As part of my duties as a reporter here at Angie’s List, I peruse news headlines daily. And today I read about Japan’s effort to pare down its population, in the most literal sense. Citizens are being summoned from the workplace to government buildings to have their waists measured. The new state-prescribed limit for male waistlines is a strict 33.5 inches and 35.4 inches for females. Those who don’t meet the goal must undergo three months of dietary guidance, plus another six months of re-education if necessary.
“The government will impose financial penalties on companies and local governments that fail to meet specific targets,” the article says. Now that’s harsh. Most of the folks I know try to maintain their weight, either through diet or exercise, because they know what a tremendous impact the size of their waistline has on their overall health; myself included. On the other hand, we don’t fear retribution from the government if we indulge in a few chili cheese fries every now and again.
We are fortunate to have a brand new gym, along with a personal trainer and a slew of exercise classes available here at Angie’s List, but we make morning bagel runs or take an afternoon trip to Dairy Queen on occasion. Eating is often a social event. Meals offer the opportunity to sit around a table and chat with family and friends. Lunch and dinner are often used relax and rewind. Office chatter frequently centers around recipes or last night’s menu, too. And look at the List: we offer help finding cake decorators, catering services and chefs because food is important. But there are also categories for fitness centers, fitness equipment and fitness training, just to keep things balanced. The point is, a milkshake once in a while is not a bad thing. However, a bike ride or a walk around the park may be necessary to offset the calories. And as I get older, I’m noticing that the milkshakes should become less frequent and the walks more frequent! But what I eat and the size of my waist is my decision. The consequences of what I put in my mouth and the change it makes in my dress size are mine, too. My bathroom scale may report an increase of a pound or two, and my waistband may be a little tight some days, but I’m glad no one is waiting for me in the gym with a measuring tape.
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