Michelle Obama Courts Florida Religious Leaders to Join Fight Against Obesity
- Posted on February 11, 2012 at 5:57pm by
Christopher Santarelli
- Print »
- Email »
(The Blaze/AP) Michelle Obama spent her Saturday morning at a Florida church, talking with religious leaders about their role in helping people eat better and become more physically fit.
“Our faith communities don’t tend only to folks’ spiritual health but to their emotional and their physical health as well,” Mrs.Obama said in her remarks at the Central Florida evangelical mega-church where Joel Hunter serves as pastor. “Think for a moment about the scripture that tells us that your bodies are temples given to you by God. That is a core teaching of so many of our faiths – a teaching that calls us to honor and nourish the bodies we’ve been blessed with, and to help others do the same.”
It‘s part of the first lady’s three-day national tour to mark the second anniversary of her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity.
During a stop in Longwood, Florida, she told a crowd of more than 3,000 people from 15 denominations that they’re taking on one of the most urgent challenges of our time. She said they’re showing that no problem is “too big, too complicated, too entrenched to be solved.”
Her office also announced a new video challenge. Churches and other organizations can send in videos showing what they’re doing to help kids get healthier.
The First Lady appeared on Ellen DeGeneres‘s show last week to talk about fitness where she accepted the host’s challenge to a pushup contest:
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 706 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 556 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 370 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 362 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 370 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 286 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (137)
Brooke Lorren
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:14pmSometimes some of my pastor’s comments about us being the “fastest growing church” (and he’s talking about waistline, not in population) are a little bothersome to me. I personally am trying to eat healthier and not gain weight. At least I know he’ll never fall in line with Ms. Obama’s annoying spiel.
I am not trying to be healthier because of Michelle Obama though… I go to yoga and piyo classes because I like them and I like being stronger and being able to do more, not because someone else tells me what to do. Me and Ms. Obama don’t even have the same health philosophy – I tend to agree with Weston A. Price and Dr. Mercola; she’s more of the vegan/tofu type.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:06pmThis is Not a COMMUNITY issue… as some elses existence does not affect me… but this is an Individual issue, supported by Individual FREEDOM!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:44pmNow we are beginning to see the other fist come around; they first try to control religious freedom via the health care incursion now via fitness and pleas to leaders.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:15pmWhat do you tell a Conservative with two black eyes?…Nothing! You already told them twice!
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:22pmI don’t get it? A terrorist , a racist, and a marxist walk into a bar.
The bartender asks.
What can i get for you mr. president??
And I find that DEMOCRATS could only give a One Conservative two black eyes if there were 20 of them.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:25pmControl Eduction… Control HealthCare… Control Energy… Control Food… What is the difference between Obamaniacs and Hitler?
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:26pmHow about Michelle just prays that her rear end doesn’t explode! Leave the churches alone!
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:51pmI thought the joke went like this:
Report Post »“What do you tell a woman with two black eyes?…Nothing! You already told them twice!”
USAMEDIC3008
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:45pmWhat do you call a Progressive Dumb A$$ in public
AMAZINGGRACEATE
Report Post »ginger3350
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:43pmDidn’t I just read recently that Obummer said in an interview that he is sad that his wife is “dragged” into the public eye? Give me a break!! She can’t run to the cameras fast enough! If there is a microphone and a camera anywhere, wait a few minutes and she will show up to preach about veggies right after she throws down some french fries. Disingenuous at best.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:10amGod is Michelle Obama FAT! DId you look at the photo. She’s a blimp. She gets a stipend from Goodyear when she wears one their gimme hats! I gain a few pounds just looking at her!
The nerve, the gall, of someone so fat to support healthier eating for Americans! What a fat PIG! For goodness sakes, she’s ask Rush Limbaugh for dieting advice, a guy whose footsteps sometimes trigger false tsunami warnings. I’m not about to listen to some fat woman tell me that I or my child should eat more fruits and vegetables. First Lady’s have traditionally supported a cause, like, in Laura Bush’s case, childhood reading. But the very idea, the communist idea, that American children should eat healthier ought to give everyone pause, despite the fact that 1/4 are to fat to join the military.
Sorry Mrs. Fatso Obama. We don’t need you trying to change American culture. So what if we’re the most morbidly fat nation on earth? I wouldn’t trade a 100 pounds of obesity to lose my freedom as an American to eat fried foods. Take your “dietary guidelines” to Bangladesh where they will be more fully appreciated.
Report Post »onthefrontline
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:13amMichelle said,” there is no problem “too big, too complicated, too entrenched to be solved.”
GREAT, that means ….NOBAMA-2012
Report Post »MEANS2RESIST
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:59amI hope our religious leaders stick together & peacfully tell her to shove it up her ass!
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:27amMochele cheated… she only went half way down…
That’s how libs win…. they go half way, twice as much, it’s easier and it LOOKS like they won. Is this how they are beating us? With half measures?
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:22am@ 13thIMAM; …And the President says “Gimme a vinegar and water…”
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:45amA apple 4 ur thoughts
Report Post »Kimber_45
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:52pmIf she really wants to do something have the manufacturers put food back in the food, stop the fillers, and stop using food for fuel!
Report Post »SpeckChaser
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:40pmJZS
You falsely accuse conservatives of opposing healthy lifestyles while ignoring that we only oppose mandates that remove person choice/responsibility from the individual and places those in the hands of government.
What would result from following Mrs. Obama’s eating preferences? Healthy lifestyles, reduction of illnesses/and chronic health problems, lower long term health care cost? Those results could only be positive and benefit the individual and community, agreed?
Your stated goal is to expose conservative inconsistencies and offer opposing viewpoints so I would like your Liberal opinion. You express disapproval with Christians spreading their beliefs to non-believers.
What would the results of living a biblically moral life? Caring for the poor, loving your neighbor as yourself, and a healthy lifestyle by treating your body as a temple? Each result could only be positive and benefit the individual and community, especially the poor community, agreed?
In the name of consistency, would you advocate for mandating the Christian lifestyle against the will of the individual to the benefit the community as a whole, especially the poor community, or do you pick and choose what you could support based off your ideology?
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:39pmWell, at least she isn’t going on one of her “ it takes a village ” vacations . Or did she also take a retinue with her on Air Force One again ? Boy this losing weight deal could really cost us tax payers to lose some money ! But hey, Obama has an election to win and we know how “ urgent” this obesity campaign is ! A real crisis !
Report Post »mccracken
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:07pmhttp://abcnews.go.com/Politics/military-recruitment-grapples-obesity-epidemic/story?id=11431486#.TzcCgIHczAk
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:07pmI could stand to lose 15-20% – I weigh 160 could drop 20-30 lbs…and I will in the spring when i cut wood for next winter.
Nope don’t want the first lady telling me what to eat…she has only been proud to be an American for four years. I have been proud of America all of my life. I have despised government most of my life. The two are different.
I do not want the local gov’t telling me where to put a fence; unless my neighbor and i come before them.
I want the gov’t OUT of my bathroom, kitchen, light bulbs, freezer, refrigerator, Dr’s office, and MY WALLET.
Give me the truthful information; I will make my own decisions. Bugger off michelle. I have neither respect nor pride that are the first lady. Gallivanting around the world; wasting money ; while so many in AMERICA are going through troubled times.
Give us back the freedom of the individual man, woman, child.
GET OUT! you and that male you are married to; get out and take your Marxist philosophy with you!
Report Post »patspeak
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:37pmMichelle, “You have interferred enough with the Declaraton of Independence and Constitution of the Republic of the U. S. of A.” The taxpayers of this blessed land come Nov. 2012, will give you a one way ticket ot of Washington onward to your dreams…. “Home alone with your man”.
Report Post »asybot12
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:35pmIt is the ECONOMY and JOBS do not mislead us any longer !!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:50pmFunny that I keep hearing about the Harry Chapin Food Bank (southwest Florida) needing more money for more need .. UNDER OBAMA administration.
Report Post »Lloyd Drako
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:33pmI care about freedom so much I am hereby pledging to consume at least 6000 calories/day, and to exercise nothing but my fork arm and jaw muscles, until Obama and his hateful Food Dominatrix of a wife are out of the White House. Who’s with me?
Report Post »glashole
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:37pmI am with you, but I do like to play too much, not golf, to not excercise. LLOYD you need to ar least exercise your trigger finger too. Just in case.
Report Post »dgski
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:39pmGo ahead and give your self the coronary… we won’t miss you—- much.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:30pmI think when we stary shrinking a@@es…we need to start with Moochelles…Whatta ya think?
STFU Blubberbutt…
mccracken
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:47pmI think her a@@ looks fine in the picture.
Report Post »She seems to be pretty slender and in good physical shape for 50.
asybot12
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:08pm@maccracken you crack me up have you not heard of camera angles and only allowing certain pics to be released, come on I thought you were smarter than that.
Report Post »mccracken
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:30pmHere’s an a@@ size you’ll probably like:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/meet-the-female-runway-model-who-isnt-a-female/
Report Post »neverending
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:29pmJoel Hunter – need say no more.
Report Post »Highland
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:32amWill she be at Joel Osteen’s “church” next?
Report Post »geonj
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:28pm. “Think for a moment about the scripture that tells us that your bodies are temples given to you by God. That is a core teaching of so many of our faiths – a teaching that calls us to honor and nourish the bodies we’ve been blessed with, and to help others do the same.”
Report Post »so how is that whole pro-abortion thing working out for you michelle? doesn’t quite jibe with that whole “body as a temple from God stuff”. oh well, fear not, no one will point your hypocracy out, mrs obama.
Baracalypse
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:27pm“she told a crowd of more than 3,000 people from 15 denominations that they’re taking on one of the most urgent challenges of our time”
She told them to vote against her husband?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:52pmThey keep telling us that the food banks can’t keep up with the need (FL) .. she is on the WRONG side of the food issue! Not everyone is eating kobi steak and lobster like her.
Report Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:05pmAnd of course, all the cheapest food is not necessarily the healthiest for you.
I know that some foods that are healthy aren’t that expensive; however, if you’re a coupon clipper, the foods that end up being free or really cheap are generally junk foods.
I’d personally love to eat grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, and raw milk all the time, but I can’t always afford it. I do what I can, but those tend to be treats rather than the norm.
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:24pmThe snake crawls into the church again……………lock your church doors……evil is upon us.
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:21pm…
Report Post »Michelle the hypocrite.
whereareyourbrains
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:21pmLeave us alone. Stop pushing your ideas down our throats. Stop telling us what to do. Get out of my life. I didn’t ask you to come into my kitchen and show me how to eat. I didn’t ask for you to go grocery shopping with us. I buy the food I want. If I gain a pound…that is my choice. Stop trying to blame Mcdonalds on heavy kids. It is none of your business…………..go away
Report Post »JBaer
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:31pmNo kidding!
We had grilled sandwiches and pizza from Dominoes today, along with pop and chocolate cake for dessert! Mmmm mmmm!! Moochelle can keep her brussel sprouts for herself!
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:18pmI know how this game works..All this healthy eating campaigning she is doing is going to be followed up by a healthy tax increase in any type of food they deem unhealthy..FAST food and anything with sugar in it..Remember the democrats always have a hidden agenda
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:35pmYes. How about a mandate to force grocery stores to give away free vegetables ? And the grocery store has to foot the bill, of course. Or maybe bill those evil bankers…
Report Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:08pmHitler was all into promoting health and organic foods too. Now, I don’t have a problem with healthy foods, but when it becomes almost a borderline religion to you, I have a problem. I also believe that making the choice to eat healthy or not is a personal decision.
Report Post »whereareyourbrains
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:17pmGet out of my kitchen. Get out of my grocery cart. Leave me alone. I don’t care if I gain weight. I am not here to please you. I am not here to cow tow to your stupid rules. Get out of the
Report Post »White House and go back to Chicago where they pretend to like you………….Con girl at work.She needs to follow her own advice. Not just when she is being on tv………………b………tch.
CatB
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:48pmMay I add .. GET OUT OF MY STATE … go back to D.C. (next January back to Chicago!) .. and take care of your own house and family .. and we will take care of ours! What a F ing control freak!
OMG 2012
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:01pmWhat rules? Nobody is making you change what you eat. The First Lady is just trying to give some good advice to people who really don’t know the difference between good and bad food. Why all the hate over such an innocuous and potentially helpful pet cause?
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:16pmhey Mushelle I see your running out of time.9 months and counting..
Report Post »TheObamanation
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:13pmAs long as Michelle keeps her shoulders covered … I have no complaints.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:12pmI would love to hear her pitching her big passion to the Pastor.
Report Post »….now, as I grow a double wide load to sit on and my husband tries to destroy your religion…please do as I say because I‘m the first lady and only I know what’s good for you.
Please shut up, flotus.
MDDAWG
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:11pmI like the fact that the first ladies get out and encourage healthy habits. Laura Bush did some of the same and it is worthwhile. What I don’t like is when the governement intervenes in our diet. That’s where it goes too far.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:51pmThat’s not happening unless you are already depending on the government to feed you. I agree with the First Lady that the government should not be serving bad food.
Report Post »nighttrainno9
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:08pmWith her big, wide over sized A$$, I don’t see how she can
Report Post »complain about anyone elses obesity. That is one ugly wookie.
GeorgieJo
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:19pmGEEZE I am overblown
First Religion and contraceptives,then Jimmy Fallout and bouncing bags then Ellen and the lesbian group and NOW sit-ups and campaigning in churches???
Whats NEXT week?
Purple can only be worn on the days that the UNIONS collect their dues???
GET OUT of my kitchen and church Moochelle
OMG in 2012
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:08am@ steelhead ,, ummm ummm u still r a child ummm ummmmm uummmmm
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:06pmOh goody! Another story on the ‘know-it-all” food czar! Michelle, dear; you are a joke just like your wussy, socialist, marxist husband. It’s bye-bye in November lady!
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:16pmthe con clown convention just elected McRomney – sorry you lose again
Report Post »ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:24pmBye bye? Are you going somewhere when Obama wins re-election?
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:33pmIf Dumbo steals reelection, everybody is going to hell. When the 53% figure out that the 47% are freeloaders,, they will stop supporting dolt’s. Then comes target practice on the starving liberal freeloaders.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:44pmi mam- all the money in the world can’t buy McRomney the election, the majority of the people will vote and elect, once again, Obama as our President of the United States
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:55pmWhat makes a lib’s brain think the garbage they do? Is it ignorance? Perhaps an overload of emotion because of their self-loathing? What a miserable existence it must be.
Oh and we will beat the poser. Back to Chicago with the rest of his friends like Ayers, Rezko, Axelrod, and Rahm, baby.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:57pmAlmost forgot his best buddy, the Rev Wright-who is shameless wrong.
Report Post »dgski
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:30pmYou do realize the distinct differences between Marxism an dSocialism, don’t you. If no, stop using FOXPAC talking points…
Report Post »dgski
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:42pmYou can’t use solicalism and Marxism as the same thing… Stop spouting Rush and FoxPac talking points. They are lies… really, check it out and then grow up and think for yourself…
Report Post »semihardrock
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:06pmDoesnt ANYONE understand, the “more fat” you are, the more it will cost Obamacare……..or I should say….skinny working Taxpayers!
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:55pmActually, no. People with bad habits like smoking and overeating save money because they die sooner. Someone who lives to be 95 will be just as sick in the last two years of their life as someone who only lives to be sixty, and we will also have to pay for all the routine minor care they receive in the thirty-five years in between.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:02pmlets hear it Blazer’s – the hate , show me the hate
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:08pmOkay…We hate you and your idiotic posting.
Report Post »Happy?
13th Imam
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:14pmLose weight the O’Bama Way. Lose 10 lbs fast and furiously. Have an Abortion. Yes, you too can be rid of a burden , and never think another thought about a beating heart. And it’s free. Barry has proposed a way for all TAXPAYING Americans to subsidize thoughtless behavior of irresponsible Takers.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:24pmSeems to me this regime has created ALOT of hate in this country….but then again moonbats only vote BY COLOR (see Samuel Jackson)
Sure feel sorry for those folks fighting for their “plantation”
good movie RUNAWAY SLAVE
OMG in 2012
Report Post »dgski
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:47pmShemi, why don’t you just take care for yourself? The more healthy you are, the benefits are YOURS, not some insurance conpany’s. You won’t have to go to the Dr. much because you will feel so good. I was in th Air Force for 20 years and ran every single day. Try a walk around your block to start. That way, YOU won’t be burdening US with your bills…
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:02pmOh, please….How About Michelle Courts Florida Obesity Leaders To Join Obama’s Fight Against Religion ?
Report Post »ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:10pmFlorida obesity leaders? I assume Rush falls pretty high up int fatty floridian hierarchy.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:57pmOur lets all join the fight against communism
Report Post »