Over 35% of Americans are said to be overweight while, over 31% can be classified as obese. That means that majority of our population needs to make lifestyle changes, and stop the increased use of resources!

Here is an article that has (older) stats on obesity in America: http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=3726

I hate to admit it, but I'm one of those statistics.  But I'm working on it (I exercise 3x a week, and make most of my food at home now). 

For me, the reasons are totally emotional.  Since I've done some work on this, I eat less (and by definition more sustainably).  As I learn more, I see more and more the link between sustainable eating and health...and its converse, overconsumption of material goods and overconsumption of food.

A lot could be said about how our society essentially trains us (here in the States) to become overeaters, under exercisers, and consequently, overweight.  Less sidewalks, more 8-lane highways, larger fast food meals.... 

 Just as much could be said about how we buy into it-literally-when if we took some time to reflect: is this what I really want? we might realize, "no, I don't want the supersized meal as I rush out on my lunch break.  I want to sit down with friends over something nourishing, and have even more nourishing conversation over the next half hour or so of my lunch break.

It takes strength to swim against the tide of our culture, but we can do it if we see the benefits more clearly than the obstacles.  Who knows?  Maybe we'll save enough money from eating less to help at least one other person this year...

-Maybe if I stand still long enough, the loam will soak into my body, diffuse into my soul, and infuse it with the life I seek.