Sixty-six to seventy percent of American adults are overweight.

The media, personal training certification materials, and fitness bloggers love to repeat this figure, usually following up with something like,

• “Americans are moving less and eating more.”
• “Experts blame sedentary lifestyles for the increase in overweight and obesity.”
• “Oversized portions at restaurants are contributing to the problem.”
• “Today’s population is much less active than previous generations.”

The implication is that the 66-70% (you know, the *majority*) is somehow wrong or abnormal compared to the historical norm.

The key word here is “historical.”

If you look at modern lifestyle, eating and exercise patterns, then being overweight is the natural standard for the average American.

Having a lean, muscular body is unusual in today’s world. In order to achieve this state, a person needs to take time out of their normal day to do cardio and lift, push, and pull heavy weights that they would never need to deal with at home or work. The most readily available and convenient foods–prepackaged and restaurant meals–are off-limits too.

How sad is it that we must now call a state of fitness unnatural?

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3/3-3/5 Report
(*Diet and workout details omitted by agreement with trainer)
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Nutrition:

Meals - On plan
Water - 16, 17, 16 cups
Supplements - On plan

Regular (Non-Plan) Daily Supplements - multivitamin with iron, calcium 600 + D

25 days down, 59 more to go!

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Workout:

3/3
Weights - Chest - Done
Cardio - Postponed until Sunday

3/4
Weights - Back/Abs - Done
Cardio - Kenpo X - Done

3/5
Weights - Legs - Done
Cardio - Elliptical - Done

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The Awful Truth:
1. Nothing!

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Brownie Points:
1. Got to gym on Saturday and Sunday for new workout schedule.
2. Prepped around 12 lbs of assorted chicken and beef with some new marinades, including Korean barbeque (bulgogi).
3. Cleaned kitchen.
4. Bought more chicken breast.
5. Cleared out mail inbox at home.

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Short-term Goals:
1. Work on paper doll sketches.
2. Set up archived version of The Training Journal forum at PDB from Hershey Girl’s backup.
3. Upgrade Wordpress to 2.0.
4. Transplant two tomato vines and plant Swiss Chard.
5. Finish taxes.
6. File receipts and statements.
7. Organize office.