Disclaimer: This is not a political post. It is just a note from a small town fitness coach and writer, trying to debunk the myth that we need to succumb to the landscape of our surroundings. I write and express my opinions in order to create a legacy, make a difference in our lives, and help others succeed on all levels.
Like a child, sometimes I sit, think, dream, and wonder what I would do if I could be president of the greatest nation on earth, and how I would make significant changes to improve the lives of all Americans.
First I would start with our food supply. I would ban all toxic ingredients that are allowed in the food placed on our shelves. I would follow the same regulations as Canada and Europe, and not allow toxic and addictive foods to be produced for human consumption.
Ban the Big gulp!! This was something introduced by a politician in New York, and there was tons of backlash because of it. People were marching in the streets, claiming their rights were being infringed upon, and the government had no business intervening in their health. (Kinda like when they put a seat belt law in place to save lives.)
Nobody needs a bucket of soda and it will absolutely harm you in many ways, yet it remains available for human consumption. I believe in freedom, but I also believe in common sense, and sometimes laws need to be in place when there is an absence of common sense.
Metabolic disease is one of the 4 main killers of Americans in this day and age, and improving what we eat will help solve this problem directly, and cause a domino effect towards many of the other EXPENSIVE problems we face in this country.
School lunches and what we feed kids is a great place to start.
Instead of breaded chicken nuggets, and pizza, lets feed the kids a balanced and nutritious meal, then let them hit the playground for 30 minutes.
Instead, we pump them full of processed carbs, and expect them to sit still and retain their lessons. Then when that doesn't happen, we diagnose them with ADD or ADHD then pump them full of medication to calm them down.
The problem is that the school lunch contracts either go to the lowest bidder or friends of the administration, NOT the company that produces the best product with human health as the main focus.
The bottom line is that good nutrition solves a lot of the problems we face today, and many are unaware of the harmful repercussions that eating poorly does to us. Nor are they aware of the millions of dollars that go into advertising these products that get us addicted and ruin our health.
By eating better you avoid many medications that are taken as a result of poor nutrition. Anti inflammatory, and acid reflux are just a couple of symptoms that can be avoided, amongst many, but Big food, and Big Pharma work together, so they can keep you in this vicious cycle of doing harm to yourself, then seeking meds to mask the symptoms.
Back to the school system, whatever happened to home economics and woodworking shops? Nowadays, kids can't bang a nail or prepare a meal for themselves unless they have something packaged and a microwave nearby.
Yes, history, science and math are important, however balancing finances, changing a flat tire, preparing good quality food, and understanding the benefits of health and fitness will set young adults up for success at an early age.
Leadership training would also be a great asset to add to a school curriculum as we need more good leaders in this world, and leadership is something that needs to be earned, and not appointed. In case you haven't noticed, we have a shortage of great leaders as good leadership also solves a lot of problems.
To go a step further, I would make it mandatory for everyone to serve 2 years in the military, which I wish I would have done, as it would have most likely kept me out of jail when I was younger.
I believe learning structure, and discipline at an early age builds character and resiliency and the military provides that for many young folks. It is also a way to give back to your country, as I feel we are too entitled in this day and age.
With all that being said, it is doubtful I will ever become president. What I can say is that in order to keep America great, it starts with each and every one of us trying to become better versions of ourselves.
Neither party is going to save you if you don't focus within, and figure out ways to become self sufficient.
Start by controlling your health and fitness.
Exercise is the best drug on the market, and food is the best medicine. By being fit and healthy you will solve more problems than any politician can.
By leading yourself first, it empowers you to have more self confidence, and gives you the ability to lead others to become better versions of themselves.
Regardless of who wins the election, it's all of our duty and obligation, to do our part, in order to become the best version of ourselves. When we improve ourselves, we influence others, and when others follow great leaders, we all win.