In case you didn’t see this in the New York Times recently, Japan has taken a very aggressive stance to ensure the health of its citizens. Under a national law that came into effect two months ago, companies and local governments must now measure the waistlines of Japanese people between the ages of 40 and 74 as part of their annual checkup.
Those exceeding government limits, which have been set at 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, will be given 3 months to lose weight, at which point they will be provided dieting guidance if they do not lose weight. If necessary, those people will be directed toward more weight loss education if there is no improvement over 6 additional months.
Here’s the kicker – to reach its goals of shrinking the overweight population by 10 percent over the next four years, and 25 percent over the next seven years, the Ministry of Health will impose financial penalties on companies and local governments that fail to meet specific targets. Imagine if your employer was fined because you were fat – that does not seem like a good way to advance in your career! What if your local taxes increased because there were too many fat people in your town?!
Perhaps the most telling comment came from a professor in Tokyo who felt that the campaign was unnecessary in Japan because they are so slender already, but “if you did this in the United States, there would be benefits, since there are many Americans who weigh more than 100 kilograms” (220 pounds). No doubt that the U.S. government, as well as the health insurance providers, will be watching this program very closely.
Is it any wonder why the Japanese are especially vulnerable to fad diets like the Banana Diet that became popular there recently!
So, don’t wait for the Government, or worse, your employer to tell you to lose weight!
Today’s guest blog post – and AWESOME recipe – is from Ian Graham of Athletic Body System
Eating clean need not be so bland and boring… and dessert is still an option.
I always encourage people to allow themselves a treat or cheat meal once per week. Now some people , when cheating, still like to keep their cheats ‘healthy’ if they can and this dessert recipe will do just that if you are someone who wants to keep your ‘cheats’ as ‘clean’ as possible!
REMEMBER… You won’t be consuming this dish on a regular basis, maybe once every week or two, so you should not feel bad about consuming it. You can also adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your own needs.
Fat Loss Diet Dessert
Ingredient List!
Directions:
1: Mix 100grams of the greek yogurt with the 15-20grams of banana whey protein powder untila smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. This will form a custard like mixture. Now spoon it into your dish or cup.
2: Chop up your 1/2 banana into thin slices and layer on top of the ‘custard like’ mix of greek yogurt and protein powder.
3: Sprinkle a teaspoon of chopped walnuts over the banana.
4: Whip up the remaining 50 grams of greek yogurt until smooth and creamy looking…. before spooning over the top of the banana and walnuts.
5: Sprinkle a teaspoon of organic cocoa nibs over the top of the creamy greek yogurt topping.
6: Place a cherry on top.
NOW… Go grab a spoon and enjoy! This is a rich and creamy dessert and could easily be divided into two servings or shared between two people!
Nutritional Information:
Pro: 33grams Carbs: 28grams Fat: 8grams Kcals: 316kcals
* Nutritional values are approximates and will vary depending on the protein source used, etc. Try to use a protein that’s as low in fat, carbs and sugar as possible… and play with the ingredients to modify the recipe to suit your needs. For example… if you want a lower carb version, simple leave out the banana and you’ll lose approximately 15grams of carbs and 60kcals. SIMPLE!!!
Ian Graham, Physique Athlete
Sculpt Your Whole Life, Not Just Your Body
