Is the Soda Ban Illegal?

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

The debate on whether the serving size of a soda should be regulated by the government is continuing to heat up. I’ve been writing about this controversial ban on selling soda with a limit of 16 ounces because this is a prime example of how food regulatory policies could be used help stem the obesity epidemic. The question remains: is this an effective strategy? It’s important to follow these new developments, as these decisions will likely impact implementation of policies like these in our region, and throughout the country.

In response to the NYC Health Department’s ban on selling sodas larger than 16 ounces in places like movie theaters and restaurants, a lawsuit aimed at overturning this ban was filed by a consortium that includes the American Beverage Association, the National Restaurant Association, the soda workers union, and movie theatre owners. The argument is that such a ban would hurt small businesses and burden consumers, and it could even affect movie theatre prices (sale of concessions help keep ticket prices down).

Critics call this ban a prime example of the “food police” and an attack on personal choice, while supporters call it a much needed step in the right direction to change consumer behavior to healthier eating. And healthier eating should lead to obesity reduction.

Now this debate has moved out of the health arena, and into the courts for some further answers.

Do you think this next “legal” step will help or hurt the effort to limit the consumption of liquid calories?

More on Limiting Sugary Drinks

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

Here’s an update on the sugary drink debate and size limits that I wrote about back in June. New York City’s leadership proposed a ban on the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces. A huge debate followed, ranging from personal choice and cost issues to the increasing presence of the food police. All of this was speculation until the Board of Health voted on this hot button issue. You might be surprised to hear that this ban was recently approved. 

The ban covers sodas and sugary drink blends, not 100% juice. Also excluded are dairy-based drinks containing at least 50 percent milk.

Having thought a little more about this controversy, I wonder if size limit is really the issue – 16 ounces is two full cups (around 200 calories). Could the real issue be the idea that someone wants to limit personal food choice? It’s not like Americans are unaccustomed to smaller serving sizes. If you’re over 40 years old, you can recall a time when 16 ounces was considered a huge serving! Now, we are so used to seeing super-sized servings everywhere, the 16-ounce serving looks puny by comparison.

Do you think this will become a national phenomenon? Many people never thought a bill like this one would pass. Is this a nod to more “mindful eating” or an intrusion of personal rights? 

Please share your thoughts on this controversial issue.

Is Obesity the New Normal?

There’s an old joke that goes something like this: “If you want to feel thinner, hang around with heavier people.” Maybe that’s not so funny anymore. With two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight or obese, the “look” of Americans has changed. We’re sizing ourselves up not by personal health, but by how we look compared to others. In discussing their weight, people often tell me they’re a lot slimmer than most of the people they know — as if this removes personal responsibility for their own weight concerns. It’s a defensive posture, implying things could be a lot worse. While often true, it doesn’t make the individual’s weight less important as a personal health risk.

And that view is not limited only to body size perception. As a nation, we’ve changed our view of what a single serving looks like and what “family size” servings mean. What was perfectly acceptable as a single serving a decade or two ago, now looks puny in comparison to the “new” scale of serving size. And a family sized package for four servings, often becomes a meal for two. This is glaringly apparent when we look at federal guidelines (developed years ago) for what “counts” as a serving size. Most of us laugh when we hear about a serving of protein the size of a computer mouse, or palm or your hand. How could anyone fill up with that, many people ask?

We are living in a different world, where our eyes are now accustomed to viewing larger people and larger servings as the new normal. To me, this updated — but skewed — way of looking at the world can only lead to a future with increasing weight-related health problems.

 Do you agree?

Bye-Bye Supersized Drinks?

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

Across the nation nearly everyone I speak with has a strong reaction to last week’s plan led by New York City’s mayor to ban sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces (a typical “medium”). This includes both bottled and fountain drinks containing more than 25 calories in an eight-ounce serving. The ban would not affect 100% juices or drinks containing 50% or more of milk or a milk substitute (like milkshakes).

Anyone wanting to purchase a 32-ounce drink can purchase two 16-ounce drinks. And that’s the source of the problem. Should the government intervene in a private area like food choice? Freedom of choice, with value is the question here. People have joked about what’s next: smaller slices of pizza, a thinner burger, smaller cookies?

While it seems unlikely that this policy will become a law, from both the regulatory and legal points of view, this attention-grabbing concept is causing a lot of controversy.

Going “retro” on drink sizes makes a lot of sense, and it’s not a new concept. Twenty years ago, 16 ounces seemed like a big size, considering that seven- to eight-ounce servings were very common. And, in Europe, these mega-size cups are not even available. In my mind, size is all relative to what you’re accustomed to!

Is it unfair for people to pay more for a larger size drink? Do these supersized drinks contribute to obesity? Depending on the circumstances, the answer can be “yes” or “no.”

What do you think of this policy? And how do you think this policy would be received in the greater Pittsburgh region? I’d really love to hear your thoughts in this controversial area!

Here's an infographic from the CDC for some perspective on the change in portions over the years:

“Bad” Foods That Are Good for You

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

In my book, there are no bad foods, just bad portions. You’re not a nutritional slacker if you enjoy flavorful, high-fat foods or other favorites. You can learn some strategies to include them in a healthy diet – and avoid deprivation.

Check out some of my favorites and smart ways to incorporate them into your eating routine.

Cheese: While loaded with saturated fat and calories, cheese is hugely flavorful and a little goes a long way. Think of cheese as a condiment, and you’re off to a good start. Grate a tablespoon or two of a hard cheese like parmesan or sharp cheddar to top salads, pasta, or veggies; or try some packaged shredded versions. And consider reduced-fat versions for loads of flavor with less fat.

Pasta: One cup of cooked pasta is only 200 calories – a serving size many people find skimpy. Swap out white pasta for 100% whole wheat (the calories are the same), and the boost of fiber will keep you fuller longer. Add a cup of cooked veggies to bulk up your serving size. Top with a low-fat red sauce (skip those creamy ones!).

Potatoes: At 100 calories for a baseball-sized potato, white and “sweet” versions are packed with fiber, vitamins, and potassium. It’s the toppings – butter, bacon, sour cream – that add the calories. Top your potato with some chopped chives and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Or try a little butter spray.

Red Meat: While marbled, fatty cuts of red meat are linked with heart disease, there are 20+ cuts of beef that are lean and loaded with protein, iron, and other nutrients. Look for cuts like “loin” and “round”; one of my favorites is flank steak. Or try pork tenderloin, another cut as lean as a chicken breast!

What other favorites do you have – and how do you include them into a healthy diet?