Fast Food Finally Gets on the Trans Fat Ban

I am so excited to be checking in from time to time in the areas of interest that have made a difference in my life and those individuals that take my fitness classes on a daily basis.
I will never forget in the early 1980’s I read several health and wellness books by Dr. Andrew Weil that really changed my understanding of food, fast food and the unhealthy ingredient traps. After reading about the harmful affects of Trans fat I shared this information with all the members at the health club where I teach fitness classes. Some of the side affects, on a per-calorie basis, trans fats appear to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. At the society for Neuroscience’s conference in San Diego researchers presented several studies demonstrating that a particular trans fat attacked brain tissue, muddying thought and destroying memory. Trans fats and high fructose were in at least 40 percent of foods Americans eat. So, as new laws go in to affect to change the standards of ingredients we must take full responsibility for the fuel we put in our bodies. Most people that I shared this information with in the 1980″s were not really interested and made comments like “you are just a health nut” and if it is on the shelf it must be ok for me”.
Anyway, I decided to take action. So, on a famous brand breadcrumb box there was a hot line for questions and comments. I was so excited to actually call with my big important question- (a time in our history when a human actually answered the phone) and away I went—they answered the phone……….”Can I help you?” “Yes,” I said, “is your company aware of the side affects of Trans fats?” The woman on the phone practically laughed out loud and said “I have never heard a complaint before.” Then I said “this is not a complaint it is a concern.” I asked her if they could possibly offer one without the Trans fats. She said she would check with the department and call me back. She did and here was her answer “I am sorry it would change the flavor and we do not have a substitute in our warehouses.” Further there was not enough evidence that proved my information. And lastly, she said the products shelf life would be compromised so, the price would then be higher, making it cost prohibitive for the average person. I hung up confused and frustrated. Thank goodness for homemade, organic, Whole Foods and Google. I was able to seek out companies that did not use Trans fats in the past 20+ years.
I believe that my energy soared when I made changes in the food/fuel I put in my body. All the members that participated in my classes over the years still thank me today. They got a jump-start on important information. As you probably already know the laws have recently changed. New York’s law went into affect and all fast food chains had to make serious changes in the ingredients they use. While many fast food restaurants stopped using trans fats in mid-2006 (Mc Donald’s), Burger King said they wouldn’t make the switch until the end of 2008. I hope these fast food brands will not advertise that these fast food choices are now healthy for you.
One of the reasons I joined the team at Focus was I knew that fitness was only one part of the whole person in a balance equation; empowerment, image and nutrition are just as important. Many of my clients working hard and multitasking still craved healthy nutrition, but they wanted it fast and on the go. So, now I recommend always have a Ready To Drink healthy protein shake, bar or snack at your desk, in the car or anywhere. Exercise, movement, dance, working out–my areas of expertise. But, in order to move, the body requires nutrient dense food:good fuel to move well. So, the next time you need a quick pick me up, think twice about the fast food you put in your body. It’s worth it and you are worth it!