Information Is Power

Even though I am surrounded by conversation at my job, I love to listen to talk radio when I am in my car. I enjoy hearing different points of view. I like to know what's going on the world and I want to base my opinions on information. The more the better.

This is not the place to talk politics, but everyone is talking about the health care bill. And it seems more information is coming out about it everyday. One thing in the bill is the requirement that any restaurant with 20 or more stores must post nutrition information on the menu boards. The host of the radio show I was listening to was saying she was not in favor of this regulation, because the board udpates will cost business owners money in a time when the economy is bad. That is true. She also went on to say that people should know when they go into McDonald's, that a Big Mac is not a health food. And if you don't - you're stupid.

Well, I thought, giving people information about the food they put in their BODY is not stupid. And McDonald's is not the only chain restaurant. The host actually used a Dunkin' Donuts example stating the misinformation about bran muffins vs donuts. A customer may really want a donut, but instead chooses the bran muffin, thinking it's a healthier choice. Now neither food is healthy, but the donut is less calories. So the person may be "sacrificing" for no reason at all, except misinformation. In response, a chain store owner said he has nutrition flyers available, but no one asks for them. Well, I know my members usually look on line before they go, so they don't have to ask, but most people are not going to hold up a line to ask about the calories in a Subway chicken sandwich. Most people think a vinaigrette salad dressing is light on calories, but it is not. The facts don't lie and the information is power. You can CHOOSE to have the highest calorie item on the menu, but it's best for you to make that decision on knowledge.

I called the radio station and basically when I told her that I was a Weight Watchers leader and that most people are surprised at the true calorie counts, both good and bad, she just said if someone is on WW, they shouldn't be going to Mickey D's. Again, with the Mickey D's. My members can, and should, go ANY WHERE they want.

So, here's the real reason I was so mad. Most people who want to lost weight and be healthier, don't join Weight Watchers, or go to their doctors, because they think they SHOULD KNOW BETTER. It's their fault because they are overweight and they shouldn't need help. WW is giving you the TOOLS for successful weight loss. WW is not losing the weight for you, you are, with the KNOWLEDGE you gain with the meetings, the materials and the members. I do not know tax law, so I have an accountant. However, if I don't pay my taxes, there is nothing he can do to keep me out of jail. My successful members apply the knowledge they learn each week and ask questions. They are empowered. They do the work.

So keep fighting for more information. Ask what is in the special at your favorite restaurant. Ask the grocery store manager for the healthy products you like. Look for new recipes on eTools. Ask your family what they are serving for Easter. Log onto your favorite restaurant's web site and get nutrition information. Or Google the food. The Internet has been a powerful tool for my members.

Well, I'll think I'm going to take a ride to McDonald's. A vanilla ice cream cone is only 3 Points! Maybe I'll see you there.