by Jennifer Pomeranz
We read it over and over again: Education alone does not change eating
behavior.
Marion Nestle has a great article showing how many precise changes are
needed to just take a family from using whole milk to a low-fat
version. But why are humans so unable to make small changes that they
are in total control of? Some point to will-power. But why is it so
hard? I do not have an answer- only the question. I know that eating
a jar of peanut butter in two days is not the best idea but if it’s in
the house it is hard to resist. I can order healthy meals at
restaurants, but if someone else orders dessert and four spoons, I am
happy to oblige. Where does the system break-down?
Continue reading "Why Isn’t Education Enough?" »
by Jennifer Pomeranz
Subway has complied with the menu labeling law in New York City. Am I
really cheering for a company for complying with the law? Maybe the
better question is: Why have fast food restaurants been able to operate
on their own terms for so long? Subway has been a leader in advocating
healthier eating through calorie comparisons among different fast food
establishments. It is not surprising that they would comply with the
menu labeling law because they know their products come out on top of
the calorie comparison game. But the New York State Restaurant
Association sued NYC
to stop enforcement of the law to protect other fast food restaurants
from having to disclose calories of their products at the point of
purchase. That is all the law states: restaurants that have disclosed
calorie data via different media must also disclose it at the point of
purchase (i.e., on the menu).
Continue reading "Cheers for Subway!" »
by Jennifer Pomeranz
Starting on June 26th, ABC will launch a TV series called Shaq’s Big
Challenge, featuring Shaquille O’Neal and his “dream team” of experts
who are setting out to battle childhood obesity. Shaq gathered six
specialists from around the country to work with six middle school
children in Florida. The team includes: a personal trainer,
nutritionist, child obesity expert, celebrity chef (Tyler Florence-
yay!), university sports coach, and Shaq’s own physician/trainer. The
most promising aspect of this show is that it addresses the many layers
of the toxic environment in which children live.
Continue reading "Finally, a Real Role Model" »
