I have SELF CONTROL?

Internal war is going around the world. You hear people talk about it all the time. The cause of it is on every street corner, obesity. It isn’t just about self control, but also stuff like the economy, personal obligation and choices that are available.
Think about it, if you only have $5 to spend during your hour lunch, where are you going to go? Are you going to go to a grocery store and buy fresh produce and cook it just before you get a chance to eat it when your lunch break comes to an end? Or are you going to go to McDonalds? Burger King? Wendys? And get your food cheap and fast.
I can see a lot of people bringing leftovers from home to eat for lunch but how many times are you going to get tired of eating the same meals your wife or mom cooks at home? It’s even worse when dad cooks and he ends up burning everything to a crisp. That will be a nice meal to show off to your co-workers, deep fried charcoal chicken. On top of not having a decent cook around the house, you just saw a commercial for McDonalds last night before you went to bed, $4.99 for 20 piece nuggets?! (tax not included yet) HOLY BACON!! I’m so there!
But wait, can I do this everyday? If I think about it, all those nuggets are going right to my thighs. Oh well… Summer’s just about over, who would see my thighs anyways? Besides, what other choices do I have since I can’t cook? I’m a college student too, man… I don’t roll that deep in money to go to a restaurant everyday.
After a week of this stuff, I’m feeling sluggish and my heart is pumping twice as much just to get blood through the rest of my body. Whew, they didn’t tell me this would happen in the commercial, all I knew was that I was going to be saving money, they didn’t tell me if I kept this up, I wouldn’t live long enough to spend it. More for my kids right? That is, if the money didn’t already go out to my medical bills first to pay for the insulin I’ll need as diabetes start to develop. OH MAN! I’m late for work!
See what I mean? Everyday, we’re face with choices, we can either eat healthy or eat quickly. Most people choose to eat quickly because that’s all the time they have. Not to mention that’s all the money they have to spare based on their salary after paying bills. It’s not just about having self control but it’s also about choices and the economy around you.
Published by: Susana Vuong

over eating

It's easy to consume what the body doesn't need. If we spent time eating and consuming what we need instead of what we don't need, maybe we could live a healthier life.
Health is more than just facts and science. Be up on game when it has to do with your body. Take fair portions of food. Don't overeat, and drink plenty of water and real juices. If you feel the urge to snack, try eating something healthy rather than eating junk. Nuts, whole wheat bread with honey, and fresh fruit are always options for snacking. Remember, you supposed to eat five servings of fruit a day anyway, so why not substitute junk food for a tasty fruit salad of your choice. If you want to feel good and look good start taking control, it's up to you to take part in a healthy life. Many people overlook the issues we're facing today and refuse to connect food to these problems. It's serious and is getting out of hand. That saying "You are what you eat" is true and I think we should listen and follow these words. If you don't want high blood pressure, heart problems and death related health problems then you need to get it together. You only have one life so live it well.

Produced By: Rynesha Snowden

Global Food Project: plantains

Plantains, sometimes referred to as a cooking banana are a very versitile fruit very misunderstood. Even though not a lot of people cook them in America they're extremely popular in Latin America,Caribbean and Asia. Plantains sort of look like bananas but they are thicker and taste way more starchier. When i first heard of plantains I instinctively put them in the fruit category. Well in their native countries they're used more like a vegetable than a fruit. We usually bake our plantains but they can also be fried, sauteed mashed or even microwaved. Although plantains do not come from Africa and all edible banana come from 2 species originating in S. East Asia they are believed to have been in Africa for at least 1500-2000 years. Not only are they one of the highest energy foods but they also have a large calorie yield, great source of potassium, vitamin and almost no protein or fat. So the next time you see a banana make sure to read before you peel! Because it may be a plantain.javascript:void(0)

by: Angel Butler