Tag Archives: lets move

New Studies Show Food Deserts Aren’t the Cause of American Obesity

With such an overwhelming problem as obesity in our country, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the causes are, and more importantly, what the solution is.

Countless speculations have been made as to what we can do to get our nation healthy and away from the dangers of obesity. But nothing has seemed to work thus far as the U.S. has seen no decrease in obesity rates in the last decade despite efforts to combat the problem.

One recent effort that showed the most promise was Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move‘ campaign, which focused on getting Americans more active and eating healthier foods. One prong of the campaign was aimed at ‘food deserts,’ or areas in the U.S. that are mostly void of quality grocery stores, leaving these populations out of the reach of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods, and thus, more prone to obesity. (more…)

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Dana

Mrs. Obama Incorporates “Let’s Move” into Historic White House Egg Roll

In 1878, Rutherford B. Hayes hosted the first annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Since then the tradition lives on. On the Monday after Easter children litter the White House lawn to participate in the historic tradition. This year was no exception. However, doubtfully did President Hayes participate in a push-up contest during the celebration, but he wasn’t married to Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama and family put their own spin on this year’s event. To keep with the theme of her “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move” campaign, yesterday’s activities promote many ways to get children moving and help counter childhood obesity.

More than 30,000 people attended yesterday’s festivities including the entire first family. President Obama was present with his wife, daughters, mother-in-law, and even their dog. (more…)

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Lacy

Biggest Loser’s Two-Part Makeover Week Features Michelle Obama

First lady Michelle Obama will appear on a two-part Biggest Loser “makeover episode,” airing Tuesday, April 3 and 10 at 8-9 PM ET.

As the contestants prepare for the highly anticipated makeover show, they will meet with fashion expert Jeannie Mai and visit the salon of celebrity stylist Ken Paves. Just before the fun begins the contestants receive a surprise video message from the first lady inviting them all the the White House.

Once the newly made-over group arrives at the White House, they will first be surprised to reunite with family members. The makeovers, transformation reveals, and family reunions will all take place in the first episode and all before they meet the first lady.

We’ve got a sneak peek of what’s to come! Check out Chris Pickler, aka Mrs. Claus, pictured here, in her starting photo and her makeover photo 13 weeks later! (more…)

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Lacy

Food Deserts Still a Problem Despite Let’s Move Initiative

You’ve heard of deserts. You’ve heard of food (obviously). But have you heard of food deserts?

It’s a recent phenomenon brought to the nation’s attention by First Lady Michelle Obama, and it’s essentially areas throughout the country lacking quality food distributors. Cities without Whole Foods? (Gasp!) Yes, they do exist.

As part of her Let’s Move initiative, Mrs. Obama has worked to bring more healthful food to neighborhoods lacking supermarkets. And in order to make this happen, she reached out to major retailers, foundations, and small businesses alike. But whether or not progress has been made depends on how you measure success.

According to a recent article from NPR, various studies are showing that even though more grocery stores are popping up, they still aren’t the best quality. And furthermore, even consumers who aren’t used to high-end food markets with wide selections of food still have reasonably high standards for the produce they buy, as they should. So, it doesn’t matter if a woman who has a quality market two blocks from her home, or a woman who has limited access to a supermarket walks past a selection of bruised, mealy apples. The fact is, they’re still bruised mealy apples and neither woman is going to pick one up no matter what their previous exposure to quality produce was. (more…)

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Dana

Michelle Obama Works Out Jimmy Fallon at the White House [VIDEO]

Jimmy Fallon in spandex at the White House? Where’s Secret Service or a good watch dog when you need them?

The first lady continues a marathon promotion for her Let’s Move initiative’s second anniversary with an appearance tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. In one of the grand rooms of the White House, Michelle challenges Jimmy to a field day-like competition. Only after he changes out of the spandex and in to proper workout attire.

After announcing at a press conference that the first lady would “be willing to make a complete fool of myself to get kids moving,” Jimmy wanted to take full advantage. However, as you’ll see in this clip from last night’s episode, Michelle more or less whips Jimmy at each competition. Who’s the fool now?

(more…)

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Natalie K

Michelle Obama and Tracey Mallett Get Kids Moving on Ellen [VIDEO]

First lady Michelle Obama has been a busy woman this week. She’s been making the talk show rounds as she promotes Let’s Move, a campaign is designed to end childhood obesity by teaching children about fitness and healthy eating.

As the first lady wraps up her week, she will be a guest on the Ellen show today alongside Booty Barre creator and fitness expert Tracey Mallett.

Mallett and Mrs. Obama invite 40 children to the stage to demonstrate exercises to keep them moving and excited about good health. Mallett led the children of Whitney Elementary through a fun workout the kids loved. In an email from Mallett, she described the episode as “an amazing experience.” See it now, and try it with your own kids!

(more…)

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Lacy

First Lady Shares Healthy Tips from the White House

Offical Portrait of Michelle Obama at the White HouseFirst lady Michelle Obama has been a crusader for better children’s health though her Let’s Move! campaign and other initiatives to fight childhood obesity. Now, she’s opening up the doors of the White House to demonstrate how she helps her family eat healthy despite their hectic schedules.

Ms. Obama admits that she enjoys indulging in French fries from time to time, reminding us that “healthy eating does not have to be an all or nothing approach.” She says the key is to find a balance, adding that the “problem is when the treats become the habits.”

It’s no surprise that the Obamas use MyPlate principles to guide meal planning, as Ms. Obama was a prominent speaker during the USDA’s new logo launch. “Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables alongside proper portions of lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy,” she says, and advises families to “be more conscious of the types of foods we’re putting into our bodies.”

(more…)

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Margaret

First Lady Michelle Obama’s American Grown Hits Shelves April 2024

First Lady Michelle Obama will be releasing a new book in April 2024 titled American Grown: How the White House Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities.

Mrs. Obama has worked diligently with her Let’s Move campaign, the nationwide campaign to reduce childhood obesity in the United States. The campaign launched in February 2024 and since then has provided children with healthier foods in school and made certain opportunities for physical exercise more available. Let’s Move has also strived to provide better information to families about nutrition and has improved community access to healthy and cost-effective food. The First Lady has not only become an advocate for healthier eating and exercise for others, but she has also planted a bountiful vegetable garden on the White House grounds.

All of these actions have lead to the publishing of her book. The book will evaluate how making healthy food more accessible and more affordable will influence eating habits, concluding that habits will improve and public health as a whole will improve as well.

(more…)

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Lacy

The 5 Traits of Our Nation’s Healthiest Schools

The fact that our nation’s schools need a revamp on their school lunch and physical activity programs is not new information. Thankfully now there’s more to report than just stating the need for change.

Recently the USDA recognized over a thousand schools for their improvements to nutrition and physical education programs. Five traits were highlighted to describe what a healthy American school looks like today.

One trait of a healthy school is their stellar performance in the National School and Lunch Program. The voluntary program is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign that is attempting to end childhood obesity within a single generation.

For schools to be a certified member of the National School and Lunch Program they must follow nutritional guidelines. A different vegetable must be provided each day at lunch, one serving of beans or peas must be served weekly, a different fruit is to be offered each day of the week, whole grains are to be served 3 to 5 days a week, and only low-fat or fat free milk products are offered to students on the program.

(more…)

Posted on October 28, 2023 by Lacy

Fuel Up to Play 60 Back for Another Season

Fuel Up to Play 60 is back. (Yay!)

Most well known for the catchy, rhyming commercial showcasing NFL players, the fantastic program to help children learn to eat healthy has returned for the new school year. The commercials, starring NFL players such as Washington Redskins’ Chris Horton, hope to use their popularity to drive home to kids the message that good foods and good play go hand in hand.

Created  by the trusted National Dairy Council and the NFL, working in conjunction with the USDA, this multi-faceted program covers all aspects of child nutrition and health. It has improved this year by adding a local, state and national student ambassador program.

Getting kids to eat healthy foods and exercise for the recommended 60 minutes every day has proven to be a tall task for many families. By adding support from well known and respected NFL players, it’s hoped that kids will establish life long healthy habits and stem the rise of childhood obesity. Parents and teachers who wonder how to get started with this task can find some great resources on the Fuel Up to Play 60 website, which features video clips, recipes, and exercise hints.

(more…)

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Carmen

A Look at Childhood Obesity Around the World

By Rita Robison

Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. The World Health Organization calls it one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.

Overweight children are likely to become obese adults, who have a higher probability of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. These diseases can cause disabilities and premature death.

Globally, the number of overweight and obese children under the age of five was estimated to be more than 42 million in 2024.

While most people think being fat is a problem only in rich countries, nearly 35 million of these children were living in developing countries. The childhood obesity problem is rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, especially in urban areas.

The rate of children who are overweight and obese worldwide increased from 4.2% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2024, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

(more…)

Posted on August 23, 2023 by GuestBlogger