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Have you seen this? The New York City Board of Health approved Mayor Bloomberg's ban on large sugar-sweetened drinks on Thursday, as expected:
The plan--proposed by the mayor in May-- calls for a ban on the sale of all sugar-sweetened drinks--soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened teas and coffees and sweetened fruit drinks--in cups larger than 16 ounces at the city's restaurants, food carts, movie theaters, stadiums and sports arenas.The new policy does not include diet sodas, soft drinks sold in grocery stores or those that contain 70 percent or more fruit juice. Beer is also not included in the ban."Six months from today," Mayor Bloomberg tweeted, "our city will be an even healthier place. NYC's new sugary drink policy is the single biggest step any gov't has taken to curb #obesity. It will help save lives."Nearly 60 percent of the city's adults and 40 percent of its children are New Yorkers are overweight or obese, the mayor's office said, putting them at higher risk for disease.
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I agree that obesity is a problem in our country, it's obviously a problem in NYC. But I have strong doubts that a city ban is going to change anything. So someone wants to drown themselves in sugar, can we really stop them?
I don't drink any of the sugar-sweetened drinks listed, but I'm not a perfect eater. I'm of the 80-20 mindset. I eat healthy about 80% of the time and allow myself to indulge in less than healthy favorites. Will someone someday ban my beloved chocolate? What about my once a month Five Guys burger?
What do you think? Will this really save lives or is government overstepping?
Ha!! I have been reading this in the news. Just like your cartoon portrayed, they will drink the amount they want. They will just buy liters and Soda Stream Machines and consume it in their own home. (hehe...it will be like bootleg) Are they also going to outlaw refills? You know....this really says, you are too stupid to make your own decisions. That is what government wants....a dumb downed, thoughtless people. They are easier to manipulate. What will be next? {ok...off my soap box :o)}
ReplyDeleteI think educating and empowering people is the best way, not legislating how big of a drink they can have. Just another great example of TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT!
ReplyDeleteI actually think it could be helpful; think about when you're (okay when I'm in line) at Dairy Queen for example (not a beverage, but stay with me); when the large blizzard is only a quarter more than the medium, but I really only *need* the medium, since it's $5 per anyway, I mise well spend the extra quarter & get "more for my money." If anyone else thinks like me at times, it could prevent them from going up the size of something that maybe they don't need more of, just because "it's a good deal." You know what I'm saying? Have you ever seen a McDonald's small french fry today vs. 1950? It's like at least 2-3x's the size... And if you REALLY need a bigger beverage, you will just get two or bring from home I guess...at least you can still get a big beer;-)
ReplyDeleteI do see your point, Gina. We're definitely a super sized nation because of good deals! We were at Krispy Kreme once and just wanted a 1/2 dozen. "But a whole dozen is only 50 cents more..." said the voice from the drive through. My husband courageously resisted but it's not easy!
ReplyDeleteI would much rather see a government incentive where health is concerned, rather than an invasion and theft of our freedom of choice... Personally, I don't drink soda or juice. Ever. However, why not give Americans who meet healthy BMIs/weights an incentive? A tax break maybe?
ReplyDeleteSarah
www.thinfluenced.com
This is a lovely gesture on behalf of those suffering obesity in NYC. However, I think it defeats the purpose. If they want to make a difference there are a lot of other things that need to be banned such as alcoholic beverages, fast food, etc. It is very sad how high those statistics are. Just outright shocking actually! I understand the need for people to be healthy. Live longer, live a fulfilling life and feel good. But at the end of the day you can't force people to eat well or live well. The man of God could preach until he's blue but if a person doesn't want to live right and purposes in their heart to backslide they will.. same situation here. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteFact of the matter is that eating can be an addiction. I know a lady who recently lost over 100lbs after she decided her addiction of drinking two full 2 liters of Pepsi a day was detrimental to her health. With an addiction it doesn't matter the cost, people will get it. So people are just going to spend more money to buy 2 16oz drinks since they can't have their big gulp.
I agree with Sarah. We need to see incentives. Incentives from health insurance. Incentives from employers. From the state. If you reward food behavior- ultimately those who decide to do otherwise will adversely affect themselves in more ways than their health and it will pressure them to consider a healthier lifestyle.
I could go on and on.. I am very passionate about health and fitness. :) If you couldn't tell lol