I happened to stubble across this television program that caught my interest it is a show staring the Naked Chef Jamie Oliver’s- Food Revolution, Jamie was doing a TV documentary on trying to improve the nutrition of a family living in Huntington Virgina in the United States. The whole family are dangerously overweight and living on take away food.
The main theme of the show is that Jamie takes a family shopping getting them to purchase healthy food and then takes the food home and teaches the Family how to prepare healthy food. moisturiser . As demonstrated in the above video Jamie put’s together a weeks worth of take away food on their kitchen table to demonstrate the huge amount of rubbish they were putting into their bodies. ladies madras pants . During the program Jamie called back to see how they were going but discovered that quite a bit of the healthy food had not been eaten. After inquiring with the family how it was going Jamie became skeptical when he came across empty take away containers around the house. Jamie concerned for the families health had the family medically examined and discovered that their over weight 12 year old son was on the verge of becoming diabetic so the family were given instructions by the GP that they needed to change his diet immediately to prevent him becoming diabetic
In conjunction with this Jamie attended local Primary/Junior School to observe what kids were eating for lunch and was horrified with what he uncovered. Kids were eating pizza for breakfast I remember watching a similar show that he did based on UK schools.
Jamie then went into the school canteens and prepared healthy meals for the kids, this experiment didn’t go to well with most of the kids turning up their noses to the nutritional and healthy food that Jamie had prepared for them. The kids preferred to eat junk food like pizza, pies,hot dogs and foods with a high sugar content.
In Jamie’s renowned dramatical style as demonstrated in the above video Jamie gathered up all the parents of the kids laid out a huge tarp or water proof liner and had all the kids and parents gather round in a circle to create an open air container and then proceed to dump all the junk food into this massive open air cover to high light to the kids and parents all the junk food they were depositing into their bodies. Jamie wanted to inspire the parents to demand that they get better food for their kids in the school lunch canteen.
As outlined in the second video Jamie brought raw vegetables to a prep (6 year old) class room at the same school to teach them about the importance of good nutrition. air conditioning west chester pa . I was really horrified that these young kids could not identify the names of the basic common raw vegetables. I am still skeptical now whether they were just shy due to the television camera’s or if in fact they really did not know any of the names of the basic vegetables?
In Australia the government are talking about introducing a fast food tax to curb the consumption of Junk food and are also looking at curbing advertising of junk food on prime time advertising. Jamie is planning on bringing his healthy food crusade to Australia early next year and this program is to be called the Ministry of Food. Jamie is hoping to revolutionise healthy eating amongst young Australians.
My concern with taxing junk food is that these increased costs will be borne by the people who can least afford it, meaning that quite often the low social economic group are the people who have a poor diet.
Another concern I have is how these additional taxes will be spent. One would think that if an additional “Fat Tax” were levied that these funds should be utilised in educating kids on the importance of following a healthy diet.
The benefit of this would be obvious , the on flow affect of this would be healthier people, a reduction in Government health costs in the long term.
The question I would have is that can any Government be trusted to use the funds from this tax for the purpose that it was intended for.
The video above also demonstrates a news article where Jamie Oliver was in tears as he had been berated by the Virgina local radio station and printed News Media and was told to go home and not tell Americans how to eat.
No matter what nation we come from we should all work together to improve the health of children across the world please let me know your thoughts on this subject by leaving a comment below
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Twitter: kats59
Stan:
What an insightful post. And I think it’s wonderful that Jamie Oliver is trying to educate kids on what they should eat. I’m older so there wasn’t all the fast food there is today; because of this, I feel, my children learned to eat healthier than kids do today. It’s just too easy to stop at McDonald’s or Burger King, and that’s what the kids love.
Parents must play a huge role in kids eating healthier by only offering healthy foods to eat with an occasional “treat” of fast food.
I wonder if the government will use that tax money for re-educating children and families or will it go to something else?
Thanks again,
Kat
Kat@eBayLearning recently posted..10 Tips to Buying Cars on eBay Motors
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Hi Kat, I agree Jamie has done a wonderful job educating people about the importance of good nutrition, I am also older and agree that there wasnt the great choice of take away available that there is now. Also in our family we couldnt aford to eat take away food so this was another deterent.
I agree parents have a vital role to play in educating kids the trouble is that many parents couldnt give a dam what their kids eat.
As for the fat tax I doubt very much whether the government would use the tax for the correct purposes. In general terms people need to take responsibility for their health and nutrition and not rely on the government to give direction. Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Pierre Trudel Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Hi Stan,
You know Pierrette & I are in to Perfect Health and the ones we feel the the most help are the kids, especially today.
The fact that you make this remark,”I agree parents have a vital role to play in educating kids the trouble is that many parents couldnt give a dam what their kids eat.” say a lot about attitudes today. Do parents not “give a dam” from just being ignorant or is their something we are all missing?
Thanks
Pierre
theeqeest.com
Pierre Trudel recently posted..Perfect Health-Communicating Your Ideas To Help Others
[Reply]
Sarah Drinkwater
Twitter: hussybrighton
Reply:
March 31st, 2011 at 3:12 pm
I like the idea – but I really can’t see it gaining much traction politically. It’s not like raising taxes is ever much of a vote winner!
What I like about it is it would help remove the myth that eating junk food is the cheapest option – which it very rarely actually is.
Sarah Drinkwater recently posted..Recipease Brighton
[Reply]
Hi Stan, good post… I love Jamie Oliver too!
Can’t state strongly enough that parents need to show not tell! Your children’s beliefs and attitudes come from your own actions so we need to look at ourselves first!
I covered this point in my new book ‘How to Raise Children Successfully’. Pop over to my blog site to have a look!
best regards
Wayne
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:06 am
Hi Wayne, Jamie does a great job. Your right actions always speak loader than words, the only problem is as I have said previously some parents couldnt care less what their kids eat so its really up to schools to try and provide some guidance and direction to our kids.
I look forward to checking out your new book. Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan,
Wow you have certainly struck a cord with a few people here!
I love Jamie Oliver. I love his passion for food and his passion for teaching. He is amazing!
What he is doing is a crusade. One where he will be successful at times and other times he will need to walk away.
A lot of us do not know about food because of what we are taught. Gone are the days where our children are taught “Home Economics” in school. That system went out the window in the 70s that is why are children and their parents (my generation)have no idea about food, nutrition and cooking!
We only know what we have been taught and if we have been taught fast food, then that is all we know until we are educated differently!
I had to change my thinking on food when I was pregnant with my bubba. I got gestational diabetes and had to change my whole lifestyle in order to take care of me and deliver a healthy baby.
At 3 my daughter knows most of her vegetables, yes we love our sweets, however she has no idea what McDonalds is etc. And if we do go there she doesn’t understand the marketing of the food yet. She just likes the play centre!
Your comments are coming along nicely. I am taking a table as I go. I am a little concerned that not everyone will get around to everyone’s blogs by the end of the month. I hope they do!
See you back here soon!
Cheers
JAcinta
Jacinta Dean recently posted..The 100 Blog Comment Challenge Update!
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:00 am
Hi Jacinta, Yes Jamie Oliver is a very loveable guy, I got the idea from TV when I saw one of his shows recently on TV, he certainly does an amazing job.
Yes you must be a gen Y and in your Era at school they have done away with food Economic as we had in the 70s and 80s. My kids that are your age dont have much of an idea either.
My kids are mad on take away food as well, mind you the youngest one is a bit of a health fanatic of his own choosing and has become vegetarian.
Gestational diabetes sounds bad what does that entail? That must have been terrible when you were pregnant.
Good for you that you are teaching your baby good eating habits, Macdonalds is a great place for kids to have fun, it really just down to common sense every thing in moderation.
As for the challenge, I hope I havent missed any body, I finished my comments over a week ago. For any one starting late in the program I think they may find it an upward battle to get all the comments done. Its quite a big task. I certainly have really enjoyed meeting everyone even though I was not part of the masterclass. Congratualtions to you for putting the challenge together it must have been quite a bit of work. I really appreciate being part of the challenge Thank you.
[Reply]
Jacinta Dean Reply:
September 14th, 2010 at 1:20 am
Hi Stan,
Finally came back to tally!
Gen Y. I wish I am 40 in 4 months!!
Our school system had already cut out Home ec when I was at school. I remember it very early in primary school, but by the time I got to high school it wasn’t there. Must have just been the schools.
Re Gestational Diabetes. That is when my body wasn’t producing enough insulin for both of us. The baby takes the majority of the insulin for its growth. The baby was fine, I was the one that was sick. It is like type 2 diabetes but temporary, as in you only have it when your pregnant and then once bubba is born all levels should go back to normal.
Only downfall is I am now predisposed for old age diabetes which means I will have to watch my sugar levels as I get older.
It was an amazing experience however, as I had to learn about food and diet and exercise and the role they all play together. For example the best time to exercise is before food! The best time to eat a sweet is actually before a meal not after as we are traditionally taught. It is all about balance.
EG White bread, pasta, rice, white potatoes etc etc are high in sugar. Some fruits are extremely high in sugar and should be eaten before a main meal.
A lot of our food turns to sugar in our bodies as it is processed and then turns to fat.
Had better get back to it.
Cheers
Jacinta
Jacinta Dean recently posted..Did You Complete The 100 Blog Comments Challenge
[Reply]
Hi Stan,
This was a wonderful post. It’s important that we pay attention to what we are putting into our bodies. I see way too many children whom are obese. It’s truly sad. I don’t want to call it poor parenting. However, the children can only eat what is provided to them. Creating awareness is important. Many times I don’t believe people stop to think for a moment about the detriment they are putting upon their children. They are setting their kids up for failure. Positive eating habits must begin at a young age so that it is much easier to continue the process as an adult. I feel what Jamie is doing is a great thing. Thanks for the post!
Much Success,
Lorina Noble
Miss Mindset Makeover
Millionaire Mindset
Lorina Noble recently posted..Mobile Marketing is Huge! 18 year old Changes the Game!
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Hi Lorina, I agee with you obessity is certainly an important issue, Jamie does a great job in explaining saying its a matter of life and death.
I dont know whether we can call it poor parenting or not, perhaps just ignorant to the side effects of putting bad food into their bodies and their children.
The problem we have is that many adualts dont realise how damaging it is putting bad food into their kids bodies. Nothing will change until we can change the attitudes of parents. Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan,
I’ve just dropped by as part of the 100 blog comment challenge, nice to meet you.
I love Jamie Oliver, he is so passionate in all that he does, he’s an Inspiration to us all.
I find it amazing that 6 year olds don’t know the difference between a potato and a tomato, I find it really sad, but if the parents don’t ever cook then the children are only seeing things in there processed form i.e. as ketchup in a bottle.
I’m so lucky my 8 year old daughter won’t entertain fast food not even cakes or biscuits(although I do indulge myself now and again) she loves fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice and fish and so do most of her friends.
If Jamie wants to help the children he need to focus on re-educating the parents.
Great to meet you
Michelle
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Hi Michelle welcome to the challenge! I agree Jamie is very inspirational. I agree with your thoughts I find it very hard to believe that kids of that age dont know what basic vegetables are. Its a sad state of affairs. Well done to you for ensuring that your duaghter only eats healthy food. I am afraid I still eat some food that is not the best but I try and steer clear of takeaway food. Sugar is my vice as I have a bit of a sweet tooth but try and make sure that I have it in moderation. I agree the toughest job is to educate parents the problem is that some parents couldnt care less. Nice to meet you too Stan Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Twitter: Rick_Byrd
Stan:
Interesting post!
I did see this show and it was quite sad at what Jamie discovered. I totally disagree with a “Fat Tax”. No matter how unhealthy fast food may be, you can’t make people stop eating what they want to eat. I also doubt that any tax would be used for good. The schools need to do a better job of providing healthy alternatives.
Healthy kids are important but it is up to their families to make sure they are healthy. Parents need to do a better job of ensuring they feed their kids proper food and get outside and get off the computer and video games.
- Rick
Rick Byrd recently posted..Business Ethics – Is There Such a Thing
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Hi Rick, Glad you were able to watch the entire series. I guess the debate over the fat tax is quite decisive either your in favour or not I appreciate your view and your right it is a matter of freedom of choice. The only problem with is that if these people become obesse and become dependant on the public health system its people like you and me as tax payers who will be funding health benefits for these same people. We have a situation here where obeese people are expecting the public health system to fund their lab band surgery to fix their obessity! I dont think this is right. The problem we have is many parents couldnt care less what they feed their kids. Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Twitter: thublogger
Hi Stan,
Change is something that doesn’t come overnight and as I saw the video and the town’s willingness to accept change, it’s pretty obvious, that’s the same thing which happens when we try to help someone who doesn’t want to listen. The impact is in the benefits of the information and the health long-term. Overall, existence for that matter is the point here. Thank you for sharing with us this wonderful post.
Cheers!
Thu
Thu Nguyen recently posted..How to Keep Up With Production in the Industrial Age of Article Marketing
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Hi Thu, Yes your spot on with this observation, none of us like change and this is why Jamie has recieved such opposition to his proposed changes to eating habits the old saying is very true “old habits die hard” is very true when it comes down to fast food. Again your spot on people just dont get it its a matter of life and death unfortunately people just dont see it as important as this. Thank you for your comments.
[Reply]
Twitter: tanvivien
Hi Stan
This is a great article which highlights on an important issue which is affecting our kids right now. I feel that the family plays an important part in cultivating good eating habits in young kids. They should be educated from young on the importance of eating well and nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When kids start to adopt eating fast food as a way of life, chances are, they’ll not be able to break out of this cycle when they grow up. This is one great reason of this obesity problem, which is affecting families worldwide.
Rgds
Vivien
Vivien@Internet Marketing recently posted..Five Great Reasons Why you Should be an Internet Marketer
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Hi Vivian, Jamie has done a great job to high light the importance of good nutrition for our kids. I agree the family does have an important role to play unfortunately many families are disfunctional and some parents couldnt give a dam what their kids eat. The education system also has its role to play but I also agree with you its about a choice of life style and particularly the young are bombarded with fast food advertising and peer preasure will also influence choices. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan, what an eye opener!!
It’s far too easy these days for working parents to pass on junk food to their kids as it takes no time to do.. 5 mins microvave or 25 mins oven..I remember my mum took way longer than that just to prepare our teas never mind cook em’
At the end of the day it is a government/manufacturer solution needed as parents do not seem to be in control in a lot of circumstances. Obesity seems to be the way to go and at the end of the day in most cases it’s the obese person who only has to learn to eat moderately, Nobody is forcing this c**p down their throats.
Society in general is aiming for the easy life with no thought to the consequences. Excellent post mate.
Keith
Keith Alston recently posted..Holiday Time Again!
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:43 am
Hi Keith,I agree it is far too easy to get junk food for our kids. I remember when I was growing up as a kid we always used to have a Sunday Roast, those things are just about unheard of these days. Your right people still need to take responsibility for what they eat and not blame others for the delema of obesity that they face. Recently people have been demanding that public health pay for lap band surgery for obesse people! I think the whole system has gone madd! Thanks for your comments!
[Reply]
Twitter: seltra
Good post Stan,
It really is a problem with junk food these days. Mind you there is a fairly easy way to get children eating proper food. When I was at school lunch was compulsory and there was only proper food which had to be eaten. Giving too much choice to youngsters is just plain daft, political correctness is the problem with people always quoting ‘rights’ or ‘human rights’ about so many things. Part of growing up is about learning, and learning to eat proper food is more important than choice when it comes to children. Bring back compulsory school meals and ban junk food at schools.
You’ve certainly got me and others interested in this. I think you’ll have no problem getting your 100 comments.
Good luck
Cheers
Dave
Dave Smith@Internet Marketing Secrets recently posted..Your Own Online Business-Build A Niche Blogging Business-Picking A Niche Market
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:33 am
Hi Dave, I agree with your view on this matter, there needs to be strict rules at school that limit choices of food for kids. The problem these days is that there are too many do gooders arguing about kids rights of Freedom of choice. Absolute crap! Kids need direction and structure and need to be educated on how to eat properly. Also doing away with junk food at schools would be a good start. We simply cant rely on parents to do the right thing as some parents couldnt care less what their kids eat. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
wonderful job! great educational info
Amy Steelman-Prueter recently posted..Are you up for the Challenge
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 3:36 am
Hey Amy, Thanks for stopping by, good luck with the challenge!
[Reply]
Twitter: sallyneill
Hi Stan,
This really means a lot to me, my daughter is 8 and I hate the fact that she could be eating so unhealthily.
It’s just so tough, as she doesnt want to eat what she sees as health food, it’s a tough job.
I admire Jamie for trying to make a difference, I just feel he is fighting a losing battle sadly.
Sally
Sally recently posted..Writing Testimonials Benefit You Too
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 29th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Hi Sally, I agree parents have a tough time raising kids, Kids are bombared with advertising every where they go and then there is the added peer preasure from their mates at school. Jamie has a tough battle on his hands but its up to all of us to try and raise an awareness amongst kids that junk food is okay in moderation. Even though we may think its a losing battle its one we cant aford to loose its a matter of life and death. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan
It’s easy to say thaat it’s the parents fault what the children eat, and to an extent I guess this is right. I am older and as one of your other commentators said there wasn’t the McDonald, Burger King etc., around so much when my kids were young. You can make sure your kids eat healthily when they are younger but when they start going out on their own they are going to want to each what their peers eat and that’s when the problems start.
Jamie Oliver did a great job in that programme.
Take Care
Barbara
Barbara Harvey recently posted..How Do You Juggle Your Working At Home Business Life From Your Personal Life
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 29th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Hi Barbara, There is no one cause to the problem of obesity, there are many aspects to it. I agree its not right just to blame parents and there are many influences to get kids and adults to eat fast food. Hey I dont want to be a hypocrite as I like the occaisional MacDonalds or KFC myself! The education system has its role to play and also advertising is a great influencing factor with kids. As you mentioned peer preasure is a huge influencing factor with kids.
There needs to be more work done on providing healthy alternatives for fast food and hopefully high profile people like Jamie can help promote these healthy choices. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Twitter: gwenatanner
I think that education on eating healthy is more beneficial than a tax on fast food. If fast food has the fat tax, then sure, some people will stop eating it – but also to the detriment of those businesses who sell it (they are making a living too!) – Having some rules like providing healthy choices in fast food restaurants along with education will be most beneficial… of course governments tend to look for ways to make money – and a fat tax will definitely do that!
Great post you have here Stan, a nice break from IM posts!
Gwen
via 100 Comment Challenge
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 29th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Hi Gwen, You have an interesting take on this subject, another blogger has suggested that some of the large fast food chains have shares in some of the big name gyms so in fact it becomes a cycle that people cant break out of. Your right about the implications of fat tax, small business would definately be impacted and the large fast food chains could probably absorb some of the cost of an extra tax. I think that is an excellent suggestion about having some healthy choices and this is somthing that a government could help promote I would see this as better value than slugging people with extra tax. Thanks for your comments. Stan
[Reply]
Twitter: jorge_bento
Hi Stan
This is really a great post and I feel proud of my self when I look at my 15 year old son. You see, it was a daily battler to make it eating healthy but with creativity and persistence he now enjoy fruit, salads, vegetables and he’s very worried about what he eats out of home.
Of course he likes fast food, as all the kids and teens do, but he prefers good food. If I ask him if he rather go to a McDonald or if he want to prepare his own grilled fish, he votes for the fish!
One thing that really helped, since he had 6-7 years old, was to let him help with cooking and food preparation. It really made a difference and that’s one of the main reasons he prefers healthy food nowadays.
But I agree it takes time, effort and patience… something that a lot of parents don’t have in good supply on these days, right?
Cheers
Jorge
Jorge Bento recently posted..Starting Own Business Online – Identify the Resources
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 29th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Hey Jorge, Well done to you for making the effort with your son, it sounds as though the extra effort has paid off. Your right kids love fast food and they are bombarded with advertising enticing them to have a burger or what ever. Its a great idea to involve kids in the preparation of food. Its a pity more parents dont make the effort to do the same. The main problem is that generally people dont see obeesity as a real health issue. Jamie puts it bluntly its a matter of life and death. Thanks for your comments
[Reply]
Hi Stan
I have worked with Jamie, in his TV programme the ministry of food. This was designed to help people learn to cook decent food rather than living on Junk. I designed and built the kitchen for the series in my factory, we donated it FOC to the people of Rotherham UK,its in a shop in the high street and is still being used to this day.
He is a great bloke and very dedicated to his task. It started when he became concerned about the rubbish food British schools were serving the kids. When the govenment started serving healthier food some parents in Rotherham made quite a public outcry against Jamie and were passing junk food too their kids through the school fence at lunch time. In return he made some “comments” about them, which were blown up in the press.
He went to Rotherham and met these people personally and went a long way to educating them to eat properly, and ended up being friends with them.
Working with him gave me some very interesting insights into how the media and TV work, and indeed on the marketing methods of celbrities.
Vince
Vince recently posted..Learn To Write Your Sales Letter Before Creating Your Product
[Reply]
Hi Stan
I watched the programme here in the UK and think that Jamie has done an excellent job of trying to get kids to eat more healthy.
I think parents have to take more responsibility for what their kids eat after all they are going to eat whats put in front of them and if they are brought up on junk food that ends up being normal to them.
I know a lot of parents have the excuse that they can’t afford to buy the healthier foods because they are more expensive but feel that they are just making excuses.
Its actually a lot cheaper if you grow your own fruit and vegetables yourself and you also get more taste with home grown fruit and veg.
Kids also love to get involved in the growing too and are more likely to eat them as they’ve done all the growing and watering.
Great post and good luck with the challenge
Regards
Dawn Kay
Dawn Kay recently posted..Free Internet Marketing Blueprints and Checklist Guides
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 6:28 am
Hi Dawn, Jamie has certainly done a great job with both the UK and the American shows he is to be commended for his effort.
There seems to be a unanimous chorus of people saying that parents need to take more responsibility, the problem as we all know is that some parents dont give a dam what their kids eat.
Many people have also suggested involving the kids in the preparation and even the growing of the food. Apart from the cost benefit the produce tastes so much nicer grown at home.
I agree healthier foods if you are prepared to shop around can infact be cheaper than take away food. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan
Was I was about to order a pizza……..
That said, it is bank holiday Monday.
I’ve got two at home and it is a struggle to get it right all the time.
I too like JO-his heart’s in the right place.
Best wishes
Mike
Mike Calmot recently posted..Blog Comments Challenge- Using the “Power of Six”…to drive traffic!
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 6:15 am
Hi Mike, There is nothing wrong with take away food, everything in moderation. Hey I enjoy an occaisional MacDonalds myself but it comes down to a matter of balance.
Theres no doubt about it, rasing kids these days is a tough job, there are far more distractions for kids and peer preasure is another factor.
As parents all we can do is give it our best shot and try and persuade the kids to eat some healthy food. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Hey Stan, hats off to a brave post !!
As a Brit, Jamie has been campaigning here very publically for some time. His attempts to get governemtn on site have had mixed results, maily due to politics, not neutrition.
Jamie did a programme here that showed school kids for to do home made ckicken nuggets. Any one who saw it would never touch a nuggett again !!
I don’t know about the position in Aus, but if politicians help to get the message across, fine but they’re not to be relied on. We need more jamie Olivers – peple who have true passion, some guts and a bit of success to trade off.
Great post thank you
John
Author of ‘Sticky Memory’
http://johnedler.com/blog/sticky-memory-have-i-coined-a-new-term-/?/html
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 5:52 am
Hi John, Jamie has done a great job campaigning for good nutrition, I have watched some of his UK shows, School yard dinners I think they were called. I was shocked at what some of the kids were eating. I saw the story on the chicken nuggets and it made me feel sick I will never touch another chicken nugget again!
Your right about not relying on the pollies to get the message out. As you said we need more Jamie Olivers in the world. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Wow…love the videos. I’ve seen this guy on a few shows and it’s amazing how easy it is to make that change in the literal sense…but changing habits is where the challenge is.
My wife works for one of the local schools and they make healthy meals, and offer TONS of fruits and vegetables to the kids…but the kids just aren’t interested. They need to learn at home that fruits and vegetables are good and need to be eaten, and it just doesn’t happen. I am overweight and I can say that I grew up not eating out much, because my parents just didn’t have the money for it, but as soon as I hit high school…I ate out all the time.
Our country really needs to change quickly, or our expected lifespan will decrease to 40.
Thanks for the educational post!
Patrick
Patrick Lynch recently posted..The Sea and Where To Be
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 5:40 am
Hi Patrick, Yea Jamie does a great job getting the message across but despite this its very hard to change habits over time, its the old saying “Old habits die hard” What your wife experienced is pretty much what Jamie has experienced. Your right kids need to be taught at home from a very young age, the problem with this is that some parents could not care less.
I agree with your thoughts we never had much take away growing up as kids for the same reason my parents just couldnt aford it. All western countries need to have a wake up call and realise the serious consequences of obesity its a matter of life and death. Thanks for your comments.
[Reply]
Hi Stan
That’s a very interesting post. I seldom watch food programmes so I haven’t seen much of Jamie but you’d have to be living under a rock to not know about the good work he is doing in trying to educate parents and kids about good nutrition.
My husband and I ran a corner shop back in the 80s/90s and you wouldn’t believe how many young mums would come in every day and buy bars of chocolate for their toddlers or even babies of just a few months old to “keep them quiet”. They’d also buy packets of crisps and more chocolate for their older children’s lunch boxes. As I said, that was 20 years ago and as far as I can see things have just gone from bad to worse with takeaways and fast food shops springing up everywhere and thriving while other businesses struggle.
Children should be taught the value of good nutrition from a young age but Jamie and his supporters are fighting a losing battle when so many parents just can’t be bothered.
Warm Regards
Lynn
[Reply]
stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 5:17 am
Hi Lynn, Working in a small corner shop you must have seen a lot of things over time, it is shocking to think of all the crap that is purchased for kids with out any consideration on the long term health.
The other problem is what would all these corner stores sell if junk food was outlawed, that would in turn cause other problems. Perhaps these corner stores could provide some healthier options. Your right take away food options have increased over the years so now kids get bombarded with a multitude of options. Kids need to be taught good nutrition at a young age the problem is some parents couldnt give a dam and certainly Jamie has a tough job on his hands trying to change attitudes. Thanks for your comments
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Hi Stan,
It seems that those people are beyond a point where they will want to change their eating habits.
It’s really sad that kids at that school can’t even recognize tomatoes.
Will a government fix this by taxing junk food? Hardly.
Vance
Vance Sova recently posted..John Chow’s Last Dot Com Pho In Vancouver- Live Event Networking
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stanyoung Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 2:21 am
Hi Vance, I dont think anyone is beyond help, we just need to find a way to engage with people to let them realise the importance of eating healthy. I agree I was really horrified when these young kids couldnt identify the basic vegetables. Your probably right a tax alone is not likely to fix the problem but if some government funds were to be channeled into education that has to be a good thing.
Thanks for your comments.
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Hey Stan,
Like others have said it is truly sad to see young kids in that situation I hope Jamie secedes because they really need that.
Have a good one.
Enjoy the Challenge.
Mike
Mike Fleming recently posted..100 Blog Comments Challenge
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stanyoung Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Hi Mike, Jamie is to be commended for his efforts. We all need to band together and work towards rasing an awareness of of the importance of healthy eating.
Hope you enjoy the challenge. Thanks for your comment.
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Hi Stan, wow two emotionally powerful and insightful video’s there, how sad that so many youngsters are being brought up on such a health threatening diet, but what really annoys me is the attitude of that radio station presenter…such shear ignorance is disgraceful and shows that the most powerful nation on this planet needs to get its house in order.
As a father/father figure to six kids/step kids aged
2 1/2 years to 23 years (and two grand-kids) it is my duty to try to give guidance on all aspects of growing up, lets face it our children today are tomorrows custodians of our world, our children ARE the future so what we as parents and adults do will help to shape the world of tomorrow.
Thanks for posting this… its a real eye opener…
Best regards
Pete Chapman
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stanyoung Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 6:59 am
Hi Pete, I agree its anoying to see the attitude of some people, unfortunately this is not isolated just to the United States. All western countries are having issues with obesity so its something we all have to take ownership over trying to change attitudes of people just like this radio presenter.
It would be great if all people had the same sense of responsibility that you do as a parent- this is part of the fundemental problem that many parents couldnt care less what they feed their kids.
People need to get the message its a matter of life and death. Thank you for your comments.
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Twitter: JIMJourneys
Hi, Stan
Yep, Jamie Oliver really took on the big guns when he started this campaign!
There are so may factors in what the children eat – I have 3 (late-)teenagers and think I raised them the same way, with the same food values, etc – but one eats really healthily – won’t touch fast food, loves fruit and veg, one is a fast food junkie and the 3rd doesn’t care what it is so long as he can eat it!
Thanks for a thought-provoking post
Jennifer
Jennifer@Online Business Making Money at Home recently posted..Internet Marketing Promotions – Step by Step Guide to Contributing
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stanyoung Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hi Jennifer, Theres no doubt about it that rasing kids is not easy and even with the best intended effort there is still no guarantee that they will do the right thing. I also have 3 kids in their late teens with pretty much the same results, one is a vegetarian, one eats junk and the other one doesnt care what he eats. As parents all we can do is try and steer our kids in the right direction and after this its up to them what choices they make. The other main influence on kids is peer preasure and this is very hard to contend with. Thanks for your comments.
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Twitter: thatgirlisfunny
Hi Stan,
What a sticky situation. Each of us is in control of what goes into our mouths. Kids love junk food. Parents are busy. It’s a difficult cycle to break. Just like anything else, eating well is a habit requiring a commitment. Each one, teach one.
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stanyoung Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:09 am
Hi Cheryl, Your right its a pretty simple formular the amount we put in our mouths versus the amount of energy or exercise we do to burn it off. We are all busy but as Jamie points out its a matter of life and Death. Surely people are committed to living! Thanks for your comment.
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Hi, Stan,
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is just that. Diet and proper exercise will help control inflammation. Inflammation has already been linked to several serious disease. It would be great to teach families how to eat healthy foods. I think you would have to start with the parents. As far as a fat tax, people opt for fast and cheap, so those least likely to afford it (health and diet wise) are least able to afford it monetarily. Wish there was a quick and easy answer. The only I can come up with is to be pro active about my own health and my family’s health. One at a time, we can make a difference.
Fran T
Fran T recently posted..Nopalea and My Knee
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stanyoung Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 6:36 am
Hi Fran, Your right with your comments, unfortunately its not just related to the United States all the Western World countries are having issues with obesity. As you mention kids need to be taught by their families at a young age to eat healthy. The problem as I have mentioned previously is that some parents cant be bothered cooking and that makes it very tough for kids that have to eat what is provided to them. Schools also have a role to play and this is where the Government should play its part by making sure healthy choices are provided at school canteens.
I havent been to the States for quite some time but I remember fast food being very cheap so that makes it that much harder to promote healthy choices. As you mention by taking fast food is only likely to hurt the people that can least aford. Thank you for comments.
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Hi Stan,
Pizza for breakfast? Diabetic at 12 years old? Wow these kids don’t know what a vegetable is and looks like. This is really sad. Who is responsible for this? If they don’t learn from their parents and school to eat healthy how are they supposed to eat healthy EVEN when they grow up?
Too many questions to answer!
By the way where can I watch the complete video? I cant get the ABC channel or any other USA channel where I live..
Take care,
Andreas
Andreas Spyrou recently posted..The Biggest Affiliate Marketing Mistake &8211 Mistake 6
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stanyoung Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Hi Andreas, Yea I was also really shocked when I first saw this I couldnt believe that they were serving Pizza for breakfast I still think this is outrageous.
I still cant get over that these kids could not identify the basic vegetables I originally thought that it might of been due to the cameras being there made the kids shy, but now realise that this is not the case these poor kids have never really been shown what vegetables look like.
I think you can get the entire series on You Tube other than that I think you can get it on the life style channel if you get Cable TV. Thanks for your comments.
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Twitter: foodmemories
Hi Stan, trying to feed my own two teens at home is such a conundrum. Totally different likes and their school menus are somewhat atrocious. My son’s high school offers french fries as a separate menu item available all the time for $2. They counter the complaints by offering a Salad at $2.50 all the time as well. You give the money to the kids and what do you think they are going to do? The cheapest.
I cannot be there to insist on the healthy choice, he knows which one is better for him, but it’s the pricing economy. What’s bad for you is cheap and what’s good for you costs more…. How do you fight that? Maybe a fat tax is the wrong way, maybe a lean tax break to get healthier foods priced cheaper. A combination of both? Most people eat what their wallets can afford. If you offer the grilled chicken sandwich at half the price of the Big Mac?
Sorry didn’t mean to start a rant. Very provoking post though! Thanks, john
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stanyoung Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Hi John, I totally agree with what you have said theres no doubt about it, it is tough job being a parent and with what you have outlined it is a hard battle to win with kids.
It makes a lot of sense to make healthier food cheaper, as the pure economics dictate the lesser cost will always win out I think the lean tax break is a great idea, but like all things new could be difficult to get off the ground once the politicians get involved. By the way I like the sound of a grilled chicken sandwich being half the price of a Big Mac! You have won me over. Thanks for your comments.
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Clare Reply:
September 4th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I find it strange that they sell the fries cheaper than the salad. It’s as ironic as walking into a bar and finding that it’s cheaper to buy alcohol than a straight soda!
I think Jamie is doing a great job trying to make school dinners more healthy – but unless the parents back him up it won’t do much good.
Clare recently posted..M&M Candy Couples Costume Red Poncho & Yellow Tank Dress Adult Standard
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stanyoung Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 5:36 am
Hi Clare, It doesnt seem right that junk food is cheaper than the healthier options, I found this in particular to be the case in the states, this is where I think the government could exert some influence by making businesses provide healthier options at more competative prices. Your right despite Jamies best efforts parents have their role to play the problem is that some parents couldnt care less and this makes it that much harder to influence change as young kids can only eat what they are given. Thank you for your comments.
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Hi Stan,
This was a wonderful post. It good to read a post that teaches and suggest the right thing to do as well.It’s important that we pay attention to what we are putting into our bodies. I see way too many children whom are obese. It’s truly sad. I don’t want to call it poor parenting. However, the children can only eat what is provided to them. Creating awareness is important. I believe this is the kind of information that every person must put into consideration.
Thanks for bringing this discussion into life. Hope more interesting discussion will follow.
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stanyoung Reply:
September 19th, 2010 at 4:12 am
Hi Dan, Thanks for your comments, Jamie does a great job preaching good eating habits in a entertaining way. Your right it pays to pay attention to what we put into our bodies but we tend to forget this from time to time. Obesity is a world wide problem too many of our kids just sit around playing video games instead of getting out and kicking a ball around or throwing a few hoops of basket ball. Unforchanately some parents couldnt care less what they give their kids to eat so it makes it very difficult for kids as they are at the mercy as to what is provided for them. Hopefully we can all take a part in spreading the message of good eating and only eating junk food in moderation.
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It very pleasing to know that he opened the eyes of the kids on what they need to eat.
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Stan Young Reply:
January 18th, 2011 at 4:07 am
Hi Martin
Your right it great to see all the work that Jamie has put in is paying off. Its a matter of trying to Educate people of all ages to eat healthy. Thanks for stopping by
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Thanks for the tips on the blog comments . I have also found that commenting on blogs helping us.
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