Is more always better?

In the last several weeks there has been a great deal of controversy over Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to prohibit the sale of sugary drinks greater than sixteen ounces. The reason being that many individuals in the world of nutrition have targeted sugar as the anti-Christ that is behind the obesity epidemic.  Do I think drinking a calorie laden beverage loaded with sugar is healthy?  No, I don’t, but what I find ridiculous is that Bloomberg and others who are in agreement with his plan are opening Pandora’s box. Where will it end? Is a double cheeseburger topped with bacon and a side order of large fries any less problematic? And what about the portions served  in restaurants across America that could feed a small village? I have ordered a plate of spaghetti that I ended up eating over a three-day period. Who is going to be the watch dog over the goodies sold at movie theaters? If you try to buy a small soda and popcorn you are actually charged more money. You get perks for purchasing a vat of popcorn and a giant coke that could double as a kiddie pool.

What I find interesting is that there is no discussion on the fact that obesity is not simply about curtailing an individuals’ intake of sugary liquids. The fact of the matter is that over the years our society has become invested in eating mindlessly. People eat while their driving, while they’re talking on their cell phones, even while their walking down the street. I’m sure we’re going to see the day when they put microwaves and pizza ovens in cars.  We have also become invested in “more is better” in all areas of our lives. This type of mindset creates stress which leads to overeating as a way to comfort ourselves. Our days are filled with trying to connect through gadgets that simply increase feelings of isolation. Food is sandwiched in-between the busyness that has become a way of life, rather than taking the time to cook, savor and share with friends and family. Until we are able to see the whole picture as the realty of an unbalanced lifestyle, we will continue to try to find the obesity culprit.  Perhaps we should also consider the fact that encouraging accountability for ones’ behavior is one of the most important values we can teach beginning at a very young age. If I can’t develop the ability to self regulate my emotions and be accountable for what I choose to value than we will have no choice but to be at the mercy of other people’s dictates.

Collective Mental Constipation and Just Fed Up!

I am so tired of hearing and reading about the following:

1. Collective constipation of the mind and body. It seems that there are more and more individuals who cannot seem to think beyond their constipated beliefs and so they embark on force to get their way.  Using mental pugilism as a way to coerce  others who do not think act or believe the same way as they do never works in the long run. Unfortunately they do not seem to realize that an evolved society is infused with a variety of interesting people of varying ideologies. The physical manifestations of constipation have become a billion dollar business. Magazines and TV ads are rank with products that allude to the need to cleanse the colon in order to feel less bloated and miserable. No matter that physicians have said over and over that a healthy diet should include fiber which is found in many fruits and vegetables which takes care of the problem in a natural way. That makes sense which will never take over the nonsense that we are fed by the ad gurus so they can continue to fuel their bank accounts and placate their clients. I would like to do a research project which would attest to the fact that the above is tied together. I think if you open your mind to new ways of thinking, your bowel problems will fade.

2. Stores giving me reward cards that will give me discounts for future products. The only reward I want is being able to buy something at a fair price that will not leave me feeling gauged. Also stop making commercials with actors that tell us that the store they represent is there “just for us”. Let’s face it you’re in business to make money. If you were there just for me then why aren’t you doing my errands?

3. Political ads that run day and night and news anchors and their cohorts that interview not only the potential candidate but the people who deliver their oil, their dentists and their children’s Pediatricians. Let’s cut to the chase. How about a six month campaign with six debates. Tell us what you’re going to do, how you’re going to do it and when. Never mind what the other’s haven’t done. It’s irrelevant since most of us already have this information. Negative ads are simply reflective of a group of adolescents ragging on each other.

This is Loretta LaRoche and I approve of these messages!