The American Heart Association released an interesting survey. They found that people are just not interested in giving up their favorite foods. No matter how much money was offered they (40%) wanted to have their pizza, cupcakes, and mac ‘n cheese. The AHA wants to help people find healthier food choices. They’ve set up an online nutrition site with tips on shopping for food and dining out. Wait there’s more, they’re setting up a Twitter site with giveaways for creative recipes that demonstrate smart food substitutions to improve the nutritional quality of a dish. For instance, a suggestion might be adding shredded carrots to meatloaf. I assume they mean start with a less fatty ground beef.

With the newly passed health bill, the mystery of a calorie count will be removed form a guessing game. Calorie postings are part of the new program. Panera Bread announced sometime ago that it would be posting calories. In New York City, calorie posts have been required from businesses that had multiple locations (Starbucks, for one). Under the new law, any chain with at least 20 outlets will need to post. We can be certain that this type of in your-face information will have a positive outcome; at least it will make people think twice about some dishes that are the equivalent of a whole day’s calorie requirements!

The other food topic receiving increased attention is salt. More companies are taking a stand and reducing the sodium count of their products. The snacks owned by Pepsi (Frito-Lay, for example) will come under the reduced sodium count during the gradual reduction over the next five years. it would be grand if they considered reducing calorie counts in these same foods at the same time. Kraft (Oreos, for example) has a similar plan in the works. Both of these companies, both industry leaders, plan gradual changes so that consumers do not balk at the taste differences.

As a nation we are suffering from obesity and its many dangerous end results. At the same time, we cry out that regulation from any front is bad. This time our health as a nation depends on assistance from multiple sources if necessary.

We are out of control.