Can the American South go from beingthe worst region nutritionally to the best? One determined native son and food entrepreneur, Wiley Mullins firmly believes that it can!
His goal is to reverse the escalating trends of overweight and obesity that has plagued the south. Recent press has termed the southern region of the U.S. The Diabetes Belt, The Stroke Belt and The Obesity Belt. According to Mullins, “it’s all about changing the culture.” The southern heritage is steeped in wonderful traditions including a deliciously rich food culture that has evolved through the years.
For almost two decades, Mullins has carried the Wellness torch to those who love the decadence of southern fare. A phrase that he mentions daily to whomever will listen is “Lets make Wellness a Southern Tradition. The Supermarket’s Fresh Produce Department is an all natural wellness center at our finger tips.”
Recently released data from The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) confirms that more than 66% of the adult residents of the southern states are either obese or overweight. Mississippi tops the chart with slightly over 70% of its adult residents falling into this category. Although, these levels are alarming, they are by no means limited to just the south. According to the same CDC report, the state of Colorado is considered to be the healthiest state, yet, almost 56% of Colorado’s adult population is either overweight or obese, confirming that there isn’t much “wiggle” room between the best and the worst states nutritionally. Mullins is convinced that the answer to stemming this weight epidemic is by consuming more fresh produce daily. Numerous studies confirm that the more fresh produce consumed lessens the likelihood of getting Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain types of cancer.
To draw instant attention to the severity of the health and lifestyle issues surrounding the huge American overweight and obesity problem, he has developed a 10-year initiative called The Healthy Renaissance (THR). Through targeted local, regional and national efforts THR’s key programmatic elements center on prevention and lifestyle choices. SOS (Saving Our South), a THR signature program launches this fall in the southern U.S. with the clear intention of introducing clear and tasty ways to enjoy traditional southern culinary favorites without consuming unnecessary fats, calories or cholesterol.
