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New York mayor wants big sugary drinks banned
If New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has his way,
you won't be gulping down any 44-ounce Cokes at any of the Big Apple's
eateries after March 2013.
Citing what he says is the contribution sugary beverages make to obesity in the U.S., Bloomberg says the buck, and the big Dr. Pepper, stops with him.
“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the United States, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible.’ New York City is not about wringing your hands; it’s about doing something. I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do,” Bloomberg told The New York Times.
His proposal would ban any the sale of any sugary beverage over 16 ounces in any of the city's restaurants, delis, movie theaters or even street carts, according to reports from New York.
Sales of sweetened drinks larger than 16 ounces would still be permitted in supermarkets and convenience stores, according to the reports, including one from CNN affiliate NY1.
Bloomberg's ban would not apply to diet drinks, juices, milkshakes or alcohol, according to the NY1 report.
The New York City Beverage Association responded quickly Wednesday.
“There they go again. The New York City Health Department’s unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top. The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates. It’s time for serious health professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb obesity,” the group said in a statement, according to NY1.
According to the Times report, more than half of New York's adults are obese or overweight, and the city says more than 30% of its citizens drink at least one sweetened beverage daily.
If Bloomberg's plan goes through, there's still a way to drown yourself in Pepsi. The Times says while fast-food restaurants could only give out cups holding 16 ounces or less, free refills are allowed. So just plan for more trips to the soda bar.
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Right now Zach and I are making our way through HBO's four-part series, "The Weight of the Nation," an excellent investigation of obesity and the impact it's having on our society and our children. (Please watch it! It's free to stream online.)
In the second episode I learned that the average American overeats by 300 calories each day. The average 20-ounce beverage is 250 calories.
Liquid calories are so dangerous because you do not undereat based on the amount of liquid calories you take in. You eat just as much as you want, then have the extra sugary beverage calories right on top. (Not to mention that sugar compromises your immune system and messes with your body in other ways, too.)
As we've been going through the Ultimate Reset, I've had my ups and downs, emotionally speaking. Some of the downs have come when I think about A) just how difficult it has been to eat 100% clean for three weeks. The tracking down of ingredients, the prep, etc. Not everyone is cut out for this. B) Just how expensive it is to eat this way. I am dreading the monthly budget round-up, because we absolutely killed the grocery budget. It's expensive to eat healthy!
But you know what? EVERYONE can stop drinking their calories. It may not be fun or easy, but it is a simple, immediate, highly effective way to lose weight. A teacher at Zach's school simply stopped drinking the sweet tea that the cafeteria ladies prepare each morning, and he lost 14 pounds. That's all he did...stopped drinking sweet tea.
If you do nothing else to promote or maintain weight loss, PLEASE STOP DRINKING YOUR CALORIES.
