Has any "unhealthy" food ever been banned?

[Villages PL]

Several years ago there was a big debate about trans fats being banned. People were frantically calling radio stations and saying the following: What's next? Will they try to ban hamburgers? That's because they thought trans fat was a food so it made them wonder what other food would be next.

Now some people have said the same about CVS not selling cigarettes: They want to know what's next. Candy? ice cream? potato chips?

To my knowledge, no food item has ever been banned. So I wonder why some people keep worrying about it. The freedom to kill ourselves eating junk food has been well established. So let's cherish it, be proud of it and keep this fine tradition going. :icon_wink:

[graciegirl]

Several years ago there was a big debate about trans fats being banned. People were frantically calling radio stations and saying the following: What's next? Will they try to ban hamburgers? That's because they thought trans fat was a food so it made them wonder what other food would be next.

Now some people have said the same about CVS not selling cigarettes: They want to know what's next. Candy? ice cream? potato chips?

To my knowledge, no food item has ever been banned. So I wonder why some people keep worrying about it. The freedom to kill ourselves eating junk food has been well established. So let's cherish it, be proud of it and keep this fine tradition going. :icon_wink:


Damned straight. If you're born to hang, you won't drown.

[kittygilchrist]

All started in a garden...you may eat everything except the fruit of that one tree...it is tree of knowledge of good and evil...
Perfect paradise and one banned fruit.
No deal, God, we want to know about evil. We WILL eat that fruit...ban my fruit? No way.

[dewilson58]

Have been banned in schools.

[BarryRX]

[/B][/COLOR]


Damned straight. If you're born to hang, you won't drown.

Gracie, I'm stealing this. I love it!

[kittygilchrist]

Gracie, I'm stealing this. I love it!

:eclipsee_gold_cup: yep.

[Villages PL]

All started in a garden...you may eat everything except the fruit of that one tree...it is tree of knowledge of good and evil...
Perfect paradise and one banned fruit.
No deal, God, we want to know about evil. We WILL eat that fruit...ban my fruit? No way.

Excellent! :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Villages PL]

Have been banned in schools.

Yes, but that's for kids not adults. You also have to raise your hand and ask permission to use the bathroom.

[dewilson58]

Yes, but that's for kids not adults. You also have to raise your hand and ask permission to use the bathroom.

Banned for the adults working in the schools too.

[Villages PL]

Banned for the adults working in the schools too.

I never heard of that. You mean if they don't bring their own lunch and eat in the cafeteria? Are you talking about teachers or cafeteria workers?

Anyway, that's a workplace situation and not exactly what I was referring to. If they don't like it they can always quit and go to work somewhere else.

[rubicon]

If government can ban food you eat because they view them unhealthy then they can ban where you live how you worship who you associate what occupation you choose how many kids you can have etc etc etc.

[jblum315]

None of the old familiar junk foods seem to be disappearing from the marketplace. Except Twinkies, and they came back I think.

[graciegirl]

Thank goodness that what we eat is a personal choice in this country. I was very upset when I read that the mayor of New York was banning large soda's. We do not have a right to dictate our diet and food views on others. There is a separation of food and state.:shrug:

There are so many, many, more important things to do than to police another person's diet unless you are their parent.. It does not work. You can't keep people from taking drugs and that is illegal and far more serious an issue.

I have spoken.:pepper2:

[ariel]

"Unhealthy" foods have changed over the years. Wonder how a "ban" could work???

[KayakerNC]

They can ban asparagus, tofu, and "well done" steaks.
But they'll have to pry that ground chuck burger out of my cold dead hands. :pepper2:

[B767drvr]

To my knowledge, no food item has ever been banned.

Well the good ex-mayor Bloom-whatever of NYC tried (unsuccessfully) to ban large sodas… remember?

A Google search reveals 11 banned items (mostly imported).

There was one whacked caffeine/alcohol concoction made in the USA that was banned "Four Loco"…sounded like quite a "headache in a can" if you ask me.

[billethkid]

Have been banned in schools.

government (Michelle O) guideline that is currently being rejected by many school systems nation wide as the kids are not interested and not buying in the cafeterias. Hence sales are down and cannot make a profit. Easy to reject government guidelines. Unfortunately the government assigns certain perks to those who follow the guidelines. But losing money is not a part of the equation very many school systems will adhere to.

They are only incented guide lines....not laws....YET anyway. Brown bagging solves the problem.....assuming kids would do so....probably not in this day and age!!

[asianthree]

Our hospital removed all soda, except fake ginger ale. We just bring in our own.

[Villages PL]

Well the good ex-mayor Bloom-whatever of NYC tried (unsuccessfully) to ban large sodas… remember?

A Google search reveals 11 banned items (mostly imported).

There was one whacked caffeine/alcohol concoction made in the USA that was banned "Four Loco"…sounded like quite a "headache in a can" if you ask me.

The problem, as I se it, is that most people are unable to connect the dots. People don't want large sodas taken away but they don't see a connection to their tax dollars being taken away. I would rather have large sodas and trans fats taken away than to have my tax dollars taken away. Which would be more important to you, the large soda or your hard earned money that goes to pay taxes in New York City?

At the time they decided to ban trans fat in New York City, the hospitals were being flooded with patients getting "free" heart by-pass operations. The operations were free to most of those getting the procedure but not free to New York City (resident) tax payers.

Then came the issue of large sodas: Most people never saw it as a choice between keeping their soda and keeping their tax dollars. They voted to keep the status quo. That's fine if that's what they want, but if that's what they want they should stop complaining about high taxes.

[KayakerNC]

The problem, as I se it, is that most people are unable to connect the dots. People don't want large sodas taken away but they don't see a connection to their tax dollars being taken away. I would rather have large sodas and trans fats taken away than to have my tax dollars taken away. Which would be more important to you, the large soda or your hard earned money that goes to pay taxes in New York City?

At the time they decided to ban trans fat in New York City, the hospitals were being flooded with patients getting "free" heart by-pass operations. The operations were free to most of those getting the procedure but not free to New York City (resident) tax payers.

Then came the issue of large sodas: Most people never saw it as a choice between keeping their soda and keeping their tax dollars. They voted to keep the status quo. That's fine if that's what they want, but if that's what they want they should stop complaining about high taxes.
About 80% of hospitals are private sector businesses, 20% are government owned like VA hospitals.:shrug: :shrug:
I don't see how you figure taxpayers are paying for all these medical procedures. Or are you advocating for the repeal of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veteran's Administration?

[sunnyatlast]

The problem, as I se it, is that most people are unable to connect the dots. People don't want large sodas taken away but they don't see a connection to their tax dollars being taken away. I would rather have large sodas and trans fats taken away than to have my tax dollars taken away. Which would be more important to you, the large soda or your hard earned money that goes to pay taxes in New York City?

At the time they decided to ban trans fat in New York City, the hospitals were being flooded with patients getting "free" heart by-pass operations. The operations were free to most of those getting the procedure but not free to New York City (resident) tax payers.

Then came the issue of large sodas: Most people never saw it as a choice between keeping their soda and keeping their tax dollars. They voted to keep the status quo. That's fine if that's what they want, but if that's what they want they should stop complaining about high taxes.

Did the NYC bureaucrats really think people were so stupid as to think they couldn't get around the big soda ban, by simply buying TWO smaller ones??

(Unless of course all of us dumbed-down, unwashed masses were given government rationing coupons that don't include soda at all)…..

[Villages PL]

Did the NYC bureaucrats really think people were so stupid as to think they couldn't get around the big soda ban, by simply buying TWO smaller ones??

(Unless of course all of us dumbed-down, unwashed masses were given government rationing coupons that don't include soda at all)…..

Why did the soda companies come out with the double size sodas? Did they think people were so stupid that they couldn't buy two smaller bottles?

Answer: The soda companies do "test marketing" before they bring something to market. And they found that people consume more soda with the larger size. And that's what New York City was focused on, the net result. The net result being "higher consumption".

[graciegirl]

What somebody thinks is bad for you Could be bad for you but not that bad. I do not think people have heart transplants because of small amounts of sugar and aspartame. THAT is a huge reach.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/transplantation-treatment

People have heart problems for any number of reasons, including genetics and due to overweight and consuming too much fat and sugar, but that is still their choice. This country has to be run by the majority, no matter what the majority think. It feels like we are bending over backward trying to make all views equal. It isn't working.

I think VPL's diet plan is extreme. I think that most people would be healthier if they cut down on fats and sugars and ate a variety and MORE of fruits and vegetables. AND GET MORE EXERCISE.BUT since that is not number one on my values list I would never lecture them. You would always get a lot from me if you asked what I think about how people are currently raising their children, because that is number one to me. We are all different.

But nice in our own way. Most of us. Nice.

[Villages PL]

The problem, as I se it, is that most people are unable to connect the dots. People don't want large sodas taken away but they don't see a connection to their tax dollars being taken away. I would rather have large sodas and trans fats taken away than to have my tax dollars taken away. Which would be more important to you, the large soda or your hard earned money that goes to pay taxes in New York City?

At the time they decided to ban trans fat in New York City, the hospitals were being flooded with patients getting "free" heart by-pass operations. The operations were free to most of those getting the procedure but not free to New York City (resident) tax payers.

Then came the issue of large sodas: Most people never saw it as a choice between keeping their soda and keeping their tax dollars. They voted to keep the status quo. That's fine if that's what they want, but if that's what they want they should stop complaining about high taxes.

As I said above, the issue was heart bypass operations not heart transplants. And this was costing New York City mucho millions of dollars every year. It was a very large significant amount of money. So Mayer Bloomberg and the N.Y.C. health department did what they did (banning trans fats) for 2 reasons. 1) to help tax payers avoid having to pay more tax increases and 2) to help improve health conditions overall.

About the soda issue: Sugar doesn't cause heart disease directly but it adds calories to a population that is already 2/3 overweight or obese. And it is the weight issue that is likely to bring on a chain of adverse health events that often leads to heart disease among many other diseases.

[graciegirl]

As I said above, the issue was heart bypass operations not heart transplants. And this was costing New York City mucho millions of dollars every year. It was a very large significant amount of money. So Mayer Bloomberg and the N.Y.C. health department did what they did (banning trans fats) for 2 reasons. 1) to help tax payers avoid having to pay another tax increase and 2) to help improve health conditions overall.

Sugar doesn't cause heart disease directly but it adds calories to a population that is already 2/3 overweight or obese. And it is the weight issue that brings on a chain of adverse health events that often leads to heart disease among many other diseases.

Banning soda to be manufactured wouldn't stop that problem. People don't cook at home and are in a huge rush. They work much harder than we did when we were younger because we usually had one person taking care of hearth and home and running errards and taking kids to lessons and sports and washing and even ironing the clothes. People don't even have time to cook and enjoy a decent meal. It is that and not the big soda's that is the problem. People don't have time to live and to spend time doing ordinary things. People don't learn to cook and make cooking a very simple, fun thing to do, rather than a task. The world has changed so much.

[Villages PL]

Banning soda to be manufactured wouldn't stop that problem. People don't cook at home and are in a huge rush. They work much harder than we did when we were younger because we usually had one person taking care of hearth and home and running errards and taking kids to lessons and sports and washing and even ironing the clothes. People don't even have time to cook and enjoy a decent meal. It is that and not the big soda's that is the problem. People don't have time to live and to spend time doing ordinary things. People don't learn to cook and make cooking a very simple, fun thing to do, rather than a task. The world has changed so much.

Yes, I agree, but why add fuel to the fire? Your plan, as I see it, is to give up on taking any steps at all because there may be bigger problems that can't be solved.

Many years ago I worked with my father. And whenever I felt overwhelmed by a big job, my father would say, "take it one step at a time." And that's what I recommend here.

The problem is bad, like you said. But trans fat and soda just adds more fuel to the fire. And the soda companies know it, that's why they came out with the bigger bottles. They knew it would add to overall consumption.

Doing nothing is not a good plan in my opinion. As it turned out it didn't work, but at least they tried.

[Polar Bear]

Whether soda is good or bad, the government telling the people what size soda they can buy is simply the government sticking its nose where it doesn't belong.

[Villages PL]

Whether soda is good or bad, the government telling the people what size soda they can buy is simply the government sticking its nose where it doesn't belong.

How do you feel about the government sticking their hands in our pockets to get the tax money they need to pay for all the bypass operations and other procedures for people who are overweight, obese or very close to it?

[KayakerNC]

How do you feel about the government sticking their hands in our pockets to get the tax money they need to pay for all the bypass operations and other procedures for people who are overweight, obese or very close to it?

The government is paying for all the bypass operations? Really? Where do you come up with all this BS? Any sources?

[Polar Bear]

How do you feel about the government sticking their hands in our pockets to get the tax money they need to pay for all the bypass operations and other procedures for people who are overweight, obese or very close to it?


You mean you're blaming all those operations on large-size sodas? And you think all those operations will magically disappear if large size sodas are outlawed?? Oh wait...of course you do...almost forgot who I was responding to there for a second.

[sunnyatlast]

How do you feel about the government sticking their hands in our pockets to get the tax money they need to pay for all the bypass operations and other procedures for people who are overweight, obese or very close to it?

Well, when you sign up for market insurance or public insurance like Medicare, you are always joining a pool of people with varying risks, so that the whole pool pays a person's bills instead of bearing the debt alone.

The solution if you don't like the others' risky lifestyles is to go self-insured….as in self-pay.

Good luck as a self-insured if you become one of the people who gets lung cancer without ever having smoked a cigarette; or if you end up like my nurse friend who is very health conscious and is almost a teetotaler, who has cirrhosis of the liver and has had to quit her nursing career/income.

[KeepingItReal]

How do you feel about the government sticking their hands in our pockets to get the tax money they need to pay for all the bypass operations and other procedures for people who are overweight, obese or very close to it?

I feel thankful and blessed that I have not so far had to bear the pain and heartache of an incurable disease or a life threatening condition. I am thankful to have never needed a hospital stay nor any kind of surgery at least so far. I am thankful though not quite perfect, my health is overall very good and I only need an annual doctor visit. I am thankful that I have had a good career and that I have been able to totally pay my family's way at least up to this point.

With that said I realize many have not been as blessed and fortunate as I and I do not begrudge those that have tried and struggled but still need help. I realize though I sometimes complain that I should be thankful that I don't have uncontrollable compulsions to eat, drink, smoke, or do other destructive behaviors. I have no problem helping those that are truly in need whether it be food, clothing, or healthcare.

I do believe everyone should try to help themselves and everyone should work for what they receive unless they are truly unable. I am thankful I have not needed assistance as so many seem to do but I do know that life is uncertain and things can change quickly. It is is much better to look upon the plight of the less fortunate with caring, understanding, and maybe a little sympathy if needed. I do believe I am no one that should look down upon anyone and for sure no one should exalt themselves or think themselves better than others when they are actually just more blessed than others and should be thankful their life is so good.

[NotFromAroundHere]

You mean you're blaming all those operations on large-size sodas? And you think all those operations will magically disappear if large size sodas are outlawed?? Oh wait...of course you do...almost forgot who I was responding to there for a second.

It's pretty clear that that is not what VPL is saying. VPL is saying that reducing obesity would reduce heart surgeries.

And that Medicare and Medicaid pay for a lot of heart surgeries, and other obesity related illness.

And that if banning certain "foods" would reduce obesity, then that would be fewer obesity related illnesses for Medicare and Medicaid to pay for - with our tax dollars.

I'm pretty sure that VPL never said that these measures would eradicate every vestige of heart disease.

[TheVillageChicken]

Since the original post did not specify USA, the answer is yes, many foods are banned around the world. For example, we eat arsenic laced chicken here (arsenic is added to their food to speed growth), but it is banned in the EU. Farm raised salmon is banned in Australia and New Zealand. There are many more examples of our government kowtowing to big business at the expense of our health.

[Patty55]

Several years ago there was a big debate about trans fats being banned. People were frantically calling radio stations and saying the following: What's next? Will they try to ban hamburgers? That's because they thought trans fat was a food so it made them wonder what other food would be next.

Now some people have said the same about CVS not selling cigarettes: They want to know what's next. Candy? ice cream? potato chips?

To my knowledge, no food item has ever been banned. So I wonder why some people keep worrying about it. The freedom to kill ourselves eating junk food has been well established. So let's cherish it, be proud of it and keep this fine tradition going. :icon_wink:

Didn't NYC ban trans fats? Wasn't saccharine banned?

[Halibut]

I do believe I am no one that should look down upon anyone and for sure no one should exalt themselves or think themselves better than others when they are actually just more blessed than others and should be thankful their life is so good.

Thanks, KIR. Makes me very sad that more people don't agree with you. It seems that whenever someone gets sick, the shame-and-blame chorus starts singing about what the person must have done to bring it on themselves. Birth defects or genetic diseases? Something the mother must have done, or eaten, or inhaled, or lived near. This serves to both insulate and glorify the blamer: "That couldn't possibly happen to ME."

There is a virulent undercurrent of hatred and dread towards overweight people in this county. God forbid they get so much as a hangnail, because some claptrap research will be trotted out to say that it's related to obesity. I'm tired of hearing about everyone's freaking tax dollars used to treat alcoholics or addicts or people in persistent vegetative states. The overtone of eugenics and a master race is quite disturbing.

[Cedwards38]

OK, let me start off by saying that I don't smoke marijuana, but for those of you who are so concerned about a nonexistent ban on certain foods or chemicals in foods, doesn't the same argument apply to smoking weed? I'm just curious.

And by the way, the First Lady is not the government and does not make government regulations.

[TomOB]

11 Foods and Drinks Banned In the United States - 11 Points (http://www.11points.com/Food-Drink/11_Foods_and_Drinks_Banned_In_the_United_States)

[graciegirl]

Thanks, KIR. Makes me very sad that more people don't agree with you. It seems that whenever someone gets sick, the shame-and-blame chorus starts singing about what the person must have done to bring it on themselves. Birth defects or genetic diseases? Something the mother must have done, or eaten, or inhaled, or lived near. This serves to both insulate and glorify the blamer: "That couldn't possibly happen to ME."

There is a virulent undercurrent of hatred and dread towards overweight people in this county. God forbid they get so much as a hangnail, because some claptrap research will be trotted out to say that it's related to obesity. I'm tired of hearing about everyone's freaking tax dollars used to treat alcoholics or addicts or people in persistent vegetative states. The overtone of eugenics and a master race is quite disturbing.


I so agree. AND I agree with Polar Bear. I always seem to.

My post was removed and it was right that it was.

[Villages PL]

Didn't NYC ban trans fats? Wasn't saccharine banned?

Yes, but banning trans fat is not a ban of any food, it's a ban on using hydrogen to turn oils into trans fat. Hydrogen is not a food, as far as I know.
Oil still exists, it's just not hydrogenated anymore.

In 2010 the EPA stated that saccharin is no longer considered a potential hazard to human health. But one would have to understand how they mean it: They're not saying that it's good or that it promotes good health. I think what they mean is that there's no evidence that it directly causes cancer. That's what it seems the debate was about.

[Villages PL]

If government can ban food you eat because they view them unhealthy then they can ban where you live how you worship who you associate what occupation you choose how many kids you can have etc etc etc.

But they can regulate. For example, in Japan there was a high rate of stomach cancer because of high sodium in certain processed foods like canned fish. The government put a limit on sodium content and in subsequent years the rate of stomach cancer declined. It was considered successful and the Japanese can still decide where they will live, how to worship, who to associate with, what occupation they will choose and how many kids they will have.

[Villages PL]

None of the old familiar junk foods seem to be disappearing from the marketplace. Except Twinkies, and they came back I think.

They shut down the Twinkie factory because of a lack of demand. While they were gone, other less expensive items took over their shelf space. Also they say that people are now looking for healthier items.

[Barefoot]

I do believe I am no one that should look down upon anyone and for sure no one should exalt themselves or think themselves better than others when they are actually just more blessed than others and should be thankful their life is so good.


There is a virulent undercurrent of hatred and dread towards overweight people in this county. God forbid they get so much as a hangnail, because some claptrap research will be trotted out to say that it's related to obesity. I'm tired of hearing about everyone's freaking tax dollars used to treat alcoholics or addicts or people in persistent vegetative states. The overtone of eugenics and a master race is quite disturbing.

Well stated.

[Villages PL]

government (Michelle O) guideline that is currently being rejected by many school systems nation wide as the kids are not interested and not buying in the cafeterias. Hence sales are down and cannot make a profit. Easy to reject government guidelines. Unfortunately the government assigns certain perks to those who follow the guidelines. But losing money is not a part of the equation very many school systems will adhere to.

They are only incented guide lines....not laws....YET anyway. Brown bagging solves the problem.....assuming kids would do so....probably not in this day and age!!

Brown bagging it sounds like a good idea if they reject the healthier foods served in the cafeteria.

[Villages PL]

Well the good ex-mayor Bloom-whatever of NYC tried (unsuccessfully) to ban large sodas… remember?

A Google search reveals 11 banned items (mostly imported).

There was one whacked caffeine/alcohol concoction made in the USA that was banned "Four Loco"…sounded like quite a "headache in a can" if you ask me.

I wonder what those 11 items were and what the reasons were for banning them. Some might be because of fecal contamination of water used for irrigation or unacceptable pesticide levels etc..

I'm not familiar with the drink you mentioned.

[TheVillageChicken]

Rat poop is not banned. Nor is mold.

11 Revolting Things Government Lets in Your Food (http://www.radicalhippie.com/revoltingThings.html)

[Villages PL]

About 80% of hospitals are private sector businesses, 20% are government owned like VA hospitals.:shrug: :shrug:
I don't see how you figure taxpayers are paying for all these medical procedures. Or are you advocating for the repeal of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veteran's Administration?

I seem to remember reading an article several years ago explaining why the New York City Health Commissioner was interested in banning trans fat. I remember him saying something to the effect that all the free bypass operations were costing New York City a lot of money. I just tried doing a search to find that information but nothing like that comes up.

But, regardless of that, there is a cost to be paid by the public. We pay for Medicaid and the VA. Medicare premiums are slowly being raised, particularly for those with higher incomes and it's not indexed for inflation. And the new health care plan offers subsidies to those who can't afford to pay. Then we have businesses that provide health care and the cost goes up as workers gain more health issues. Private insurance goes up too as disease rates increase. The health care costs of many people in nursing homes are paid for with tax dollars. And they expect an ever increasing number of people in nursing homes in the future due to Alzheimer's disease.

The national health care bill is rising rapidly and could be close to 3 trillion per year by now. I think it's unsustainable and something has got to give before long. Hasn't it been said that Rome fell from within? Could that be our fate too?

[graciegirl]

But they can regulate. For example, in Japan there was a high rate of stomach cancer because of high sodium in certain processed foods like canned fish. The government put a limit on sodium content and in subsequent years the rate of stomach cancer declined. It was considered successful and the Japanese can still decide where they will live, how to worship, who to associate with, what occupation they will choose and how many kids they will have.


THAT is waaaaaaay tooo simplistic and essentially your own interpretation.

[graciegirl]

Brown bagging it sounds like a good idea if they reject the healthier foods served in the cafeteria.

Kids are kids. When given a choice they will eat what tastes good to them.

[graciegirl]

I seem to remember reading an article several years ago explaining why the New York City Health Commissioner was interested in banning trans fat. I remember him saying something to the effect that all the free bypass operations were costing New York City a lot of money. I just tried doing a search to find that information but nothing like that comes up.

But, regardless of that, there is a cost to be paid by the public. We pay for Medicaid and the VA. Medicare premiums are slowly being raised, particularly for those with higher incomes and it's not indexed for inflation. And the new health care plan offers subsidies to those who can't afford to pay. Then we have businesses that provide health care and the cost goes up as workers gain more health issues. Private insurance goes up too as disease rates increase. The health care costs of many people in nursing homes are paid for with tax dollars. And they expect an ever increasing number of people in nursing homes in the future due to Alzheimer's disease.

The national health care bill is rising rapidly and could be close to 3 trillion per year by now. I think it's unsustainable and something has got to give before long. Hasn't it been said that Rome fell from within? Could that be our fate too?


Poor health may be in part due to diet, but is way too pat an answer. I would say that a lot of exercise can override a poor diet.

[Villages PL]

Well, when you sign up for market insurance or public insurance like Medicare, you are always joining a pool of people with varying risks, so that the whole pool pays a person's bills instead of bearing the debt alone.

That's fine as long as everyone is living a reasonably healthy lifestyle. But with 2/3 of the population overweight and the national health care bill approaching 3 trillion per year, costs, whether public or private, will be more and more difficult to pay.

The solution if you don't like the others' risky lifestyles is to go self-insured….as in self-pay.

So far, Medicare is acceptable, but for how long?

Good luck as a self-insured if you become one of the people who gets lung cancer without ever having smoked a cigarette; or if you end up like my nurse friend who is very health conscious and is almost a teetotaler, who has cirrhosis of the liver and has had to quit her nursing career/income.

I know, life is risky, so why do so many people add to the risk with unhealthy
lifestyle habits? My point is not to do away with insuring large groups that spread the risk, my point is to live healthier lifestyles so as to reduce to cost overall.

[Villages PL]

THAT is waaaaaaay tooo simplistic and essentially your own interpretation.

No, that was not my interpretation. But your reply is your interpretation of what I said.

[Villages PL]

It is is much better to look upon the plight of the less fortunate with caring, understanding, and maybe a little sympathy if needed.

Yes, to some extent, but not to the extent that you carry the plight of the whole world on your shoulders. Is this thread going to be about feelings now?

I do believe I am no one that should look down upon anyone and for sure no one should exalt themselves or think themselves better than others when they are actually just more blessed than others and should be thankful their life is so good.

Absolutely. But what does that have to do with this thread?

[Barefoot]

There is a virulent undercurrent of hatred and dread towards overweight people in this county. God forbid they get so much as a hangnail, because some claptrap research will be trotted out to say that it's related to obesity. I'm tired of hearing about everyone's freaking tax dollars used to treat alcoholics or addicts or people in persistent vegetative states. The overtone of eugenics and a master race is quite disturbing.


With that said I realize many have not been as blessed and fortunate as I and I seem to do but I do know that life is uncertain and things can change quickly. It is is much better to look upon the plight of the less fortunate with caring, understanding, and maybe a little sympathy if needed. I do believe I am no one that should look down upon anyone and for sure no one should exalt themselves or think themselves better than others when they are actually just more blessed than others and should be thankful their life is so good.

Thank you for the compassionate comments.

[graciegirl]

No, that was not my interpretation. But your reply is your interpretation of what I said.


How do you support your statement that in Japan reduction of salt was the reason for stomach cancer rates dropping?

[graciegirl]

Brown bagging it sounds like a good idea if they reject the healthier foods served in the cafeteria.


THERE IS NOTHING on God's green earth that is gonna make kids choose foods that are healthy for them unless they like how they look and taste. Not Mrs. OBAMA, not a caring mother, maybe watching others enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables MAY help, but not even Popeye could get a lot of kids from our era to like Spinach.

[Villages PL]

THERE IS NOTHING on God's green earth that is gonna make kids choose foods that are healthy for them unless they like how they look and taste. Not Mrs. OBAMA, not a caring mother, maybe watching others enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables MAY help, but not even Popeye could get a lot of kids from our era to like Spinach.

I read a good book by a doctor who had an explanation for why children and pregnant women don't like the healthier non-starchy vegetables. It goes like this: Children, including unborn fetuses, are in a rapid growth phase and non-starchy vegetables do not promote growth the way animal protein does. Thus nature provides a natural dislike for certain vegetables at that time.

Of course there are always exceptions but, in general, it's often difficult to get kids to eat healthy vegetables. I wouldn't expect kids to like spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnips, asparagus, collard greens, and many other such vegetables. And I wouldn't try to force them to eat those things.

On the other hand, I think there should be some reasonable standard set by schools. I don't know exactly what they serve in schools today so I can't say whether it's too strict or not.

[Villages PL]

How do you support your statement that in Japan reduction of salt was the reason for stomach cancer rates dropping?

I read about it so I support it with my memory of what I read but, unfortunately, I don't remember where I read it. This was for mainland Japan, not Okinawa.

[Villages PL]

It's pretty clear that that is not what VPL is saying. VPL is saying that reducing obesity would reduce heart surgeries.

And that Medicare and Medicaid pay for a lot of heart surgeries, and other obesity related illness.

And that if banning certain "foods" would reduce obesity, then that would be fewer obesity related illnesses for Medicare and Medicaid to pay for - with our tax dollars.

I'm pretty sure that VPL never said that these measures would eradicate every vestige of heart disease.

Thanks, it's nice to know that some people understand.

[Villages PL]

Since the original post did not specify USA, the answer is yes, many foods are banned around the world. For example, we eat arsenic laced chicken here (arsenic is added to their food to speed growth), but it is banned in the EU. Farm raised salmon is banned in Australia and New Zealand. There are many more examples of our government kowtowing to big business at the expense of our health.

I intended to concentrate on the U.S. but that's okay. It's interesting to hear about what's going on in other countries. Yes, the food industry is powerful and can exert a lot of pressure on those who write the laws.

Now some will interpret my statement to mean that I want a lot of laws written to ban various foods. I didn't say that. I simply stated that the food industry exerts a powerful influence over what happens.