my mission is clear

I decided 9 months ago to go back to school to study Dietetics with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered dietitian. I was interested in the science of food and how it affects the body. I learned a lot about healthy eating mainly through Weight Watchers, and it finally hit me that since I understood and enjoyed nutrition I should pursue a formal education.

The question always arises about what I plan to do once I become certified, and I hem and haw...weight loss consultation, food allergy or diabetes research and support are a few the possibilities I've voiced. (Oh yeah, and part of me secretly dreams of being the Dietitian on the set of the Biggest Loser, or the diet "expert" who appears on Oprah or the Today Show from time to time...don't judge me.) I don't know how my career will play out, and I'm fairly certain I'll spend at least a little bit of time working in a hospital, but as a result of recent events I think my focus has been cleared up a bit. The bottom line is prevention.

I am currently shopping around for individual health coverage (a rant that will saved for another time) and two questions have been consistent in every conversation I've had so far. Before I even reach the application process, I am asked if I smoke and for my height and weight. Before they delve into my detailed medical history, those two questions determine the pricing bracket that I fall into for my monthly premium. I guess it doesn't surprise me, nor should it surprise anyone else. We all know the medical risks that smoking and obesity pose. There are so many things that can go wrong with my body in my lifetime...why am I going to help that process along and pretty much assure myself health problems by smoking or maintaining a poor diet?

I for one am a huge fan of the show Biggest Loser. I admit that the speed in which these contestants lose weight is a little off-putting and extreme, and I would never wish that kind of regimen on anyone. Plus it's unrealistic. Who in the real world has the time to work out 6-8 hours per day? None of us live in a bubble like these people do duing their time on "the ranch." I also realize that ultimately this is a TV show that relies on entertainment value to capture ratings. No one is going to watch these people lose 2-3 pounds per week which is a more realistic rate of weight loss. The show would never end! That be said, I love the episode they air towards the end of the season in which the remaining contestants are subjected to a medical exam to track their progress. Very regularly we see contestants ditch their blood pressure medication and reverse the progress of diabetes, among other things. They probably add years onto their lives or at least make the remaining years more comfortable, pleasant and healthy...AND more affordable.