Just moved to the fattest state in the union!

minihaha80

Talk about culture shock! I moved from upstate New York where I built organic backyard gardens for a living to southern Mississippi, where 1 in 3 children are hungry but I cant find em, maybe they're hiding behind all the obese people. I know, thats insensitive, but im going to restart my business down here and im hoping it wont flop, try talking health to anyone around here and they start talking about God! Its scary, lets pray for health, while we eat only fried foods and never move anywhere! My daughter literally goes to school a 7 min. Walk away from our house and we walk, whats odd is ive been asked if we need a ride around 50 times in the month we've been here, each time I state "thank you but we like to walk" and 9 times out of 10 they argue that that cant possibly be the case! Whats worse is they send a bus around to the development directly across the street from the school, which im positive is way more expemsive than hiring a couple crossing gaurds! Idk, I need some health conscious friends online because i feel like im the only one around here who gives 1 iota about being healthy happy and staying that way for as long as possible round this place!

MichaelBrewer2634

I grew up in Mississippi. Around Hattisburg, MS. I've lived all over the US, and I can honestly say that I have no interest in going back there. The southern diet consists of tons of carbs (cornbread), a ton of meat, and the vegetables are prepared with a stick of butter & a cup of sugar along with pork in them. Most unhealthy place on Earth. Hot as hell in the summer so you don't want to stay outside, and so humid that in the winter it is cold as hell. Again, not a place to be outside again. People eat, and drink for pleasure. If you are an isolationist, and like to go to the gym then Mississippi is a great place to train because there is nothing else to do. For me the best thing about growing up in Mississippi was getting the hell out of there. Good Luck

erinpd

Mississippi is also one of the poorest states in the U.S. Many of the people who live there are struggling with a hell of a lot more than their weight.

What an insensitive and ignorant post. Please, do yourself a favor and research a little. Less judgment and more respect will take you much further.

quirkytizzy

There is just so much to flame in this post.....

Really? why bother, if you enjoy trolling why threaten? move on to your next target, I dont know you, dont care what you think of me or my post. Your such a ***** you cant even show a pic of yourself!

Meow, babe. At least I didn't fly off the handle with name-calling first. Also, there are tons of succesful posters who don't show their pics.

Would you like to call EVERY member on MFP who doesn't have a face-pic names? By all means, please do. Find out how popular you are.

Feel better? I betchya do.

Also I didn't threaten anything. If I wanted to flame, I would have. (You, however, took that first step by calling me a curseword.) Threats indeed?

bostonwolf

Talk about culture shock! I moved from upstate New York where I built organic backyard gardens for a living to southern Mississippi, where 1 in 3 children are hungry but I cant find em, maybe they're hiding behind all the obese people. I know, thats insensitive, but im going to restart my business down here and im hoping it wont flop, try talking health to anyone around here and they start talking about God! Its scary, lets pray for health, while we eat only fried foods and never move anywhere! My daughter literally goes to school a 7 min. Walk away from our house and we walk, whats odd is ive been asked if we need a ride around 50 times in the month we've been here, each time I state "thank you but we like to walk" and 9 times out of 10 they argue that that cant possibly be the case! Whats worse is they send a bus around to the development directly across the street from the school, which im positive is way more expemsive than hiring a couple crossing gaurds! Idk, I need some health conscious friends online because i feel like im the only one around here who gives 1 iota about being healthy happy and staying that way for as long as possible round this place!

Simple, tell them the healthy, organic produce is made only with God's own ingredients and none provided by man.

It's all about marketing!

Bubsys_mom

I live in Mississippi....

I will say I hate it here. I always have. Only thing that keeps me here is my parents/family and my husband's job. Where I live, there are a lot of overweight/unhealthy people. It's fact. Hard to resist all that Southern comfort food, fried food, etc. lol It's why my entire family is fat.

bostonwolf

There is just so much to flame in this post.....

Really? why bother, if you enjoy trolling why threaten? move on to your next target, I dont know you, dont care what you think of me or my post. Your such a ***** you cant even show a pic of yourself!

Meow, babe. At least I didn't fly off the handle with name-calling first. Also, there are tons of succesful posters who don't show their pics.

Would you like to call EVERY member on MFP who doesn't have a face-pic names? By all means, please do. Find out how popular you are.

Feel better? I betchya do.

Also I didn't threaten anything. If I wanted to flame, I would have. (You, however, took that first step by calling me a curseword.) Threats indeed?

No, I know not everyone shows their face and they have a myriad of reasons for doing so, but people who spend hours of their day trying to make random people upset so they can get a giggle and hide behind the anonymity of the internet are *kitten*! And, you are right, I made the first move, I dont do trolls.

Trolls are amusing.

quirkytizzy

No, I know not everyone shows their face and they have a myriad of reasons for doing so, but people who spend hours of their day trying to make random people upset so they can get a giggle and hide behind the anonymity of the internet are *kitten*! And, you are right, I made the first move, I dont do trolls.

Eh, I should have just moved along and not said anything myself. If the idea of someone saying "There is just so much to flame" is enough to send you into a fit of cursewords, then there's obviously more going on with you than I need to be privy to.

Cest la vie. Live and learn, no?

minihaha80

Mississippi is also one of the poorest states in the U.S. Many of the people who live there are struggling with a hell of a lot more than their weight.

What an insensitive and ignorant post. Please, do yourself a favor and research a little. Less judgment and more respect will take you much further.

I am very aware of the impoverished state of southern mississippi, no research necessary! I will also tell you that when I had a thriving business in Ny I built gardens pro bono for local schools, boys and girls clubs and churches and plan to do the same down here while your busy researching. Havent you ever heard that actions speak louder than words! Have a nice day policing sensitivity!

5hellz

I've lived in Alabama my whole life and I can tell you that it wasn't always like that. When I was growing up here, it was still hot as hell in the summer but we got up, had our breakfast and went outside to play. We didn't want to stay inside anytime, because being outside and playing was what we knew. Luckily, my family (my husband and our children) have never been a fan of the "traditional" southern food but the food hasn't really changed much in the South, it's fried and it's full of sugar and carbs but the people have changed, at least where I grew up the people have changed. Now the kids are inside playing games cause it's too hot outside or it's boring outside (quotes from my own children). So, like most kids, my two teenage sons (14 & 15 at the time) were basically glued to their gamers chairs playing the PlayStation and XBox. They had no life and only a handful of friends that I could actually meet in person and I decided that it was time for me to make the change for them.

They came home from school one day and their game systems were gone, the laptop was password protected, and I took their phones away. The only way they could get their devices back was if they joined 1 extra curricular school activity that held a minimum of 1 practice per week outside and required them to sweat. The next day they came in and joined the marching band at the high school. Even though my children were not overweight (14 years old, 98lbs, 5'3 and 15 years old, 130lbs, 5'7), they have gotten in better shape, they have so much more energy, and even though they have their electronic devices back, they may spend a couple hours a week on them because they have now taken up playing tennis.

With all that being said, if I had not went to the extremes and forced my children to join something, they would still be in their rooms spending hours a day on the games.....I believe that if more people would go to those extremes then maybe the weight issue with children would change.

Anyway, that's my opinion and good luck with your business. I hope you come to love the South as much as I do

Kimba1974

Well I recognized the picture. Its from Mass Effect series and I love that game too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

quirkytizzy

Well I recognized the picture. Its from Mass Effect series and I love that game too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! So it is!

algebravoodoo

There is just so much to flame in this post.....

As a life-long resident of Mississippi, I could agree with you, if what the OP said weren't true...

I just want to ask the OP, to where in Mississippi did you move? Some regions are far more set in their ways than others.

minihaha80

Talk about culture shock! I moved from upstate New York where I built organic backyard gardens for a living to southern Mississippi, where 1 in 3 children are hungry but I cant find em, maybe they're hiding behind all the obese people. I know, thats insensitive, but im going to restart my business down here and im hoping it wont flop, try talking health to anyone around here and they start talking about God! Its scary, lets pray for health, while we eat only fried foods and never move anywhere! My daughter literally goes to school a 7 min. Walk away from our house and we walk, whats odd is ive been asked if we need a ride around 50 times in the month we've been here, each time I state "thank you but we like to walk" and 9 times out of 10 they argue that that cant possibly be the case! Whats worse is they send a bus around to the development directly across the street from the school, which im positive is way more expemsive than hiring a couple crossing gaurds! Idk, I need some health conscious friends online because i feel like im the only one around here who gives 1 iota about being healthy happy and staying that way for as long as possible round this place!

Simple, tell them the healthy, organic produce is made only with God's own ingredients and none provided by man.

It's all about marketing!

Thank you! I might just do that

Alarista

You can do it! Every state you find will have some of that. I know lots of people who want to deep fry everything and eat nothing but fast food (I will lay down the hate that they are skinny people and compensate my irritation by thinking their cholesterol must be through the roof). However, I'm sure there are people who will want to hear what you have to say. To my understanding southern culture is more about family, so maybe stress being around when their kids have kids or to walk their daughter down the aisle. Or stress the excitement of trying new ways to cook foods and experience things.

As to the picking you up, honey, they're trying to help you. That's the sense of family and community. If you ever have a flat or something like that, it will be something you will see differently (I know we are strong independent women and can change a tire, but having someone offer to help instead of just watching you is thoughtful). I'm from Kansas originally, I hit a deer in December. A GIANT deer, doing 55. It was startling and I was a bit freaked out. Nice people stopped, pulled the deer out of the middle of the road, checked on me, heck one guy even stayed and hung out with me until the policeman got there. And though no one could do anything for me really because I was okay, it was really nice.

So, you can do it, and enjoy the niceness of the new place! You have to find a positive somewhere in there.

Rebirth08

To the OP, I didn't think your post was at all insensitive. I think you recognize a problem and want to know how you can overcome the idea that all that unhealthy living is Godly, happy living. All I can say is, keep doing your part, and talk to one person at a time. That's beautiful that they talk about God, but go there with them, let them know the first thing God created was vegetation, and that while we pray for God health, FAITH without WORKS is dead! We can pray for good health, but if we don't do one thing about it, is not going to come. God put us in charge of our own bodies; With me, I have burned off 43 pounds so far, and I prayed about it, but, I had to get into motion. And when I got into motion God created this miracle inside my body that we call 'weight loss.'

So, with that said, you'll have to go there with them. And one person at a time. Everyone won't listen, but God has a interesting way of opening up some people's minds at the right time. He'll open up one mind for you to feed, then another, that one mind you feed can go tell someone else, who tell someone else. It takes time. You can't fix it, but you can do your part and be a great impact. Stay strong, stay focused. Don't let fear (if you battle that) stop you from achieving your goal.

Ooh, and for kids, you may can start some sort of Play 60

BondBomb

I don't think its insensitive to point out the obvious. I live in Chicago. One of the fattest cities. The younger generation seems to be more health conscious here but I was surprised when I moved to Southern California and saw how fit and healthy the majority of people were. Moving back here was a shock and an eyeopener. I hope your business thrives and that you are able to help people on the path to healthier lives.

Deipneus

I'm just grateful I'm not forced to live somewhere against my will. I grew up in Ohio but found the South more to my liking.

erinpd

Mississippi is also one of the poorest states in the U.S. Many of the people who live there are struggling with a hell of a lot more than their weight.

What an insensitive and ignorant post. Please, do yourself a favor and research a little. Less judgment and more respect will take you much further.

I am very aware of the impoverished state of southern mississippi, no research necessary! I will also tell you that when I had a thriving business in Ny I built gardens pro bono for local schools, boys and girls clubs and churches and plan to do the same down here while your busy researching. Havent you ever heard that actions speak louder than words! Have a nice day policing sensitivity!

I have, which is why I work for a food bank. A Feeding America affiliate, even. Understanding poverty, obesity and hunger is part of my job.

I won't engage you anymore, however. I will wish you good luck in your business and hope you have an excellent day.

Rebirth08

To my understanding southern culture is more about family, so maybe stress being around when their kids have kids or to walk their daughter down the aisle. Or stress the excitement of trying new ways to cook foods and experience things.

As to the picking you up, honey, they're trying to help you. That's the sense of family and community. If you ever have a flat or something like that, it will be something you will see differently (I know we are strong independent women and can change a tire, but having someone offer to help instead of just watching you is thoughtful).
So, you can do it, and enjoy the niceness of the new place! You have to find a positive somewhere in there.

Very good points

ReddySetLose

I hated your post.... i moved to ct from la and guess what ?? they have obese people here too... but their noses are so high in the air, they don't even realize it. People up north like to assume what the southerners do and in reality they haven't a clue,,,, perhaps you moved to a bad area, who knows. My suggestion is for you to do your thing, and let them do theirs. I'm sure if they feel the need to change themselves, they will. Have a Great Day

Nicki_101

Well I recognized the picture. Its from Mass Effect series and I love that game too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You beat me too it, although my fav character is Urdnot Wrex

Athena53

Someone else posted awhile ago about life in the fattest state in the union and yes, I'd have a problem there, too. She mentioned having a hard time finding clothes in her size (10/12) and small-cup bras and her DH couldn't find jeans slim enough to fit. She also mentioned very little variety in the produce section of the local grocery store. I'd have a problem with all of that. It would also be difficult for me to partake of Southern hospitality when so much of it is food that I never eat because it's not healthy and I don't particularly like it.

OP, good luck with your business- sounds like the biggest challenge is going to be selling the idea. I also wonder how much of the obesity is due to poor people not knowing how to cook, or thinking it takes too much time or costs more money than the 99 cent menu at McDonald's. I'm working full-time now but after retirement (in about 5 years) I'm hoping to teach people how to cook. I'm not Martha Stewart, but I can sure do better and cheaper than the processed food on the supermarket shelves.

Nicki_101

I don't mind be sourrounded by fat people, makes me feel skinny.

Sweet_Gurl_Next_Door

my state is #3 on that list so we are pretty close

BondBomb

I hated your post.... i moved to ct from la and guess what ?? they have obese people here too... but their noses are so high in the air, they don't even realize it. People up north like to assume what the southerners do and in reality they haven't a clue,,,, perhaps you moved to a bad area, who knows. My suggestion is for you to do your thing, and let them do theirs. I'm sure if they feel the need to change themselves, they will. Have a Great Day

First off what are you mad at the OP for? She didn't make up the fact that MS is the fattest state in the Union.
And second you would rather her 'do her own thing and let them do theirs' rather than trying to help? That makes no sense.
This isn't the civil war, north vs south. I'm sure she would observe the same thing if she moved to Chicago.

LifeJacketWaterJogger

I personally think It was somewhat rude and a lil snobby, are there not fat people in Upstate NY, weird you just noticed obesity when you got to Mississippi. They maybe obese but they sure sound like they are very loving and protective people. Great Job Mississippi on that love thang.

SkinnyBubbaGaar

I am very aware of the impoverished state of southern mississippi, no research necessary! I will also tell you that when I had a thriving business in Ny I built gardens pro bono for local schools, boys and girls clubs and churches and plan to do the same down here while your busy researching. Havent you ever heard that actions speak louder than words! Have a nice day policing sensitivity!

Kudos to you for that. Now, after processing your initial shock about moving to an area where the awareness for things like the benefits of walking and building gardens for schools might be drastically different from where you came from it might be a great opportunity for you to shift focus to realizing what a nice position you now are in to be amongst the pioneers about bringing these issues to an area that so desperately can use such voices.

Do be sensitive to not coming accross like a newly transplanted yankee know it all (not directiing this as an insult by any means, just saying that there will be extreme sensitivity to that) but rather be humble but resolved in knowing that there is so much that can be done to help move things along one step at a time.

I live in rural Texas and my wife is very strongly involved in working with schools on garden projects, getting kids into nature and off of their gameboys and DSI's and the benefits that this can have towards getting kids moving and eating healthier and improving their overall health in general.

Look at your recent move as an opportunity for growth, not only in what you might be able to bring to your community with respect towards your garden/greenscape building expertise, but also an opportunity for some growth inward in your own self as well.

You might surprise yourself and find that you then can open yourself up to the unique beauty, warmth and Southern hospitality and end up loving your new locale.

Best of luck to you in the transition and I truely wish you success - not just for yourself, but because the region so greatly needs momentum in areas where you have had previous experiance and success.

Have a great weekend, now get out there and do it!

BaileyP3

Wow what an adjustment....NYS to MS....If you don't mind me asking, what prompted the move?

kacysuzanne

My mom's school in Southern Arkansas worked with the county extension office to start a school garden. I am a native Arkansan who has moved to a different part of the state where obesity is not as much of a problem and I admit I was a bit shocked to enter her 4th grade class and see that most of her kids were bigger than she is. They are such sweet kids, but the school breakfasts & lunches may be the only square meals they get each day and school lunches are not always the best they could be. Free produce is helping their cafeteria add fresh veggies to their plates and the kids are taking great pride in growing the veggies and working in the garden. She was able to incorporate it into her science lessons. Education about healthy choices and availability is key. I am sure that your children's school will welcome someone with your experience to help them.

Kimba1974

I live in the Mid west States. I had a flat tire on the interstate. A High way police officer told me i had to hurry to get my car running or he will get it towed. He sat in his car behind me and watch me change my tire. I am a female btw. I was so stress by this I felt like crying. I had police officers in the southern states try to help me but here they would not lift a finger to help and stared at me like i was a criminal. Watched me change my tire and would have car the tow company if i wasn't fast enough. I had to call my husband to help me. I know I how to change a tire but I was so stress that i had a very hard time too.