Menu labeling requirements lead to healthier options at chain restaurants
Yes, it’s making a difference. Do calorie postings help us make better choices in restaurants? There has been some debate as to whether the new regulations actually change behaviors to reduce the obesity epidemic in our country. Because most people eat at restaurants several times a week, and since many options available are too high in calories, sodium and fat, not to mention portion size- it makes sense to improve the choices available... Read More
First Bloomberg, now CSPI/Mraz – Sugary Drinks You’re Doomed
If polar bears can’t convince you – nothing will. Soda does a body harm. Don’t let industry fool you, there is no redeeming quality to sugary drinks. Join the fight and say NO to soda. Read More
Taking a Stab against Childhood Obesity Through School Lunch
by Becky Kornberg School lunches are intended to provide students with the energy they need to learn effectively, but are school lunches also contributing to the nation’s obesity epidemic? John Stewart doesn’t seem to understand it either; he’s wondering why kids are throwing their food out and not eating their fruits and vegetables? Read More Read More
Bloomberg’s Fight on America’s Expanding Girth
Sip that with a straw. If Mayor Bloomberg has his way, the sale of soda and sugary drinks over 16oz will be banned in NY. Many support this, including doctors, health organizations, nutritionists – but definitely not the soda industry. This is reminiscent of the cigarette controversy of yesteryear. How long was that lie covered up? It also smacks of corporate greed at the expense of public health. Remember not too long ago,... Read More
Slinging the Pears at Riverhead School District
Suffolk County Community College Diet Tech students had a taste of school food service earlier this month. Not only did our class have the privilege of observing the Riverhead district food service department, they got to participate too. Over 1200 portion controlled cups of pears were methodically scooped in record time, like a well oiled machine. The district already has the new school lunch standards in place – in the fight to address the... Read More
School Lunch Overhaul Addresses Obesity
Despite pizza being declared a vegetable last year, new dietary guidelines by the USDA, set to begin in the fall, is a step in the right direction. Finally, some progress. Government subsidized school meals will now have to add more fruits and vegetables, and reduce salt and fat. We desperately need to address our kids poor eating habits, as well as our own. Translating evidenced based nutrition standards to school foodservice as well as at home... Read More
Classes Not the Only Challenge in College -Keeping Those Excess Pounds Off
The freshman 10- an age-old problem. Or is it now the freshman 15-20? Weight gain in college seems to be getting harder and harder to control. The problem is not new, but the reasons and incidence is alarming. And although there is little information on the growing problem of overweight/obesity on college campuses, obesity rates have dramatically risen among 18-26 year olds, as much as 35% according to the National College Health Risk Behavior... Read More
Pizza is a vegetable now?
When will the food companies and their lobbyists put our kids first? Pizza and french fries will continue to be served to our kids posed as vegetables thanks to congress hogtying the USDA school lunch standards. Childhood obesity and healthcare costs will continue to skyrocket until we get everyone onboard. Check out this article on msnbc about it. While you’re at it, support organizations working to amend the Citizens United case and... Read More
Top New Foods are Getting Worse – A sad state of gastronomic affairs…
Really? Fried ice cream on top of a greasy, fatty burger is the winner at state fairs this year. Some other top new food trends this year, according to an article in the Huffington Post, include Fried Foie Gras Jelly Donut and Cheese and gravy topped tater tots (also known as Poutine). Ugh- not even appealing (at least not to me)… Is this the best our top chefs can do? Come on- let’s start food trends that will actually do our bodies some... Read More
