News Taffy

Is The Government Making Us Fat?

My answer is yes! You are probably wondering how the government could make us fat. The answer is highly complicated but the government promotes a food pyramid that is outdated by current research standards, funds an unhealthy school lunch program, and pays farm subsidies in a manner that ensures the public eats too many empty calories.

I watched a video this weekend that I highly encourage everyone to watch. I have included it with this blog. This news piece by Peter Jennings was done during the Bush administration but I’m pretty sure nothing much has changed since it originally aired. The piece is broken into several 10 minute segments you can find on youtube under "How To Get Fat Without Trying." I am trying to encourage my readers to educate themselves about the food they eat, where it comes from and to do everything they can to ensure that their food is nutritious.

If our government shifted farm subsidies from corn to fruits and vegetables, improved school lunches by getting rid of fatty processed foods and promoted a better nutrition guide, health costs in this country would drop. Our budget deficit as well as our waist lines would slim down if farm subsidies were cut back. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not against farmers. I just would like to see a shift in agriculture policies. Farmers need to be encouraged to grow foods that are better for humans and animals to consume.

I know many of you don’t want to know about your food. It’s easier not to know. But if you care about your health, and that of your children, watch the video. Watch Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. It will help you to make better choices at the grocery store if nothing else. It’s only 10 minutes of your time, but it could make a difference for a lifetime.

Until next week,
Lisa