Diet Soft Drinks Bridge the Gap

I got a really nice comment from a fellow diet soda lover recently... a Mr. Jimmy Moore, author of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog. He writes all about health via his journey through a 180-lb weight loss (through low-carb dieting), as well as a new outlook on nutrition.

"I credit being able to drink diet soda as a BIG reason why I was able to lose as much weight as I did..."

See? I'm not the only one who thinks it's true.

Every person is different, and different eating lifestyles (or dieting if you won't mind that 4-letter "d" word) work for all of us. Props to Mr. Moore for being able to lose all that weight and continue to sustain it through his low carb lifestyle. Goodness knows I need my toast or granola bar in the morning, especially after a 2-hour workout. Although I remain a lover of all things carb, Mr. Moore and I can come together in our similarities -- love for eating healthy in general and drinking diet soda!

Soft Drinks and Diet Soft Drinks in Schools

While searching through the their web site, I came across this great op-ed piece from an August issue of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Richard Berman writes a great article entitled "Soft drinks in schools aren't to blame for obese children." I really like this article because it succinctly articulates the ridiculosity (poetic license taken) of blaming a product for a wide-range and multi-faceted problem such as childhood obesity, or even obesity in general. And because I like it so much, the entire text is included here, so I apologize for the length...

Soft Drinks in Schools Aren't to Blame for Obese Children
By: Richard Berman

When it comes to childhood obesity, the raging debate over soda being sold in schools has about as much substance as the time-worn question: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?

According to a 2002 study, the average kid gets one half of 1 percent of his or her calories from vending machines. While that is admittedly up from one third of 1 percent in the 1970s, it seems that limiting vending machines to water won't make a big difference.

And the more political energy expended on vending machines, the less there will be left to address the real cause of childhood obesity: physical inactivity.

Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Mark McClellan observes, "Actual levels of caloric intake among the young haven't appreciably changed over the last 20 years."

Study after study corroborates McClellan's point.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism pointed out: "It is often assumed that the increase in pediatric obesity has occurred because of an increase in caloric intake. However, the data do not substantiate this."

Translation: The problem won't be found in vending machines. It's in the gym. It's in the recess yard. And it's in our neighborhoods, where kids now spend far, far more time with their Xboxes than they do running around outside or biking with friends.

Walking and biking trips by children have dropped more than 60 percent since the late 1970s. A full quarter of American children get no physical activity whatsoever.

So why are we so quick to blame vending machines? Public attitudes have been skillfully manipulated by interest groups, whose greatest concern is that someone, somewhere may be enjoying what they eat and drink.

Anti-soda activists-who also seek extra taxes and warning labels on soft drinks, as well as tobacco-style class-action lawsuits-have an insatiable thirst for regulating our diets. They allege soda makers' new school distribution policy doesn't go far enough. They want a complete ban on soda in all schools.

In other words, a young man or woman old enough to carry a gun in Iraq won't always be able to choose his or her own beverage.

America's dedicated diet scolds also want diet soda out of schools. Pop may have unfairly drawn the short stick in the obesity blame game. But does any rational person think that replacing a zero-calorie beverage with milk or juice will do anything to prevent weight gain?

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La Vie Boheme, Where We Only Drink Diet Coke

November 23, 2005 -- It's here -- RENT, the movie!

"... Last night I had a dream. I found myself in a desert called Cyberland. It was hot. My canteen had sprung a leak and I was thirsty. Out of the abyss walked a cow - Elsie. I asked if she had anything to drink. She said, "I'm forbidden to produce milk. In Cyberland, we only drink Diet Coke."

I just found out that Rent is being made into a film and will be coming out just before Thanksgiving this year. I can't wait! I have loved this show for about 9 years now -- it's absolutely beautiful and amazing. But one of the coolest things is that the movie actually contains a lot of the original cast members which is utterly fabulous -- the very voices I have been singing along with on my overplayed, horribly worn out soundtrack album since I was in high school. It'll be interesting to see what they do with the cinematography on this one. It has a lot of potential, but hopefully it won't detract from the genius of the stage performance and disappoint.

2 months from tomorrow -- the countdown has begun!

Celsius Negative-Calorie Diet Soft Drink

Those in the Carolinas, Florida and St. Louis now hear this:

The first negative-calorie soft drink, Celsius, is available in major convenience stores in your area. You read it correctly... not zero calorie... NEGATIVE calorie. Sounds hokey right?

Steve Haley, president of Elite FX -- the company that has enriched our lives with this new product -- claims that, "Celsius is the first soft drink that has been proven to boost your metabolism naturally so you burn more calories than you consume, creating `net-negative' calories." This is possible through a formula that includes "natural botanicals," micronutrients, amino acids and caffeine.

At first you think, this is incredible. How is this actually possible? I just can't seem to believe that a simple drink could actually raise your metabolism enough that it would effectively cause a noticeable calorie-burn... at least one noticeable enough to result in weight loss. However, a research study conducted at the International Society of Sports Nutrition earlier this year confirmed the calorie-burning properties of Celsius. The press notes, "Drinking one 12-ounce bottle of Celsius increases metabolism by more than 12 percent over a 3-hour period, which translates into burning up to 77 calories, based on an individual's metabolism."

I'm happy with my diet soda. It's a comfort "food" with no effect on my diet, no effect on my health. It's just a happy companion. But the possibility of turning this into something more... creating something that is actually a functional food... is at the same time disturbing and kinda cool. Cool because, hey... it's just one thing to make my life easier. After all I have been struggling lately with extra pounds, no doubt from excess calories. Disturbing because as I look into my crystal ball, I see people using a product like this as a crutch to lose weight or improve their health. I imagine people skipping workouts and chugging negative calorie drinks instead. These same people who will become grossly upset when they don't lose any weight. I envision people missing the point.

Regardless, it's here... in three flavors no less (cola, lemon-lime and ginger ale)! Someone who has access to it, try it and let me know what you think. My curiosity has definitely been piqued.

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Red Light District

It's like an evil eye... one that speaks only the language of ominous foreboding. It laughs at me in its sinister way. It stares menacingly not only at myself, but at all who dare to come close, to try and push it's button. The bright light glares, taunting me. My palate is threatened. My afternoon a wash of disappointment. The idea of wrapping myself in the fetal position in the middle of the break room crosses my mind. My very productivity stands on the brink of disaster. It is the intent of the Soup Nazi. No diet for you!

It is the red eye of vacancy.

It is the signal of distress.

It is the emptiness of ddp.

For this Red Light District, the message is clear -- there is no Diet Dr. Pepper left in the vending machine.

Sugar Free Gum Saves the Day

A blog buddy reminded me that not only can the little things make others feel better, they can make ME feel better. So here's a rundown of my Humpday (today) day-savers:

Extra Classic Bubble Flavor.
Seriously people, check this gum out. It's delicious. I've talked about it before, but it's the simple pleasures in life that save the day and make you/me smile. Sugar-free goodness and it doesn't hurt that it's pink either. What can I say... I'm a girl.

A large diet soda from the deli across the street.
We're talking the tallboy of diet soft drinks. 24 ounces of nothing which means everything. And that's really something. Confused yet? Great.

Uber Motivation.
That's right folks... I've been productive today! Not just sort of productive... really productive. The kind of productivity that makes Moms and Dads proud. And makes my supervisor not regret she hired me.

Morning Workout.
I dragged myself out of bed for a workout this morning for the THIRD morning in a row. I've been suffering from some severe slackness lately. Distracted by evacuees (in a good way) and only mustering workouts every other day or so. But no more. (I tell myself) It's amazing what endorphins can do for you.

Inner Reflection to Drop the Pounds?

So despite having a hard time concentrating on normal life these days, I have come to the conclusion that there is something I must force myself to concentrate on -- the extra 12 pounds that attached themselves to me in a matter of 4 weeks and have been clinging to my frame since mid-July. Honestly -- Who gains weight that fast? Especially when you have stayed the same weight for 1 year? Bleh.

Perhaps I am not in the right mindset to lose weight right now, because it seems like I am trying really hard, and not one pound will budge from my body. I'm counting calories, exercising regularly... it's frustrating because I'm just not sure what to do.

Alas! I came across the following info online today. It's from the Learn Program for Weight Control by Kelly Brownell, a Yale University obesity research expert. Learn stands for five components Brownell believes are essential to permanent weight control: lifestyle, exercise, attitude, relationships and nutrition. According to the press I read it's "one of the most successful and most thoroughly tested lifestyle change programs for weight management." Ok, I'll take that with a grain of salt. But I do need SOME type of help, so here I am listening. After all, I can only wear my loose fitting skirts for a few more months before it turns too cold and I'll be forced to squeeze into my pants that fit, but are now uncomfortable. So here goes...

The first thing that needs to be done, says Brownell, is to find out if you have the commitment to lose weight. He suggests a set of questions:

* How committed am I, not just today, but for the months ahead?
* Can I handle the stress of making changes in eating and exercise and still manage other responsibilities?
* Will I feel deprived or upset when making different food choices? Or will I feel challenged?
* When I stumble, can I recover my balance?
* Am I willing to face and deal with difficult emotions like anxiety and loneliness instead of eating over them?
* Can I find ways to celebrate other than eating?
* Can I comfort myself after a difficult day without resorting to food?
* Do I have realistic goals?
* Am I willing to exercise regularly? For the rest of my life? With whatever disabilities, handicaps, financial or time limitations I encounter?
* Can I find exercise that entertains me? Helps me make new friends? That relaxes me and lifts my mood? One that creates more energy for me?

Doesn't sound so bad... Perhaps I do need a little inner reflection in my "need to lose weight" life. Who knows... I'll keep you updated.

Mardi Gras 2006

Found this post this morning on NOLA.com's blog -- despite the devastation left in Katrina's wake, those in charge of Mardi Gras events in New Orleans, plan on a premier 2006 event:

"...the majority of building of floats for superkrewes Endymion, Rex and Orpheus has already been finished, and the captains of these krewes and others are looking not only to have Mardi Gras in New Orleans during the Carnival season that peaks on Fat Tuesday - Feb. 28, 2006 - but to make it bigger and better than ever . . . to make a statement."

On a date marking the last time of such emotional devastation on U.S. soil, the author made this statement...

"In New York, after 9/11, the country looked to New Yorkers for that defining moment of affirmation that they were still alive - bloodied but not beaten - with the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. So, now, many are looking to New Orleans for that defining moment of affirmation, when this most unique event shows that New Orleans is alive and kicking. Many correspondents, in fact, are planning to be in New Orleans no matter how big the celebration . . . because they want to support the city, and because it will be a historic moment."

It's all about trumping the odds. The only way we ever recover is by rebuilding and surviving... and reclaiming our lives. Not to get ahead of myself here, obviously there is much to be done and much energy required in the meantime. But as soon as you're ready, bring on the king cake, and laissez le bon temps roullez!

Sending Diet Soda and Love

Thought of the day...

If every little bit helps, then I think I will send some evacuees some diet soda along with a load of blankets, toiletries, clothes and things. Those struggling with this disaster get thirsty too! Goodness knows if I was in their position, I would need many things, but having the creature comfort of a Diet Coke would really make my day. In such overwhelming times, it's the small things that make you smile, and the little familiarities that warm your heart.

I heard about a young girl in Atlanta who added a little stuffed animal along with canned goods and other necessities she was sending to Gulfport. She attached a note that read, "With love, from the heart." When asked by a reporter why she did this, she responded that besides food and clothes and shelter, those people need to know they are loved, and need to be comforted.

That is one of the most wonderful tidbits of wisdom I have heard in awhile... and from an 8-yr old at that. What an inspiration. Perhaps we should all follow her lead and put our hearts in the right place.

Shared Grief in Atlanta

ATL represent. Thank goodness I've found others who share my emotion...

Cap'n Ken wrote:

"Yet most people around me here in Atlanta seem unaffected, unmoved. Friends, of course, are sympathetic, but too many people are just going about life as normal.

I can't stomach hearing the guy at the desk behind me talking today about how the guy who won Survivor lives next door to his brother. I hate seeing a group of people laughing and chatting about the ridiculous things people involve themselves with.

In the wake of September 11, everybody took pause and put aside their stupid little concerns. I feel today like I did then, but apparently I'm in the minority."

Thank you Cap'n. It may not mean much, but at least I know I'm not alone in feeling completely heart- and gut-wrenched over this. Yes I could go on as normal... but do I want to?

The simple answer is... I won't.

I Ain't No TrackBack Girl

[With apologies to Gwen...]

I just convinced a friend to help me figure out how to set up the trackback feature for my blog through HaloScan. Turns out it was elementary level easy. But for whatever reason the thought of trying to figure out techy things on my own gives me hives. It's just overwhelming to me and my liberal arts mind. So yay for friends and figuring out technology. Now if I could only master the art of RSS, I can become a "real" blogger someday.

In other news... booo for losing all of my old comments because adding HaloScan erased them all. So please add many more and make me feel like I have friends (and readers) again.

Emotional Exhaustion -- When a Diet Soda Won't Do

Obviously I have been slacking in the blog arena as of late -- I just can't think of anything important enough to blog about. Let me rephrase that... I can't think of anything more important than Katrina, or rather its aftermath. Nutrition, obesity, diet soft drinks... just not on my list of priorities right now.

And yet I am tired of talking about Katrina. Not bored of the subject or wanting to move on... not at all. Rather, emotionally exhausted. Powerless.

I've been having a hard time concentrating at work. I want to work... I want to do a good job. But nothing I do here in my cubicle seems important in comparison -- not when there are so many people so close in need of help. Not when there are homes of friends and family that need rebuilding. Not when there are hundreds of landmarks destroyed in a city I love... places that designate a community. Places that mark where I fell in love and met some of my best friends. My boyfriend of many years is/was in med school in the Crescent City. He and his family have lived there for a long time. Now they must buy new underwear and find a home elsewhere for 4+ months. Not that my connections are more important than anyone else's. But that's just it... it's a collective longing, a collective emotional loss.

And so much of what I hear about in the media is "Who is to blame?" Why do we have to place blame now? Why can't we find and ensure safety, aid, feed, shelter, clothe... rebuild... first? All the talk is lipservice. I want to rebuild, I don't want to talk about rebuilding. Why should I muster the energy for lip service? Especially when so many others are already doing so.

Yet it seems many just don't understand. Until you understand the term "neutral ground," and that Mardi Gras is a place for families, not flashing. Until you've been called "dawlin" more than your actual name, and know to greet people with a kiss on the cheek (even if you're meeting for the first time)...

Louis Armstrong said it best, "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans, when that's where you left your heart?"