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I haven't been to Europe for a few years now, (Germany, Italy and Austria)-not England, but I certainly didn't find that many of them were obese at ALL. McD's and other fast food joints are far and few between if not totally absent from most cities and towns. Maybe in touristy spots where Americans (and Canadians) can get their "biggie it" fixes.
The difference too, is that Europeans walk a LOT or ride their bikes. Americans drive their cars 1/4 mile to the corner store.
And then drive around the lot for the closest spot to the door.
Now I see here in Southern CA stores where you just park and your groceries are delivered to your car. Or delivered at home.
Yes, that is becoming common here, too. In fact Walmart does the shop from home and they bring your groceries out. They have a special section of parking spaces with a number to text when you arrive, then they cart your stuff out to you. It's no charge. I tried it once, but they substituted too many things, and not very well (if you're out of Weight Watchers lasagna, an appropriate substitute would be Lean Cuisine lasagna, not full-fat Stouffers).
The difference too, is that Europeans walk a LOT or ride their bikes. Americans drive their cars 1/4 mile to the corner store.
It would take me almost an hour to walk to the nearest store and when it's over 100 degree outside, I don't do that. This isn't about personal preference, either, it's about how and where people live in cities in the US. If I could ride a bike and get to work in 10 minutes, sure, I'd do that. But most people don't live that close to where they work.
I haven't been to Europe for a few years now, (Germany, Italy and Austria)-not England, but I certainly didn't find that many of them were obese at ALL. McD's and other fast food joints are far and few between if not totally absent from most cities and towns. Maybe in touristy spots where Americans (and Canadians) can get their "biggie it" fixes.
The difference too, is that Europeans walk a LOT or ride their bikes. Americans drive their cars 1/4 mile to the corner store.
While some of that is true, plenty of Europeans drive to work. The fact of the matter is they eat more sensible portions.
People love to use the everyone walks over there, everyone smokes over there. The main difference is the food portions. No one is going hungry, they just do not overdo it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ocnjgirl
Yes, that is becoming common here, too. In fact Walmart does the shop from home and they bring your groceries out. They have a special section of parking spaces with a number to text when you arrive, then they cart your stuff out to you. It's no charge. I tried it once, but they substituted too many things, and not very well (if you're out of Weight Watchers lasagna, an appropriate substitute would be Lean Cuisine lasagna, not full-fat Stouffers).
I know....LOL.
This is fine if someone is disabled and has mobility issues, but be so lazy you can't do you're own shopping. For some people walking from the parking lot into the store, walking around, and than unloading the groceries may be all the exercise they get.
While some of that is true, plenty of Europeans drive to work. The fact of the matter is they eat more sensible portions.
People love to use the everyone walks over there, everyone smokes over there. The main difference is the food portions. No one is going hungry, they just do not overdo it.
I know....LOL.
This is fine if someone is disabled and has mobility issues, but be so lazy you can't do you're own shopping. For some people walking from the parking lot into the store, walking around, and than unloading the groceries may be all the exercise they get.
I always found it funny to watch people circle the lot at the gym, trying to get a spot close to the door so they can go in and walk on the treadmill, lol.
It would take me almost an hour to walk to the nearest store and when it's over 100 degree outside, I don't do that. This isn't about personal preference, either, it's about how and where people live in cities in the US. If I could ride a bike and get to work in 10 minutes, sure, I'd do that. But most people don't live that close to where they work.
Yeah, it is about personal preference. Where does anyone live where it is impossible to walk? There are so many ways to get in extra steps. Just park at the far end of the parking lot every time you shop. Walk a few times around the block in the evening. Go up and down the staircase a few times at work. I wear a Fitbit and, in addition to other exercise goals, I have it set for 8,000 steps a day. If I am a few hundred short at the end of the day, I have been known to walk in circles around the house to get in the last steps I need to meet my goal. It's all how much you want it.
I always found it funny to watch people circle the lot at the gym, trying to get a spot close to the door so they can go in and walk on the treadmill, lol.
How true! My brother is obese. He pays big $$ to go to a gym to walk on the treadmill, but he won't walk his dog around the (small) block. His wife walks their dog. It could be a nice thing for them to do together but they don't.
I don't attend a gym and I'm pretty much a couch potato, but I'm not obese. I can out-walk him any day. He'll be shuffling along behind me huffing and puffing especially if it on a hill or even a slight grade.
I think the main attraction for him at the gym is to watch the (good looking, thinner) girls walk around in their tights LOL!
Yeah, it is about personal preference. Where does anyone live where it is impossible to walk?
It's not impossible to walk for the sake of walking. It's hard to walk to one's workplace because they could very well work in a neighboring city. It might also be hard for them to walk to the grocery store because it would take too long - that time could be spent doing something better. Nobody ever said it's impossible to walk just for the sake of exercise.
A lot of people smoke in Europe too especially the French.
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