Have you seen the latest ad slogan from the good folks at Golden Corral? As a guy that has struggled with weight and self-image due to my weight for most I my life I found the slogan striking.

Help yourself to happiness

Help yourself to happiness—by gorging at an all-you-can eat buffet? Thanks but no thanks Golden Corral.

I have always had a love/hate relationship with food like many of you. First it was a bit of ignorant bliss since I grew up in a traditional Oklahoma chicken fry and mash potato house. I did not understand eating healthy because no one around me was doing it. Finally in college I took the big step to be in control of my health and sought some professional help.

Years later I struggle everyday to make the healthy choice.

I fight lifelong bad habits and a connection with food as comfort when bored or stressed. Of course I am not alone in our obese America. The numbers are terrifying and in reality we as a nation are slowly killing ourselves by not respecting our bodies. Think of it as a long and slow version of suicide that impacts us both physically and mentally. Hard to say but true.

But there is hope!

There is joy to be found in balance and moderation. Don’t diet! Instead choose to make small changes in your lifestyle through healthy eating habits and exercise. You truly will be amazed at the results. Do it for yourself, do it for your family, and do it for your future!

What do you think about the impact of obesity on our country?

What advice do you have for others that are struggling?

Need more inspiration? Read this great blog post from Anna Light. She will get you going for sure.