Nutrition Nation: A Guide to Moving Forward #Health #Nutrition
Nutrition Nation: a Guide to Moving Forward
Ever wonder why the nutritional status of America is, as a whole, inadequate while science in the health field keeps advancing? A further look into this reveals that it is not a lack of information but a lack of commitment which prevents us from making progress in this vital field. Solving this dilemma isn’t as difficult as one might assume it to be, but it does require passion, dedication and challenging the status quo.
Now more than ever, corporations have a stranglehold over many essential aspects of the general public’s lives. McDonalds, Pepsi Co, Coca-Cola, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and a host of other junk-food conglomerates saturate the commercials of popular shows. This is most unfortunate for children who are easily impressionable. The appealing slogans and images used attract their attention, causing them to beg their parents to listen. Most parents understand that the food/drink is nutritionally void and would rather see their kids choose healthier options. However, since healthy foods are hardly promoted on commercials and advertisements, children are unable to develop a liking to them on their own. New York Governor David Patterson tried to address this issue by introducing a “fat tax” on sodas and junk foods. Although this shed a new light on this issue, corporations fought back with ample money on their side. This money talks, and when one amasses a fortune like any major fast food chain, there’s little to stop them.
When more people vote with their dollar and stop buying junk food and drinks, investing instead in healthier options, positive change can be enacted. McDonald’s already has begun to offer healthier options such as salads, real fruit smoothies and oatmeal. Consumers hold significant power over these financial magnates. If corporations see that they’re losing profits as a result of not offering healthier options, they will likely make accommodations before losing out on a money-making opportunity. The cereal company, Kashi promotes many healthy whole grain cereals easily found beside Captain Crunch. Also, the more demand there is for healthier options, the cheaper they will become. For example, look at how McDonald’s was able to create a dollar menu when millions of customers purchase their food. A similar process could be developed if healthier foods took off. Right now, there is a growing demand for healthier foods and it can be noticed by the increased availability of whole grain items, organic products, non-GMO, etc... Pushing the food industry further to offer natural solutions allows consumers greater control over what they choose to consume and what they choose for their children. Through a step-by-step process, the general public’s freedom of choice and influence on corporations can be vastly expanded.
The one institution that could really do us good here by looking out for the public’s best interest is Congress. They currently have the power to introduce legislation to either ban GMOs completely or to at least require their labeling on foods and beverages. However, money once again has grasped influence over the majority of otherwise well-intentioned politicians. Monsanto, Dow Chemical, Syngenta and the other Biotech-friendly conglomerates have done enough lobbying to radically alter our nation’s food regulation laws. Indeed, a key advisor for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Michael Taylor, was a former lobbyist and Monsanto employee. During this time, Taylor supported measures to introduce recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) milk into our nation’s food supply. He also expressed approval for treating GMOs the same as non-GMO foods (1). Suddenly it’s no longer surprising why the FDA doesn’t speak out against, or even research the safety on GMOs.
Our nation’s nutritional problem won’t disappear overnight. Increased knowledge, persistence and demand for reform are needed to procure effective changes. However, it’s not all that difficult if there is a strong desire for better quality foods and beverages. After all, these corporations were started by people and are just as much influenced by their wills and actions. Congress was originally intended to serve the best interest of the public, not power; and it will be through making our voices heard that will open up the door to the path of reform.
1. http://www.naturalnews.com/027527_Monsanto_FDA.html
Ever wonder why the nutritional status of America is, as a whole, inadequate while science in the health field keeps advancing? A further look into this reveals that it is not a lack of information but a lack of commitment which prevents us from making progress in this vital field. Solving this dilemma isn’t as difficult as one might assume it to be, but it does require passion, dedication and challenging the status quo.
Now more than ever, corporations have a stranglehold over many essential aspects of the general public’s lives. McDonalds, Pepsi Co, Coca-Cola, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and a host of other junk-food conglomerates saturate the commercials of popular shows. This is most unfortunate for children who are easily impressionable. The appealing slogans and images used attract their attention, causing them to beg their parents to listen. Most parents understand that the food/drink is nutritionally void and would rather see their kids choose healthier options. However, since healthy foods are hardly promoted on commercials and advertisements, children are unable to develop a liking to them on their own. New York Governor David Patterson tried to address this issue by introducing a “fat tax” on sodas and junk foods. Although this shed a new light on this issue, corporations fought back with ample money on their side. This money talks, and when one amasses a fortune like any major fast food chain, there’s little to stop them.
When more people vote with their dollar and stop buying junk food and drinks, investing instead in healthier options, positive change can be enacted. McDonald’s already has begun to offer healthier options such as salads, real fruit smoothies and oatmeal. Consumers hold significant power over these financial magnates. If corporations see that they’re losing profits as a result of not offering healthier options, they will likely make accommodations before losing out on a money-making opportunity. The cereal company, Kashi promotes many healthy whole grain cereals easily found beside Captain Crunch. Also, the more demand there is for healthier options, the cheaper they will become. For example, look at how McDonald’s was able to create a dollar menu when millions of customers purchase their food. A similar process could be developed if healthier foods took off. Right now, there is a growing demand for healthier foods and it can be noticed by the increased availability of whole grain items, organic products, non-GMO, etc... Pushing the food industry further to offer natural solutions allows consumers greater control over what they choose to consume and what they choose for their children. Through a step-by-step process, the general public’s freedom of choice and influence on corporations can be vastly expanded.
The one institution that could really do us good here by looking out for the public’s best interest is Congress. They currently have the power to introduce legislation to either ban GMOs completely or to at least require their labeling on foods and beverages. However, money once again has grasped influence over the majority of otherwise well-intentioned politicians. Monsanto, Dow Chemical, Syngenta and the other Biotech-friendly conglomerates have done enough lobbying to radically alter our nation’s food regulation laws. Indeed, a key advisor for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Michael Taylor, was a former lobbyist and Monsanto employee. During this time, Taylor supported measures to introduce recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) milk into our nation’s food supply. He also expressed approval for treating GMOs the same as non-GMO foods (1). Suddenly it’s no longer surprising why the FDA doesn’t speak out against, or even research the safety on GMOs.
Our nation’s nutritional problem won’t disappear overnight. Increased knowledge, persistence and demand for reform are needed to procure effective changes. However, it’s not all that difficult if there is a strong desire for better quality foods and beverages. After all, these corporations were started by people and are just as much influenced by their wills and actions. Congress was originally intended to serve the best interest of the public, not power; and it will be through making our voices heard that will open up the door to the path of reform.
1. http://www.naturalnews.com/027527_Monsanto_FDA.html
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