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/diseases/obesity.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com
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