The largest problem Americans are currently facing isn't our growing deficit or our lacking education systems; it's our waistlines.

We live our lives with this "If I can afford it, I deserve it" mentality specific to Americans. Being fat proves you're wealthy enough to consume more than a third world nation by yourself but cheap enough to avoid a gym membership. Granted, a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts is considerably cheaper than a personal trainer, but that should not stop Americans from pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Americans fall when compared with other developed nations in terms of literacy rates and economic strength, but our nation floats to the top with cellulite. Our current state of 3XL attire worn proudly in the form of American Flag shirts is in dire need of a diet to protect our current society and future generations.

An even larger problem than fat adults is that these Americans are spreading their eating habits to their offspring.

Feeding your children out of fast food bags and grocery store checkout line merchandise is child abuse. Your three-year-old will never develop a taste for carrots and celery if you constantly force-feed them high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oil. Parents that feed children purely out of convenience doom their child to a life of diabetes and weight problems.

This century has improved our food preservation methods but increased rates of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Our society is buckling at the knees under the pressure of health risks. To keep happy and healthy, drastic changes need to occur in the home and school, instilling proper eating habits and exercise routines.

I may be no pinnacle for healthy living, but for God's sake, eat a carrot.

Deep Fried Oreos

2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
1 large egg
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup pancake mix
1 (18 ounce) package of Oreos

1. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Whisk together the egg, milk, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the pancake mix until no dry lumps remain. Dip the cookies into the batter one at a time, and carefully place into the hot frying oil. Fry only 4 or 5 at a time to avoid overcrowding the deep fryer. Cook until the cookies are golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

— Emily DeLanzo is a senior in environmental studies. She may be reached at edelanzo@utk.edu. You can follow her on twitter at @EmilyDeLanzo.