GMA Launches “Nutrition Keys” Initiative…Straight Into the Ground
Last November, I made note of a proposed “front-of-package” nutrition labeling initiative on the part of the food industry. I dubbed it “Smart Choices 2.0,” in honor of the industry’s first – and rather disasterous – attempt to sow cut through consumer confusion. At the time, I doubted the seriousness of the effort, but admitted that “I’d like to be wrong.” But as it turns...
Yale Report: Fast Food Marketing to Kids Has Increased
The Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University recently released a detailed report on fast food nutrition and marketing to kids. The conclusions aren’t pretty: New Haven, Conn. — Children as young as age 2 are seeing more fast food ads than ever before, and restaurants rarely offer parents the healthy kids’ meal choices, according to a new study from Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. The new...
Science-Based Medicine on Bill Clinton’s Diet
In the wake of his well-publicized bout with cardiovascular disease, Bill Clinton has given up McDonald’s (good) for a mostly-vegan diet. The former prez has lost 24 lbs. and is now approx. the same weight as he was in high school. His current diet is quite restrictive, though: fruits, veggies, legumes and – once in a while – a little fish. Why is he on such a severe diet? According to Dr. Harriet Hall, of...
Smart Choices 2.0
Remember the late, unlamented “Smart Choices” front-of-package labeling system implemented by various players in the food industry? The industry claimed it was an initiative that would “…help consumers make more nutritious food and beverage choices that fit within their daily calorie needs.” Not surprisingly, “Smart Choices” turned out to be a total farce. Well, the industry is making another...
Changing Soda Serving Sizes
Found this awesome post on Sociological Images, comparing advertised soda servings from the 1950’s vs. today. Ben Ostrowsky sent in a great example of changing norms of consumption, highlighting the enormous increase in what is considered a standard serving of soda. In this 1950s ad for soda, the text proudly proclaims that a 12-oz. can is “king-size,” and includes 2 full servings… …Compare it to this sign at Long...
What Does the Obesity Society Serve For Lunch?
Lotsa junk, according to Dr. Yoni Freedhoff of “Weighty Matters.” When I wandered through the lunch offerings at this years Obesity Society’s Annual Scientific Assembly in San Diego (one of the world’s largest obesity conferences), what did I find? Giant brownies, pretzels and full sugar soda – an interesting juxtaposition with the 2 abstracts and 2 complete symposia dedicated to sugared soda. Sure could...
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