Many of you probably saw the article in the Californian about Bakersfield being one of the most obese cities in America. I have seen some interesting responses to this. Some people really got offended by the Californian reporting on the Gallup study. Others were not shocked or offended. I personally do not have a problem with them reporting this. I have been watching this become an issue in our city for a long time and whether you want to admit it or not, obesity is only going to get worse in Bakersfield if we do not change.

Change starts with you. I know you have heard that saying before. In this circumstance it is especially true. What are you doing to make Bakersfield a healthier place to live? Are you setting a good example to people around you by working out on a regular basis? Are you trying to make good food choices? Are you supporting businesses that are trying to offer food or services that are trying to make a difference? If you are, good for you. Keep it up. If you are not, you are part of the problem.

We have all watched Bakersfield grow over the last 10 years. Where there was just fields, there are now businesses. In fact ten years ago, the Rosedale area was one big field. Now there are businesses and houses throughout that part of town. My question is, are these businesses good for our health? I wrote an article about ten years ago called “Eating Out in Bakersfield”. In that article, I made mention to the ridiculous amount of fast food choices we had compared to healthy eating establishments. Fast forward to 2010, fast food has doubled. In another study, Bakersfield was listed as having more fast food per ca pita than most of America. We have all watched as construction started on a new corner and we all would say, ” I wonder what restaurant or stores are going in?” Of course no matter what went in it seemed that a fast food threesome would occupy at least some of that space. When a McDonald’s goes in, the others usually follow. They know that you are going to say well we had that last night, lets have this other one tonight and tacos on Thursday. From a business stand point that is a good strategy. From a health stand point, that is a good formula for making that neighborhood overweight. I know that you don’t have to eat it, I hear that all the time from people that argue my point that we have too many fast food choices, but you know if they are close to you, it is just too easy. But the fact that it is easy is what it is all about for fast food chains. We are busy people and we need to eat. My gripe is, where are the healthy eating choices that give them competition. Well, to be honest, they are in cities where people want them. Fast food chains cannot thrive and grow if we do not support them. If a crack dealer was on the corner of your neighborhood you would not buy his product and if you did, why would he move away. I know that analogy is harsh, but you get the point.

I do feel there is a solution to our obesity issue. It begins with us all doing our part. If we demand healthy eating places, entrepreneurs will have the ability to deliver it. When I started Boot Camp I knew that once people got a taste of what we delivered, they would not only want to do it again, but they would tell others. That is how it started with 10 people and is now almost 200 people every 6 weeks. If you are reading this and you have a passion for healthy food, please look into a healthy franchise or maybe you have your own unique way of delivering healthy food. Right now I am supporting three healthy eating spots, Sequoia, Lassen’s and Coconut Joe’s. The list is short because there are not very many in our town. I know there are a few more places, in fact part 2 of this article will be “Eating Out in Bakersfield” the updated version. I will go into detail in how to make good choices around town.

Remember change starts with you. Do something healthy as an individual and as someone who would like to see the quality of living go up in our city. If you would like to team up with us at Fit For Life to make a difference please email me, I would love to work with you. Keep in mind, I am not saying that fast food is the only cause for our obesity problem, but if you look at the top 10 healthiest cities, you will not find very many fast food joints. What you will find in those cities are lots of fitness options and healthy food businesses doing well due to a strong demand. Bakersfield residents need to demand healthy choices, it is really that simple.

Below is part of the study as well as the link to the actual article.

March 2, 2010

What America’s Most Obese Metro Areas Have in Common

Montgomery, Ala., and Stockton, Calif., Tie for Most Obese in U.S.