needs of our society,” especially the epidemic of overweight and obesity
among children. He suggests the adoption of a few “food rules” adapted
from Michael Pollan’s book of that name, to promote healthy eating and
positive lifestyles.
The sad truth is that due to the current levels of childhood overweight
and obesity—and the illnesses that result—today’s American children
are now on a path to live a shorter lifespan than their parents—a first in
America’s history. One of the many culprits in this dilemma is excessive
sugar consumption, one of the main components of the fast- and
processed-food diet that has taken off in the USA since the 1970s, when
the obesity epidemic first began.
Even orange juice, long promoted as healthy, has 14 teaspoons of
sugar per serving. As Santa says, “Eat your fruit, don’t drink it.” Better
yet, drink good water with no calories.
Unfortunately, children (and their parents) often overlook the sugar
facts in what they drink:
Sustainable Santa speaks Paleo. If it’s a fast snack you
desire, do what Santa does. Find a restaurant serving a
grilled Paleo burger of grass-fed beef. It comes with nitratefree bacon, grilled zucchini and grilled tomato on a bed of
green leaf lettuce—no bun—with jalapeño relish on top.
That’s not just fast food—it’s good food.
A typical soda = 10 teaspoons of sugar
A sports drink = 8.5 teaspoons of sugar
An energy drink = 13 teaspoons of sugar
Among the other “food rules” Santa recommends for children’s
consideration and their parents’ encouragement are:
If you’re hungry, eat an apple. If you’re not hungry enough to eat an
apple, then you’re probably not hungry.
The rationale is this: Americans now eat out of habit, boredom or
sadness. Kids grab a bag of potato chips just to have something to do.
If the idea of eating an apple doesn’t appeal to them, then they probably
aren’t truly hungry, and the urge will pass. But if the idea does appeal,
then go ahead and have an apple—and best an organic one, one not
sprayed with pesticides.
Treat treats as treats.
There is nothing wrong with special-occasion foods. And a cookie on
Christmas Eve is surely a special-occasion treat. But don’t make that
cookie, or cake, or donut or cinnamon bun a daily fare. Save these foods,
even pizza, for those special occasions.
Follow the “S” rule: No sodas, no snacks, no seconds and no sweets,
except on days that begin with the letter “S”
Local political action is often useful. At the Summer
Friday Night