Why is there such an epidemic? Part 1

So why is it that we are having such a problem with obesity these days? There are SO MANY REASONS. And right now I just want to touch on one of them. 

What is the common theme in most fast food joints? Let's think about some of the things we order-
Fried chicken (sometimes on a sandwich)
A big juicy burger
Sandwiches 
Fries
Onion rings
Mozzarella sticks
Chips
Large and extra large Cokes/Sprites/Sweet Teas/etc.
Smoothies/milkshakes
Pumpkin Spice Lattes

So what do we have here?
-Chicken, potatoes, onions, fish, and more... covered in batter... cooked in grease.
-Sugary syrups (and straight sugar) & lots of dairy fat poured into our drinks.
-Huge cups full of sugary drinks (and chemicals...but more on that later. oh, and the cups keep getting bigger, btw.)

Starchy carbs. 
Sugary carbs.
Lots of fat.

First and foremost, I must say this: CARBS ARE NOT EVIL! FAT IS NOT THE DEVIL! You NEED carbs and fat in order for your body to perform. Period. End of story. YOU MUST EAT CARBS AND PROTEIN!! K? Okay.

Guess what else you need? Protein. Most people don't get nearly enough of it. And it's very easy to see why.
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Let's look at some more specific examples:

McDonald's Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel with Hashbrown 
Calories: 820 
Fat:        44 g
Carb:      71 g
Protein:  34 g

KFC Classic Twister Meal
Calories: 1,164
Fat:         45 g
Carb:      147 g
Protein:   36 g

Applebee's Steakhouse Burger and Fries
Calories: 1,546
Fat :        85 g
Carb:      134 g
Protein:   57 g

Daily total: 3,530 calories, 175 fat (45%), 352 carb (40%), 128 protein (15%)

See how heavy the day is in fat and carbs? Not to mention how high the calorie content is...and this doesn't even have drinks, coffees, appetizers, desserts, or snacks listed. 

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But let's say you're health conscious & you choose better options throughout your day:

Panera Strawberry Granola Parfait & Power Sandwich
Calories: 650
Fat:         26 g
Carb:       74 g
Protein:    25 g

Subway 6" Club on Wheat with Sun Chips (cuz those are healthier, right?)
Calories: 610
Fat:         22 g
Carb:       72 g
Protein:    29 g

Ocharley's Chicken Apple Spinach Salad
Calories: 1,010
Fat:         61 g
Carb:       71 g
Protein:   44 g

Daily total: 2,270, 109 fat (44%), 217 carb (39%), 98 protein (17%)

Still...very little protein and a TON of fat and carbs.
Depending on your body composition, these numbers could be WAAAAY off when it comes to meeting your goals. You could be thinking you are taking the right steps to lose weight and STILL gain weight. 
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I know it's confusing. But basically here's how it works: (and if you only read one thing out of this post, read this)

Your body needs a specific amount of each macronutrient in order to perform, and especially to perform the way you want it to.

So, for example, once your body has enough carbohydrates, it says, "okay. I'm good there. I don't need any more; now I need some protein." So those extra carbs you keep giving it, your body just stores them (in your cells as water) for later use, and if you don't use what you've stored (like in a good workout), it turns that water weight into fat. So when we are day to day consuming too many carbs and too much fat, it just keeps storing it.That's why we're packing on the fat. And remember how it's asking for protein now but we keep giving it carbs? (In this example) THAT is part of the reason why we feel hungry all of the time! We aren't giving our bodies what it's asking for! 

And what is all of this doing to your INSIDES? Well, that's a loooooong story. I'll save it for another day. :) 

Fit tip for the day: include protein every time you eat & become more aware of all the carbs you are eating. fruit, breads, pasta, breading (on anything fried), sugar, flavored drinks (yes, that includes your Starbucks favorite)...if you don't have a nutrition facts label, google it. ;)