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When lifestyles become "foodstyles" , we become walking billboards, advertising excess and decadence. Widespread obesity has developed to pandemic proportions as we pack on the pounds, year after year.

Two-job families have fuelled the need for fast food outlets. Having less time to cook, pizza has become a family staple. High tech advancements have made it unnecessary to exercise any part of our body except our fingers. Gadgets and toys which supposedly make life easier is actually making life too easy. When there is text-messaging, webcams and emails, why bother having human or social interaction? It can all be done via a machine. Why garner communication or a support system when there is endless food to fill that void?

Unfortunately, developing countries look upon our excesses as a "must have" in their endeavor to emulate progressive Western Society. Our good life is infiltrating their modest means. Countries such as China are making way for our fast-food culinary delights. McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Starbucks are invading a country full of healthy thin people, where labor is still mostly manual, without the help of machins. Now young children are introduced to "Happy Meals" and "Chicken McNuggets", and buckets of deliciously fried chicken.

CHANGING VALUES:

In Europe, afternoon siestas and extended winter vacations are still a tradition. Coffee at a sidewalk cafe or strolling in the village square is a habitually evening occurrence. Europeans work hard, but also know the virtue of balance in their lives.

In North America, working couples have little time for sit-down dinners or family physical activity. Oftentimes, machines entertain our children, limiting the need to play outside or get fresh air. Fatigue sets in, eating for comfort becomes frequent, and eating healthy is put on the back burner.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH:

Food is panacea for most of our problems. Instead of talking out our problems, we turn to food for companionship. When bored, we exercise our mouths. When we have parties, food is of paramount importance. We reward our children with food instead of verbal reinforecement. Food becomes a disciplinary measure for some. After a while, food becomes our friend, family, therapist, and sometimes our God. No wonder we are obese!

STATUS SYMBOLS:

Luxury cars used to be status symbols for the rich. The new status symbol for the middle class is to walk into the office, carrying a cup of Starbucks

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