You say you want a revolution

Jamie Oliver, chef-activist and recent recipient of the TED Prize given exceptional individuals to grant their "One Wish to Change the World," has a new show about revolutionizing the way American families eat (frozen pizza and chicken nuggets) and the way schools feed (frozen pizza and chicken nuggets) our children. It's called Food Revolution and everyone should watch it. I know it is reality TV. But it's real. He is bringing major issues to the forefront on a major network. It's horrifying and it often feels that he is hardly scratching the surface, but it also feels like the beginning of what really could be a revolution. He has a list of Food Heroes on his site and I think he belongs right there with them.

Are You Pouring on the Pounds?

I am so thrilled about the new ads from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Yay Bloomberg! Since the federal government subsidizes poor eating primarily by way of corn, with obsolete policies that are insanely unfair and extraordinarily greedy, it is exciting to see this question all over the city. For a great treatise on the issues surrounding food policy, read Michael Pollan's letter to Obama from last October in the New York Times Magazine.

On the subject of ads, the terms "local" and "farm fresh" and other similar phrases are being abused lately, usurped actually, stolen. In this vein, even McDonalds commercials feature stop-motion dancing vegetable montages to convince us that there are ingredients behind their food-like concoctions. It's scary. Do we have to legally define these terms so that corporations don't lie to their consumers? Because they can use the word "local" to describe basically anything from anywhere without repercussions. Where is the regulation? We have to be vigilant about our consumption in order to truly shop locally. Listen to THIS wonderful conversation with Patt Morrison on NPR's 89.3 about what local really means.

Optimistically, I hope, at least, that this trend makes people reconsider what they put in their bodies and where they spend their money, and that it doesn't just alter the way they are sold the same old mass-produced product.

Sweet Drink, Sweet Tax

There is a proposed new tax on sweet beverages, like sodas and energy drinks - the ones filled with corn syrup and loaded with terrible calories. This tax is meant to help fight obesity and go toward paying for health care reform. While it is problematic, it's a step in the right direction.

As an alternative and refreshing treat, I recommend brewing iced tea in your refrigerator (an idea inspired by Larissa). Celestial Seasonings teas are great, but just use your favorite. Put 2-3 tea bags in 4-5 cups of room-temperature water. Let it get cold in the fridge. Sweet!