Health News Update: New York Plans to Ban Sale of Big Sizes of Sugary Drinks
Have you heard? New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a ban of large-sized sugary beverages (over 16 oz) asserting that the consumption of sodas at this size contributes directly to obesity rates. The soda ban will regulate fountain beverages and bottled drinks sold at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts throughout New York City. This means in NYC, you will not be able to purchase a beverage that has more than 25 calories per 8 ounces. This direct attempt at limiting drink portions does not apply to juice, milk or milk substitutes.
Watch this short video for a news report on the Bloomberb Ban:
This debate has caused different reactions and companies that distribute these super-sized sodas have issued public statements to address the issue. Coca-Cola issued a statement that supported the rights of Americans to make dietary choices on their own: “New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this. They can make their own choices.” McDonalds issued this statement: “public health issues cannot be effectively addressed through a narrowly focused and misguided ban.” (1)
Is This Municipal Ban Misguided? New York obesity statistics show that 58 percent of NYC adults and almost 40 percent of public school students are overweight. Americans have been victimized by artificial ingredients and gargantuan proportions for years and our obesity statistics have been called an epidemic all over the globe. Do Americans really need to have these temptations eliminated in order to make a change? Mayor Bloomberg has already required restaurants to display calorie counts, cut down on salt and he also banned trans fats in restaurant food. SkinnyMs. supports eating whole, and natural foods as a part of a healthy lifestyle and cutting out artificial ingredients and empty calories. Turning away from food addictions is a step towards making a lifestyle change that we applaud. If you are struggling with your weight and want to reduce your sugar, and soda consumption, we support you and your ability to act on your own behalf.
Making a lifestyle change requires support, and motivation. Taking away temptations only works as long as there is someone there to slap the soda out of your hand. You have to take the steps yourself, but here at SkinnyMs. we know it isn’t as simple as just throwing out the sweets, so we offer monthly challenges to help keep you on track. Have you tried our NO Fast Food Challenge, or our No Sugar Challenge? If you struggle with sugary foods, or the drive thru, check these out!
References:
- http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-05-31/soda-ban-new-york-city/55296248/1
Of course the soda company would support the right of Americans to make dietary decisions on their own. They benefit financially from that freedom of choice. They also have the funds necessary to influence how consumers think about their product.
The fact is, soda has nothing good in it. People have been irresponsible so far with how they consume it. Many people drink sodas when they are thirsty, instead of water or a sports drink- homemade or commercially produced-that can replace what they lose through sweat.
I don't have a problem with a ban like that, but then, I wouldn't need a ban to dictate what I should eat. Some people don't seem to want to make the right decisions for themselves.