The Super Size Nation

The United States has once again found its way into yet another ridiculous crisis.

Overindulgence is the name of the game for many Americans. Not only have people started eating more and more, but they have decided to begin consuming everything else in large amounts as well; gas, plastic, paper, electricity, and yes, even water, are being wasted.

As an American, the most noticeable symptom of this hedonism is overeating.

Two thirds of the adults in our in our United States are obese or overweight. This is a stunning majority, especially since experts tell us that corpulence already reduces the current life expectancy in the country by four to nine months.

Everyday in our society, we are assaulted with compulsive buying triggers; the candy bars in the check out isle, cases of soda in robust displays, and two for one donut deals. America manufactures enough food products to allow every person in the country to consume 1,900 more calories a day than is recommended by the health department. That's 3,900 calories! This food excess has led to the food market's massive campaign to sell more products, and the general populous have been more than helpful in obliging the industry's efforts.

Why are people so eager to overeat and treat themselves to huge helpings of very unhealthy foods? The answer lies in the food industry's sales tactics. In order to prevail over your basic awareness, taste and smell are used proactively. Samples are handed out to let shoppers know that they should buy that one extra item, and simulated odors are wafted throughout the store. The food industry's marketers are well versed in what may be called a mild amount of "brainwashing", they are well aware of what gets consumers to buy.

With thousands of products, the aroma of fresh baked goods in the air, music that is intended to keep one peaceful and drowsy, and store layouts calculated to compel people to spend more and stay longer, the marketers who designed this empire have certainly outdone themselves. But it is working.

So when did people become so naÐ"Їve and so very hungry? Food has always been a very cultural thing. It is well known by everyone that food brings on soothing feelings and reminiscence in its consumer. The part of the tradition of food that has been forgotten is the ritual. Families used to cook together, dine together, and clean up after themselves after meals. Now the average person eats out. Fast food, candy bars, soda, and donuts, they are all so easy to eat on the run.

The food industry now makes a noticeable effort to make food portable; easily and quickly eaten. The problem with these foods is the fact that they replace balanced meals. Eating two candy bars and a pizza in no way makes up for a traditional meal that focuses on several food groups and healthy amounts of each.

While making food portable is a great