Obesity Report 2011

Adult obesity rates climbed in 16 states during the past year and now exceed 30 percent in 12 states, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011.

For the first time, this year’s report examined how the obesity epidemic has grown over the past two decades:

• Twenty years ago, no state had an adult obesity rate above 15 percent. Today, more than two out of three states, 38 total, have rates over 25 percent, and just one state has a rate lower than 20 percent.
• Since 1995, when data first became available for every state, obesity rates have doubled in seven states and increased by at least 90 percent in 10 others.

The report also highlights troubling racial and ethnic disparities in adult obesity rates:

• Adult obesity rates for Blacks were above 30 percent in 42 states and D.C. The same was true among Latinos in 23 states.
• Only four states had an adult obesity rate over 30 percent among Whites. 

If there is a glimmer of hope, it comes when you look at this year’s report in context with earlier editions. Back in 2006, RWJF and TFAH began looking at which states experienced statistically significant increases in adult obesity rates over the prior year.

• From 2006 through 2008, there were more than 30 states each year that saw increased rates from the prior year.
• Over the next two years, the number of states experiencing increases was in the twenties.
• This is the first time since the report started tracking year-to-year increases that fewer than 20 states had higher adult obesity rates.

--Be Our Voice & NICQ

Simple and Delicious Summer Recipes

Coconut Crusted Tilapia

Cari D. gave me this recipe, although she normally makes it with chicken.  Since I did not have chicken, I elected to use tilapia!  Tilapia is great, because you get fish oil, and its super cheap!  After baking, you can slice the fish for fish tacos (great with a little guac), eat it plain, put it on a salad, or anything else you can come up with!  They are also great warmed up, so feel free to make extra for the week and pack them for work or school!  You won't be disappointed!

I took a can of coconut milk into a shallow dish and added about a TBSP of hot sauce and the juice of 1 lime.  I placed 6 tilapia fillets into the dish and let them marinate overnight, although they really only need to marinate for an hour.
Then make a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut (approx 1:1) and add salt and pepper as desired.  Prep a sheet pan with aluminum foil if you are like me and like to make things easier for yourself.  Also, turn the oven to 400 degrees.  One by one, dip the fillets into the crust mixture until covered on both sides, then place on aluminum foil.  Bake approximately 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets.  Bake another 3-5 minutes or until fish is cooked.  Enjoy!

Peach Beach Drink

While I was in Atlanta with Cari D., we went peach picking - which I highly recommend!!  I got so many, that I couldn't eat them all before they were going bad.  So, when they were ripe, I cut them into cubes and froze them.  I decided to make a delicious beach drink that is so refreshing, it is perfect for any summer occasion!

To make 2 servings, take 1.5 cups of frozen peaches and place in a blender.  Add 2 shots coconut rum and ice.  Add about 1/4 cup coconut paste.  Blend.  ENJOY!!!

Balsamic Vinegar

I found an amazing alternative to salad dressing that is delicious on almost every salad imaginable - balsamic vinegar!  Seriously, I dare you to try it on your favorite homemade salad and tell me that it doesn't make you want to eat a salad at EVERY meal!

Let me know if you have any questions or would like any information on any recipes!