New York City’s planned crackdown on super-sized sugary drinks has received prominent backing from Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, the creator of the South Beach Diet, the founder of The Best Life and other diet companies.
The announcement – made at a press conference featuring Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a top Weight Watchers official – was the latest in a volley of statements of support for both advocates and critics of the plan, which calls for restaurants, movie theaters, sports arenas, food carts and delis to stop selling sodas and other sugary drinks in servings larger than 16 ounces.
Bloomberg and other proponents call the Super Size Soda Ban a sensible way to encourage people to cut calories. Opponents see it as government overreaching and question its effectiveness.
To the diet groups, it’s a tool that fits with their approach to making healthy eating easier.
“Today, we live in a world where despite our best intentions, it’s oftentimes very difficult on your own to make the healthy choice,” said David Burwick, president of Weight Watchers North America. “We all need to take more personal responsibility for our own weight and eating habits, but it helps to remember what a healthy portion size is in a world where super-size portions have become the norm.”
The proposal is set for a September 13 vote at the city Board of Health, whose members are appointed by Bloomberg. If approved, it would take effect as early as March. An opposition group called New Yorkers for Beverage Choices said it has the backing of more than 2,000 businesses and 201,000 people. A New York Times poll last month showed that six in 10 New Yorkers opposed the plan. The rule wouldn’t apply to lower-calorie drinks, such as water or diet soda, nor to alcoholic beverages or drinks that are more than half milk or 70 percent juice.
What do you think? The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is on location in Central Park, New York City to find out people’s reactions to Mayor Michael Bloomberg‘s proposed Super Size Soda ban.
Free Diabetes Podcast inspired by Whitney Houston hosted by Mr. Divabetic featuring the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and real-life diva, Emily C. from San Francisco! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/08/07/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-whitney-houston
Mr. Divabetic hosts the roving red TOMATO carpet at the 3rd Annual Bake Bethesda A Pie Contest at Central Farm Markets, Bethesda, MD
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