Changes for the Better!

Weight Watchers, an already great weight loss program just got way better!  WW which calculates points, instead of calories, introduced an overhaul of its program, yesterday.  The point shift, the first in 13 years, now considers the nutritional value of foods when considering it’s point assignment.  The changes, which have been in development for the past four years, now encourage “members” to get their share of much needed fruits and vegetables.  Both these food groups now carry ZERO points!  This means that while a 100-calorie granola bar and a banana used to have the same point value, they no longer do, making the banana a guilt free choice, a better option and a way to get another serving of a very nutritional food.

While I am personally and professionally really happy with the change, I do sit here wondering if people will get the same benefits thinking they can eat fruits without a limit.  While most veggies have already been zero points, and most veggies are so low in calories and high in fiber and nutrition, I believe fruits, even with all their health benefits, can end up adding lots of calories to a person’s day.  They also might cause some insulin spikes, depending on the types of fruit chosen.  Then again, maybe we really can eat fruits and veggies all day long, and their calorie content wouldn’t matter?!   While I always get my fill of veggies, there are days when a fruit doesn’t pass my lips, at least once the summer fruits are gone.  This is an area I need to work on, as I am sure I am missing out on some of the important nutrients and anti-oxidants contained in them.  In any event, the changes in the Weight Watcher program certainly seem to align with my ideas about encouraging the eating of more plant-based foods.  Two thumbs up, WW!

Also in today’s news is a report about preteen eating disorders.  Apparently they have risen steadily and one statistic states that hospitalizations for eating disorders in children younger than 12 jumped 119% between 1999 and 2006.   OUCH!  Parents would help their children more than they can ever imagine if they started feeding their kids much like Weight Watchers encourages their members.  Letting children eat as much fruits and veggies as they want, instead of high fat, high sugar, VOID of nutrition option, would certainly help reverse these outrageous statistics!  Just as Michelle Obama has made fighting childhood obesity her pet project, so should we all!  Conversely many of these eating disorders are because youths are UNDER weight and fighting anorexia, bulimia and “partial-syndrome.”  Again, roll modeling healthy eating and encouraging making nutritious choices is a start in winning the war against eating disorders.  Those of us in positions of modeling behavior,  (that’s EVERYONE!) need to step up, NOW!  It saddens me that something as simple as photo-shopping print ads leads us all to think people look a whole lot thinner and more beautiful than they really are…I once heard a statistic that said 100% of photos of models, cover girls, magazine covers, etc., are photo-shopped.  Even the most beautiful have their pics tweaked to perfect an eyebrow, or eyelashes, a cheekbone, lips…or just about anything!  Since we can’t stop progress,  we must constantly remember (and remind others) that these photos of perfect abs and breast and waistlines are NOT REAL!

The message we need to spread is that healthy bodies are made from the inside out.  I saw a girl in Publix one day, wearing an awesome Nike t-shirt.  It said something like this:  Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, drink fluids.  On the back was something about girls kicking butt and just doing it.   Though I can’t remember exactly what the verbage was , I loved the shirt because it so simply stated the message I am so passionate about.

As we get down to the wire on Biggest Loser,  3 men and 3 women remain.  With just this week and next, before the live finale,  I can deal with Elizabeth, Brendan and even Patrick or Lisa going home tonight.  Ada, Frado, Mark.  My pick for final 3.  Last season I picked the winner from the first episode, Michael.  This year, my initial pick was Frado, so if I were a gambling girl, I would put my money on him.  But Mark has really, really grown on me.  He would make an excellent Biggest Loser!  Remember that tonight’s episode starts at 9pm instead of 8.   Be back tomorrow to discuss!

Make it a great day and remember to eat your fruits and veggies.