Tag Archives: nutrition

Back from the biggest food day of the year to an interesting analysis on the food debate: namely,that the food debate is assuming the shape of a class/culture war. The way we eat, the piece says, is not defined by access or affordability alone, it is also a matter of preference and some people will choose the Big Mac over other options no matter how much information they are given. The authors write about their experience in Huntington, W.Va, made famous by Jamie Oliver’s TV show. While they were able to buy fresh, organic produce at reasonable prices and cook at home, they found people opting to eat at higher prices at fast food joints.Commentators on the right say people should eat what they want, preaching alternatives is an insidious attempt to foist liberal upper class opinions on others. This is a strange argument. In effect it says, “do not listen to those who urge healthier food habits because they are trying to subvert your freedom of choice but listen to me as I encourage you to eat in a way that harms your health”! At Thought+Food, the motto has been “Always read the label”, maybe we should add “Always thinks for yourself” to that.

….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!”

…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.