Exciting legislation is happening in New York City. The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden has proposed a bill that all restaurants in New York City supply caloric values for basic sizes with ranges according to sizes and additions. The legislation is suggested to help consumers make more informed decisions and gain awareness of the nutritional content in foods.
The chairman of the council’s Health committee, Joel Rivera, is introducing new legislation to water down Dr Friedman’s bill. An advisor of Mr Rivera stated in a press release that “people going to Burger King are not the kind of people who care about the calorie count.” Mr Rivera was also the leader in opposition of zoning laws to limit the number of fast food restaurants in neighborhoods with high obesity rates.
Most people do not realize how many calories they consume throughout the day. Everyday, I work with patients and clients who are fascinated at how many calories are in foods purchased at the grocery stores and restaurants. Many fast food meals provide over half the estimated daily calorie needs people require. People from different cultures, education levels, socioeconomic status do not know enough about calorie content in foods. It does not always matter if you are rich or poor–everyone needs nutrition education. Mr. Rivera’s advisor should appreciate that generalizing that all people who eat at Burger King could care less is stereotypical and plain wrong.
A simple strategy to health and weight loss is Calories In needs to be less than Calories Out. It is as easy as basic arithmetic. If someone can have a better idea of the calories consumed when they are eating eat, they will be one step closer to taking control of their weight and health status. I think New York is taking a great step at helping people take control over what they eat.
What do you think?
Check out the links below:
NY Sun: Council May Well Step Into Fight Over Fast Food
http://www.nysun.com/article/49254?access=797938
NYT OPINION February 27, 2007 Editorial: You Want Some Truth With That?