"Welcome to Burger Hut, may I take your order?" "Yeah I'll take a large French fry and a 64 ounce Big Gulp." When I hear statements such as this, I think to myself "OMG! How can someone drink 64 ounces of liquid sugar?" Unfortunately I have a strong feeling that the answer may lie in that he/she doesn't realize what the high levels of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can do to their body, or they simply don't care, or they were raised on soda and have a dependency. It is truly sad that so many people regularly consume high calorie, sugary and HFCS products which contribute to obesity and a host of other health problems.

You've probably heard by now that the proposed ban on large sugary soft drinks that was scheduled to go into effect in New York City on March 12 has been overturned by a State Supreme Court judge. Unveiled in May of 2012, mayor Bloomberg's plan banned the sale of any cup or bottle of a sweetened drink larger than 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters and other venues. Bloomberg and supporters say a proposed ban on the sale of large quantities of sugary drinks is crucial to combating a nationwide obesity epidemic.

While I admire their intention, I agree that this ban was and is not the answer. People who drink soda, are going to drink soda whether you sell it in a small or large cup, or an eyedropper; and although I disagree with it personally, it is not my place or our government's to say whether they can or cannot. When I first heard of this proposal I was actually in favor because I agree that portion sizes in the past 20 years have become insanely larger. But I realized that simply because I personally think people should drink less soda doesn't mean that they "legally" cannot do so. And besides, this type of governing could slowly lead to more control of how we personally choose to live our lives (For example, passing a law mandating a minimum of three workouts a week. . . haha).

I feel that the answer lies heavily in education and information. Accurate and regular exposure to the facts of obesity and its causes in school, on billboards, and in ads can help to remind people of the dangers of excessive HFCS consumption and hopefully lead to healthier behaviors. Also, clearly placed calorie counts on all menus give the consumer the information of whether or not to consume a product. I'd even be in favor of package warnings similar to cigarette packs describing the dangers of certain products. Therefore, if the guy who ordered the 64 ounce Big Gulp sees on the menu that it is in fact 744 calories, and still orders it. . . well, that was his personal and informed choice; while be it a poor one, I feel he has the right to choose it while aware of the consequences. We all make bad choices from time to time of course, but given it be legal, I believe we have the freedom to do so.

I am sure that some of you may disagree with me, and I am slightly torn in writing this as I agree with the aim of the proposed restriction but not the method. People simply do not want to be told "what" to do; but telling them "how" to do it may be more effective as they can take more ownership in their actions. Happy Spring!!