Category Archives: Nutrition

More on the HFCS Renaming Issue

Posted on September 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

Much has been said about the HFCS renaming issue and I wrote about it earlier here. Much of it has been strident in the opposition to the change. How did all this start and how did we get here?  James McWilliams of Texas State University writes in the Atlantic how one “viral sentence” as he describes it ignited this issue. He argues that instead of getting all steamed up about the name change, we should ask ourselves why high fructose corn syrup is so ubiquitous in the first place. The answer  is massive government subsidies to the corn growers. Can we change that? And what would happen if we did? Very interesting read.

Also, an informative piece on the same issue by Marion Nestle at Food Politics.

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Posted in Food Policy, Nutrition

High-Fructose Corn Syrup by another name…

Posted on September 15, 2010 | Leave a comment

….would be just as sweet! The Corn Refiners Association has applied to the FDA to change the name for High Fructose Corn Syrup to “Corn Sugar” on product labels. It seems that HFCS use is at a 20 year low as concerns about it become more intense (research shows a correlation between HFCS  intake and obesity). In an attempt to boost sales,therefore,  they want to rename the product. It is still the same product and our  bodies will continue to metabolize it differently from cane sugar . But the industry hopes that enough people will be confused between cane sugar and “corn sugar” or will not try to research the ingredients in prepared foods ensuring that sales can continue to thrive. So, we are back to our favorite Thought+Food mantra: “Always Read the Label!”

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Posted in Food Policy, Nutrition

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How to bring in a Food Revolution

Posted on August 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Anna Lappe’s article for Grist examines the pillars the food revolution should be based on: she identifies them as Ecology, Community and Fairness. What resonated with me, in particular, is the approach to thinking about food in a comprehensive way. For instance the decision to eat shrimp should be determined not only by personal health concerns but also on how the shrimp are harvested and their place in the food system; and finally on whether those associated with the shrimp industry are being fairly treated. Are the shrimp farmers/fisher people getting a fair wage? Are we literally wolfing up all the shrimp on the planet? It might taste good and even be good for you but its time to consider whole equation : the global good.

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Posted in Food Policy, Food Security, Nutrition

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An Apple a Day..

Posted on August 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

…may keep obesity at bay! A new program in Massachusetts will allow doctors to write “prescriptions” for their patients to be filled at the farmer’s market. The idea is to stimulate changes in eating habits and combat childhood obesity. At a minimum, it will expose families and children to the delights of fresh fruits and vegetables. One program cannot change the world but it is certainly one baby step forward to a healthier population. Familiarity with new foods will give way to acceptance. Next time, the whine goes up for nuggets from you-know-where, perhaps the harried parent will be able to negotiate a side of apple slices and ditch the frightful fries.

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Posted in Food Policy, Nutrition

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Read the Labels Part 2

Posted on August 5, 2010 | Leave a comment

We already heard about the mislabeling of  organic produce. Now, an interesting piece on the authenticity of local produce. Moral of the story: tomahto/tomayto is not always the same thing so read the label!!

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Posted in Nutrition

Alton Brown Explains Grass-fed Beef

Posted on July 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

Anyone who declares his favorite animal is steak must know their beef! Watch Alton Brown explain how corn fed cattle develop acid in their stomach which allow e coli to thrive and get passed on to the consumer.

Now , consider the question of milk.It is strange to think that even with the hefty premium we pay for organic milk , we still don’t get milk from  cows who eat grass! How did this happen? Cows+grass=milk was the way from the dawn of time. Who authorized : Cows+corn=milk? Doesn’t even look right!

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Posted in Nutrition

Obesity and Hunger are Linked

Posted on July 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

When families are struggling to meet ends meet, they may make less than optimal food choices. Fresh produce is more expensive than a meal deal at a fast food outlet. So while they are fighting to stave off  hunger, people may be choosing a diet that leads to obesity. NPR’s series  points out that the money the government intends to spend to fight hunger must also take into account the need for a healthy diet. While there is little to debate on that score, (although for some people including lawmakers the link is hard to grasp as the article also points out),  it  was  interesting that the child interviewed in the program is described as “picky”. When the family is facing the prospect of going hungry, picky cannot be part of the equation. The government, food banks, non-profits, charities, other donors can all be mobilized to fight the dual battles of hunger and childhood obesity but “picky”? That, the parents have to fix!

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Posted in Food Security, Nutrition

When you buy organic….

Posted on July 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

…is that what you really get? Perhaps not. We are learning now that there are instances of fraud in the labeling of organic food in California. Growers ignore the state certification process and label produce in a way that misleads consumers. Not only does this cheat the consumer, it also undercuts the actual growers of organic food. It is absolutely essential to read the label and make sure the produce is certified organic. And when you do read the label you may discover that the produce actually comes from China! Produce from China is not open to third-party certification and there is no way of knowing if the produce was actually certified organic in a process similar to the US.  While enforcement of standards  everywhere is crucial, our responsibility as consumers is to be sure what we are paying for and never unknowingly support those who try to subvert the system.

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Posted in Food Safety, Nutrition

Cage Free Forever!

Posted on July 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

California just passed a law ensuring all hens will be humanely treated thus becoming the first cage free state! Good news for hens and humans both!

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Posted in Food Policy, Nutrition

Jamie Oliver and the School Lunch Plan

Posted on July 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

It appears that Jamie Oliver’s plan for healthy school lunches is going to be canceled. The UK Health Minister claimed that there was a drop in the number of children buying lunch since the new menu was introduced. For this, he blames an “authoritarian” approach consisting of lecturing people on what they should eat.

Thought Food has looked at the efforts to fix the school lunch, including Oliver’s efforts in West Virginia and while we may not agree with everything that he does, certainly his effort is to be applauded. Good eating habits need to be built up from childhood, a taxpayer funded program should not push junk and kids who come from challenging home situations or live in “food deserts”  can benefit from this program. If a few families choose to ignore good dietary rules, should all children suffer? There is evidence to prove that healthy school food has an impact on academic achievements.

If the UK government discovered a flaw in the lunch program devised by Jamie Oliver and then canceled it, that would be understandable. But this simply seems to be an effort to fit in economic austerity measures than a thoughtful approach to planning school meals.

And Jamie Oliver has plenty of support, sometimes from unlikely quarters, like this endorsement from Anthony Bourdain. Being a parent changes everything!

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Posted in Nutrition, Uncategorized