Fed Up

Sugar doesn't make you overweight any more than fat or protein. The industry and sugar isn't the cause of obesity. The average American moves less and burns 300 less calories than 30 years ago and eats an average of over 500 more calories per day. Moving less and eating more has caused Americans to be overweight...not to mention blaming our health on everyone else except ourselves.

I want to begin by stating that I am a liberal Democrat who is a self-proclaimed foodie and who enjoys cooking very much. That said, I found myself screaming at the television during this incredibly biased and one-sided documentary. The idea that food companies are to blame for obesity is just absurd to me and the notion that celebrities should be forced to advertise for vegetables every time they advertise for a soft drink or snack food just took it over the edge. I agree, these sugary foods are definitely a problem in our society...but to imply that we are all victims simply isn't true. We aren't all "brainwashed" and most of us know that excess sugary foods/drinks are bad for our health, but we have the right to make our own choices. Most days, I cook for myself and eat well. On occasion, I like to enjoy a coke or other sugary snack food. As an American, I believe I have that right. I also believe that the industry has the right to market and sell their desirable products. If you don't want to eat these heavily processed foods, the solution is simple...don't eat them. Overall, the documentary was well-made but is far too biased even for my liberal tastes.

A post sarcastically asks "is it natural to get fat?" The answer is of course it's natural. In the past fat storage was essential for survival because you never knew when a meal would come around. And further, sugar is addictive because it's extremely important to do those things we all enjoy, thinking and living. Natural doesn't mean it's for the best. It's just a way of saying, "wow, what a wonderful fluke." Nature isn't right, it just works. It has no obligation to work correctly (or as we would see it).