NYC Plans Large Soda Ban Posted on May 31, 2012 by Brian Jacob Reply Bottles of Coca-Cola larger than 16 oz. would be banned in NYC dining establishments under a new ban proposed by Mayor Bloomberg Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images. New York City plans to ban the sale of large-sized sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, movie theaters and similar single-serve locations as part of Mayor Bloomberg’s quest to reduce obesity. The New York Times reports that Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal would limit soft drink cup and bottle sizes to 16 ounces or less, a size that’s larger than a typical can of Coke—but smaller than many of the 20-ounce bottles that are currently sold by the city’s street vendors and only a fraction of many of the sizes found on fast food menus. Sodas and drinks sold in convenience stores or grocery stores would not have to abide by the ban, and diet sodas, fruit juice, alcoholic beverages, and dairy-based drinks would also remain fair game. (The Times has a handy chart posted that covers what will and won’t be affected by the ban.) The city has been on an anti-soda kick recently, as Gothamist notes, with gross-out “this is your brain on drugs”-style PSAs about obesity and sodas plastered in subway cars. The mayor needs the city’s Board of Health to approve the plan, which is likely. Assuming they do, the plan could go into effect as soon as next March. At first glance, the ban appears to have plenty of loopholes for any calorie-drinking enthusiasts. A 16-oz bottle of Coke contains about 200 calories and 54 grams of sugar, according to thecompany’s nutrition information. By comparison, a 16 oz. Grande Starbucks Mocha (with whipped cream and 2% milk), which according to the information reported by the Timeswouldn’t be limited by size under the ban, has 330 calories and 44 grams of carbs. By Abby Ohlheiser | Posted Thursday, May 31, 2012, at 11:42 AM ET via Slate.com
Health & Wellness in your Living Room! Posted on April 16, 2012 by Brian Jacob Reply We live in an age where you need mental wellness as much as you need physical wellness for a complete total body wellness. This sort of forward thinking will help you achieve all the things you set out to do. We hear over and over about the power of positive thinking, about what a clear mind can achieve, and we want to provide you with those opportunities. Doctors when you need them, trainers to get you back into shape, and yoga & meditation specialists to help you… breathe! Together, you’ll be better than ever!
The new food Pyramid by ChooseMyPlate.gov Posted on April 11, 2012 by Brian Jacob Reply The age old photos you used to find in your health class or gym, of food pyramids has been finally replaced with an easy to visualize plate that shows the importance of having a balanced diet focused more on plants & fruits. Half of your plate should be filled with fruits & vegetables. They will fill you up, and have a much lower caloric intake. The other half should be lean proteins, and some whole grains. Dairy is not a priority, but low fat options can aid in your diet or health plans. This also shouldn’t be the green light to eat steak and some veggies each meal. Lean meats are fish, chicken, and turkey. Low fat options. We live in a time where more than 1/3 of kids are obese, and 2/3 of adults are overweight. That’s a staggering rate, and one that needs to be addressed immediately. The MyPlate image was created to make it simple. At a glance, you not only know what, and how much you should eat, you visualize it on your plate. That kind of visual stimulation should allow future generations to make their plates of food accordingly.