Ban the Soda Can?

As many of you probably heard, New York City's Mayor Bloomberg has proposed a ban on the sale of all sugary drinks greater than 16 ounces at city restaurants, delis, food trucks, movie theaters and sporting arenas.  Initially, I thought this was a great idea because there is absolutely no nutritional benefit from consuming soda.  Having all those chemicals, artificial colors, and sugars does have a direct correlation with weight gain especially when consumed consistently and in large quantities.  On the other hand, I completely understand a person's right to chose whether or not they want to purchase a 24 ounce Coke while they're at the movies or a 36oz Mountain Dew while they're at a basketball game.  Do I think that people should be drinking that much soda, absolutely not!  I believe that NYC officials  are proposing this ban in good faith, but if a person is not committed to making healthier choices then there will minimal effect on the obesity epidemic.  Believe me I am not an advocate for soda, in fact I haven't consumed any soda in well over a year, but I just feel like if you start limiting how much soda people can purchase what's next?  People need to be better informed about the detrimental effects of soda and unhealthy foods.  As I've stated in the past, you can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped so trying to force people to drink less soda will only irritate individuals more as they see it as an invasion of their right to make decisions for themselves.

Below are just some articles/videos that I found on the topic some funny, some informative.  Feel free to leave your comments below!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/366623/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-drink-different-pick-your-poison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsoLHOPdWeU

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/01/new-york-soda-ban-government-restriction-public-health-regulations_n_1562060.html

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06/D9V8IJGO0.htm

Feel Good...

song of the summer!  Every time I hear this song it puts me in an instant good mood. If you're looking to turn that frown upside down or smile even more this is highly recommended.  Maybe if you're feeling inspired a nice gym session will follow :)


Jason Mraz - Everything is Sound.

Your Path At Your Pace.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the reasons why I was able to stick to my weight loss and health goals, but failed miserably so many times in the past.  The answer is actually quite simple: I did it for myself.   It’s so easy to be influenced by other people’s expectations for you.  Maybe in your own life you’ve had a relative that makes comments about every food you pick up or a boyfriend/girlfriend that presses you to get to the gym.  It wears on you and possibly even makes you resent reaching your health goals even more.  You can't reach any goal or dream until you are ready.  Nobody can force you to be ready, quite frankly that does more damage than good.  Trust me, when you're ready you'll know. It's pretty powerful. No person or temptation can steer you off course instead these distractions help you thrive.

Personally, I had an aha! moment, which made many dreams, big and small, more attainable.  After years of feeling sluggish about life, I feel rejuvenated.  Once I started my health regiment I began to think about all the things I wanted for myself.  I want a long, healthy, and happy life in the most simplest terms.  Digging deeper, the meaning of this sentence is much more elaborate.  For me this means I can wake up everyday I can look in the mirror and actually love the person that's looking back at me.  It's about self-confidence and acceptance.  I gained perspective about my career path and how I want to be doing something meaningful that will impact others in a positive way.  The relationships I have with people have strengthened because of my newfound outlook on life.  All the activities and sports that I gave up hope on ever participating in again became a reality.  Personal happiness and health are beautiful freedoms.


Think about everything you've ever wanted for yourself now write it down!  Yes, I know I encourage writing activities, but hey it's therapeutic.  It could be wanting to run a 5K, not having to shop at plus size stores, getting your energy level up, reversing an illness, becoming an active parent, going to the beach, opening up your own business, etc.   Define what health and happiness mean to you and maybe that moment of change will happen faster than you think!



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