FitSugar

LA Wants to Ban Fast Food For a Year

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Fast food joints are everywhere. It seems you can't drive a few miles in a city without seeing a Burger King, Taco Bell, or Mickey Ds. I've never had a personal problem with these establishments because I feel that people can make their own decisions about what they eat. It seems that Los Angeles doesn't want to give people the option though. South LA wants to ban fast-food restaurants for one whole year in the poorer neighborhoods. "Fast food" is being defined as those places that don't offer table service, and serve pre-prepared foods or ones that can be heated up quickly. Since obesity is becoming a huge problem, and there's a shortage of access to quality foods, the city wants to give other healthier restaurants a chance to move in. This ban has people's health in mind, but the restaurant industry thinks this idea is unfair. One restaurant owner said, "What's next - security guards at the door saying 'You're overweight, you can't have a cheeseburger'?"

So what do you think about this proposed ban? Do you think it's long overdue? Are you for the elimination of fast-food joints? Or do you think these types of restaurants should be allowed to remain open, being that people are responsible enough to make decisions about their own bodies? Tell me your opinion in the comment section below.

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California Law Puts the Ban on Trans Fat

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

It looks like California has just bought a ticket for the trans-fat-free boat. Just like New York City, the Golden State is banning trans fat from their restaurants and other retail food places. This includes prohibiting the use of any oil, margarine, or shortening that contains trans fat.

This unhealthy fat is worse than saturated fat because it reduces your good cholesterol levels and has been linked to heart disease. Although New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Montgomery County, MD, have ordinances that ban trans fats, California is the first state to adopt this as a law. Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, this law will take effect on January 1, 2010 for oil, shortening, and margarine used in spreads or for frying. When it comes to deep frying though, the law will be in effect a year later, Jan. 1, 2011. Violations could cost restaurant owners between $25 and $1,000.

I hope we can soon see other states adopting such laws banning trans fat. Do you think you'll eat out more often if you know that restaurant food is free of trans fat?

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Speak Up: Should Skinny Models Have Been Banned?

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

My girl FabSugar has been doing her thing at New York Fashion Week and I was expecting to see some less skinny models this time around since other major fashion weeks took action against using super skinny models. Turns out, not so much the case in NYC. In fact it seems like no one was even talking about it...

Last season it was a big deal (or so I thought) when reports said that the Council of Fashion Designers of America issued guidelines teaching models about nutrition, banning those under 16 years old from runways and offering healthy food backstage, with no smoking or alcohol. But this season, no one seems to even remember it was an issue since most consumers never rejected designers who still used ultra-thin models.

Not entirely surprising, as we all know that ~~a slap on the wrist~~ guidelines don't usually do the trick. So now, Milan remains the only city of the four fashion powerhouses (New York, London and Paris are the others) to pass an outright ban.

So what do you guys think about this? Should ultra skinny models be banned from the NYC runways? Or do you think skinny models are simply an iconic mark of fashion week and should remain? You know I want to hear your opinion, so speak up and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Should Smoking be Banned in Cars?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0700

New Delhi has become the first city worldwide to ban smoking while driving. The latest smoking ban in New Delhi was among a number of new laws introduced to fight bad driving habits in the city. Drivers caught smoking will be fined $32 up to five times before having their licenses revoked. The same rule will apply to anyone using his or her cell phone while driving.

I always find it interesting when smoking is banned for reasons other than the fact that it is straight-up bad for you. Forget how bad it makes your driving skills; shouldn't smoking be banned because it in itself can kill you? Despite the irony of the ban, smoking bans do help everyone breathe better.

So what do you think -- Should smoking be banned in cars in the United States too?

Ban on iPods for Running Races: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Music is a great motivator, especially if you are running the long and lonely 26.2 miles of a marathon. The national organization that governs running, USA Track & Field, has banned the use of headphones and portable MP3 players, like my beloved Nano, at all official races. The ban was designed to ensure safety and to prevent runners motivated by the driving force of music from having a competitive edge. Some large marathons have threatened to disqualify runners for wearing headphones, but that did not happen at the recent Marine Corps Marathon last weekend in Washington, D.C. The NYC marathon strongly discourages headphones but will not enforce the ban.

One of the issues at stake is insurance because rates rise substantially if race sponsors allow the use of headphones. Another issue is awareness (hearing other runners and announcements) and safety (listening to your own body). However, the face of the typical marathoner has changed drastically in the last 20 years. More and more "normal" folks are racing, and those regular joes often feel they need their music.

So what do you think about that ban – is it cool or not?

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France To Ban Smoking in Public Places

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:00 -0800

France is a little behind on the whole smoking is deadly issue but you've got to hand it to them with their newest step towards health.

Starting tomorrow, Feb. 1, France will be implementing a new law banning smoking in schools, airports, hotels, offices and other public spaces. This ban will be followed by phase two in France's war on tobacco, that will prohibit smoking in cafes, restaurants and clubs on January 1, 2008.

It's about time! Over 30% of the French population smokes (but almost 49% of those are aged 18 to 25). That is more than in any European country except Greece, where it's 42% [gasp].

In other smoking news, the EU is considering proposing a total smoking ban in public places for all 27 member countries.

New Law Bans Flavored Cigarettes

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:30:35 -0700

The FDA sees flavored cigarettes as a gateway drug, encouraging children and young adults to become regular smokers. So a new federal law enacted this Summer, which bans the production, distribution, or sale of flavored cigarettes goes into effect today. This includes clove and candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes - anything but minty-fresh menthol. Tobacco companies enhance cigarettes with sweet flavors such as vanilla, berries, or chocolate to make them taste sweeter and more appealing to teens, which results in getting them hooked young.

This new law is an amendment to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The FDA is hoping they can target flavored cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff as well.

Tobacco use causes 438,000 deaths a year, and studies show that smokers live an average of 14 years less than nonsmokers. About 90 percent of adult smokers started in their teens, so hopefully banning kid-friendly cigarettes will discourage the habit and prevent the deadly side effects.

End of an Era: High-Tech Suits Banned From Competition

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:30:59 -0700

It seems like it's been years since we've been able to gaze at the long, lean bodies of competitive swimmers - they're all covered by high-tech swimsuits like the LZR by Speedo. Well, times they are a changing. FINA, the international governing board of competitive swimming, just created a new rule for both the shape and material of the swimsuits worn in competition. The rule limits the amount of skin that can be covered by a suit, and the fabric must be water permeable - no more polyurethane. Speedo introduced the LZR 17 months ago, and its designs were quickly imitated by other swimsuit manufacturers. Watching the 2008 Olympics, these high-tech suits help many swimmers break world records. According to the New York Times, only four world records in Olympic individual events still stand from the prepolyurethane days. This is why the high-tech suits are considered "doping on a hanger." The ban goes into effect in 2010.

Michael Phelps is pleased with the new rule, are you?

NYC Trans Fat Ban in Full Effect Today

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you live in the Big Apple or plan to visit there in the near future, you'll be happy to know that the trans fat ban will be in full effect by today, July 1. Exactly a year ago, all restaurants were required to eliminate trans fat from their cooking oils, margarines, and shortenings. This second deadline states that all prepared foods from restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, salad bars, and food carts must contain less than .5 grams of trans fat per serving. Yep, by some FDA loophole, foods containing .5 grams can be labeled trans fat free. These various eateries do have a three-month grace period to comply with the trans fat ban; after that they can expect some hefty fines. Unfortunately, prepackaged foods sold in the manufacturer's original packaging at these restaurants, bakeries, etc. (like outsourced prepackaged salad dressing) are exempt from the ban. If so you'll still need to check labels on those foods.

If you frequent a fast food joint, here's what you can expect:

Dunkin' Donuts: Switched to a blend of palm, soybean, and cottonseed oil.
McDonald's: Eliminated cooking in trans fat oil last year. Now their cookies and apple pies are trans fat free too.
Burger King: In NYC chains, their fries, apple pies, and biscuits are trans fat free.

What can you expect from other chains? To find out read more.

KFC: Ditched trans fat and recently removed it from their pot pie and biscuits.
Pizza Hut: Removed trans fat from the one style on pizza that contained it.
Boston Market: In NYC, they're testing a trans fat free version of their chicken pot pie.

I'm really psyched for NYC (actually jealous), that this ban has taken into effect, but I wish these chains would ditch trans fat in other cities as well. Don't you?

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Congratulations England: Public Smoking Ban Now In Effect

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

England has finally jumped aboard the No Smoking Train!!!! I think that is so great that I wanted to say "Congratulations" to the entire country.

Let me get a little more specific on the details. England, as of July 1st at 6:00 BST, has banned smoking in public places, including both pubs and the workplace. England joins Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which already have similar bans in place. Smokers will now have to light up at home or outdoors, or risk a fine of £30.

There are a few exceptions to the ban, including: offshore oil rigs, hotel rooms and prison cells. England will not be following entirely in Scotland's footsteps, since actors in England will be able to smoke on stage where it is required for "artistic integrity" unlike their fellow thespians performing in Scotland.