The Hartford Courant recently ran a story about the results of a report by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The good news: Connecticut has the second lowest adult obesity rates in the United States, and New England’s obesity rates are lower than most other areas of the rest of the country. The bad news: obesity rates are on the rise nationwide, including New England. This map shows the obesity rates around the country. Terrifying, right?

It’s not really a surprise, though, considering what people are eating. Fast food, junk food, processed food are staples, while whole foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, are not consumed nearly enough. Health.com published its list of The 50 Fattiest Foods in the States, which is entertaining to read until you realize that people are actually eating this crap. Combine unhealthy eating with the sedentary lifestyle of the average American, and you’ve got an obesity epidemic on your hands.

I don’t know what the answer is to the growing obesity epidemic our country is facing, but  I know that for me, running makes a tremendous difference. I’m not skinny – never have been, likely never will be – and I could certainly stand to lose a few pounds, but I’m fit. Running keeps my heart, lungs, and entire body healthy. Running also encourages me to eat well. I feel better on a run when I regularly eat veggies, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy foods. I definitely don’t feel as well when I go for a run after even one or two days of unhealthy eating. I feel sluggish, bloated, and often suffer from heartburn.

Being fit and healthy – just one of the many reasons to love running.