Reader comments
Our choices — not nutrition laws — lead to good health
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Why would obtaining more information about what we are putting into our bodies ever be a bad thing? There will always be the gap between our actions and what we know is best for us. But having accurate information is a critical component in narrowing that gap.
Take the laws about smoking indoors and on airplanes. Assuming one wants to go out to eat or fly on an airplane occasionally, there is no substitute for these laws. Not to mention the employees that work in resturants and fly on airplanes.
Take laws that seat belts must be included in cars. When they were passed by the federal government, the automakers were opposed and wouldn't have done it otherwise.
How about laws that mandate that harmful oils aren't used in food? Many resturants have voluntarily stopped using these oils, but not all. The localities that have such laws will be blessed with better health and longer life. If we value freedom in this country, ask yourself, how much freedom does having good health give you over being sickly?
Personally, I have cut back on my consumption of meat, I eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts. I use only olive oil at home. I'm not perfect I need to exercise more.
In short, it is conservative propaganda to say laws aren't needed.
Posting nutritional information gives me knowledge to make better choices.
This editorial tries to confuse the issue. We live in the information age where access to information is power for the consumer.
JUst encourage, as private citizens, or some private group, just encourage restuarants to do it.
we do not need more laws nor more government invovlment in out personal lives,
there are things we private cirtizens should be doing for our selves.
You give government an inch and they will sooner or later take a yard.
That is the nature the beast.
I've lost over 60 lbs by doing this program and have never been in as good as shape as now. I don't have to read labels, because I seldom purchase prepared food at restaurants or stores. All meals are prepared fresh using vegetables and low-fat proteins.
In order to succeed, you have to have the right mindset and the mental discipline to not buy unhealthy foods, or at least get right back on the program if setbacks do happen.
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If, as Jay has found, 80% of people read the labels on food in supermarkets and a majority of them (56% apparently, since only 44% are unaffected in their decisions by what labels state) actually don't buy the items that are seen to be bad for them, then it certainly is making a big difference that the information is provided. To recap the vast majority of shoppers check the labels on food, and a majority of them are guided by those labels.
Many times I will not buy food that is not labelled, such as is sometimes the case with bakery goods. Frequently I have to ASK at restaurants what fried food is fried IN.
The labels on food are there for the benefit of discerning buyers and, thanks to Jay Evensen's research, I now know that many benefit from this labelling. The choice is still with individuals but I for one (seemingly one of a great many) benefit greatly from the information.