Regulation of the Big Gulp?

So there's a big kerfuffle brewing based on this  news story today.  Basically, to address the obesity epidemic, Mayor Bloomberg is proposing that sugared drinks in New York should only be sold in 16oz containers or less.  We do know that sugared drinks contribute around 50% of the calories consumed by our kids and indeed represent the highest calorie intake per day in the diet of the typical American.  And we also know that these excessive calories contribute to our expanding waist lines and massively increasing healthcare costs.

In an earlier post I also discussed the HBO documentary "The Weight of the Nation", in which we learned that 2/3s of us are overweight or obese and only 1/3 of us are maintaining a healthy weight.  So I guess Mayor Bloomberg is suggesting that we need a bit of extra help in trying to cut back on our caloric intake?!

I don't think that reducing the size of the portion does much to change someones behavior, however, one could argue that we have this huge (no pun intended!) problem and perhaps we do need some help.  I personally am a proponent of a sugar tax - basically, throw a 50c or so tax on sugared beverages and throw it in a Medicare "savings account" to try to alleviate the massive expense that happens when chronic excess weight gain remains unchecked over the decades, and then burdens the Medicare system.

On the other hand, some would say well, what about steaks?  Should we say you can only buy a 6oz ribeye?  Or perhaps you can only buy 2 slices of cheddar cheese?  Or maybe if you buy one lettuce you can only buy 6 tablespoons of full-fat salad dressing?  ....ummm...is this starting to sound a little COMMUNIST to anyone?

Thoughts?  Would love to hear them!

Glucosamine and Condroitin for Arthritis?

So the story goes that we have an elderly dog who suffered dreadfully from arthritic back legs, mostly in the winter. It was so bad that she really struggled to get herself out of bed, and her back legs moved together in one motion most of the time. Sometimes the poor thing was so sore, she would pick up one back leg and hop around on the other.

Our vet suggested we try glucosamine for dogs. After a few weeks, we were amazed at the progress! We now call this dear old dog "The amazing reverse aging dog" also known as "Benjamin Button"! You'd hardly know she suffers from arthritis at all and she now frequently accompanies us on long walks again too.

So we decided to look into this supplement to see if it would soothe our own aching joints. It turns out that while glucosamine often works incredibly well in dogs, it only works in about 50% of humans. Go figure. However, if you are suffering chronic joint pain, it's a fairly harmless supplement in terms of side effects and you have a 50/50 shot of it being useful!

You should look for a supplement that is certified as safe by the Consumer Lab - they are really good at sniffing out the stuff that isn't as labeled or is just flat dangerous. For example, they recently discovered that Whole Foods is selling a product that is heavily contaminated with lead!

Also, you should take the supplement for 2-3 months. If you see no improvement, you should cease taking the supplement as this would indicate you are in the unlucky 50% for whom this supplement provides no use.

Let me know what your experience has been with this supplement! I hope you have the same experience with it as our dear old dog!

The Weight of a Nation - what will you do?

So did everyone see the new HBO series on Monday? If you missed it, you can see it for free on the HBO website! There are now two episodes available and the other two will be available next week. I really urge you to watch it. In America, 2/3's of us are overweight or obese...in other words, only 1/3 of us have figured out how to maintain a healthy weight. As I've mentioned in my earlier post, this is absolutely not an issue of vanity -- rather, it is an issue of disease and sickness...of jobs moving overseas because companies can no longer afford to insure their ill American workforce...of sadness and despair for those struggling with their weight...of dependence on medicines for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol etc....of human lives cut short by PREVENTABLE ill-health.

I challenge you to consider the impact of obesity in your own life and in your sphere of influence. What can you do to make a difference? Here's some ideas!

• eliminate any and all sugary beverages from your diet and replace them with whole fruits and vegetables. This includes juice! Did you know, Americans consume more calories from sweet drinks, than any other source?
• make half your plate fruits and vegetables....and your kids plates too! Extra portions of pasta, french fries, bread and juice "because they don't like veges" does your kids no favors...it just perpetuates their poor food choices.
• encourage your children to PLAY and be active; limit "screen" time (TV, Computer, iPhone etc)-- they get plenty of that at school!
• make time for your daily walk, or any other form of physical activity that you enjoy
• work with your city council to ensure there are safe pavements and parks for you and your children to enjoy
• organize a local family walk event
• organize a regular office walk-for-health, healthy recipe swap or a healthy snack bar (ditch the candies!!)
• and most of all, provide support and encouragement for those dealing with obesity - they don't need your pity, criticism or judgement; they need your help, love and support!

What other ideas do you have? I'd love to hear from you!

Homemade Vogel -like bread!

To all my Kiwi followers out there, especially those away from home, you will know, and most likely crave, the taste of traditional Kiwi Vogel breads. Those dense, nutty, whole grain delicious breads! For many years now I have been searching for, testing and tweaking recipes that might give me a little taste of home away from home....and here it is!! Finally I have developed a recipe that I really feel is as close as I'll be able to get to Vogel, made at home in my trusty bread maker.

This is a wonderful bread, but comes with a small warning- it is not for those of us looking to cut calories. There is a lot of sunflower and pumpkin seeds in this bread which ups the calorie content, so be careful with serving sizes. On the good side, these contain healthy unsaturated fats which are good for our hearts and provide the hearty texture that makes this bread so good. They are also good sources of magnesium and zinc...good for immune function and blood vessel health which are both required to living well!

Homemade Vogel - Style Bread

1 1/2c white flour

1 1/2c whole wheat flour

1/4c cornmeal

1 1/2teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons dried milk powder

2 tablespoons molasses

2 tablespoons butter

2/3c raw sunflower seeds (unsalted)

2/3c raw pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

12 fl oz water (warm)

1 packet rapid-rise yeast

Add all ingredients to your bread maker and follow your bread maker instructions to bake multi-grain bread. I have also successfully used the whole wheat "rapid-bake" function and this bread comes out beautifully. Just a little piece of New Zealand for you all to enjoy!