The Aspiring RD

I get riled up too easily. I wouldn’t even describe my triggers as pet peeves because a pet peeve is by definition a singular annoyance, and I can easily skyrocket my blood pressure more than once a day.

Seeing someone who has cleaned up after their dog, then left the full bag out on the sidewalk often gets me started in the morning.

Boston drivers who refuse to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk leave me exasperated by lunch time.

And my very own neighbors who double park their cars on our street, then put on their hazard lights, thinking that somehow that will help with the fact that I have to sit behind them for 10 minutes until they remember to park properly.

I really need to start using my calming breathing techniques.

But lately, it hasn’t been what I see but rather what I read that really gets me red in the face.

And I’m not talking about the psychotic Amy Dunne, who left me with nightmares after reading Gone Girl (a fabulous summer read if you’re looking for one).

No, I’m talking about old faithful. The weekly indulgence. The best part of the waiting room/airport/nail salon.

People magazine.

You may be thinking that this is the cover that has me all riled up:

Oh no. No, no, no, no no.

That would be too easy.

And for the record, I’m glad she has lost weight. I mean come on, I study nutrition!

This is the cover I’m talking about:

Dr. Oz, touted as the “Healthiest Man Alive,” was interviewed for a multi-page spread about what he eats and how following his diet and way of life will add years to your life.

Doesn’t sound so bad, right? I mean, he is a doctor. And he is a pretty healthy looking guy.

However, I would argue that Dr. Oz represents every issue that we have with our current food system. Yes, he is a healthy guy. But at what cost?

“I don’t celebrate food,” he says in the article. He continues to say that there is no joy in eating and then comments on his son’s gyro by saying it’s pretty much “the worst thing you can eat.”

Huh.

This may sound a bit different than the tune I was playing in my last post, entitled “The Beauty of Food.”

Oz: Do not enjoy food.

ARD: Food is awesome. Celebrate it with friends and family.

Oz: That gyro is going to kill you.

ARD: Nothing is going to kill you, short of egregious amounts of processed foods or supplements you overuse because people on TV tell you to.

Oz: Have you heard about Green Coffee Beans? I do not eat those KIND bars in my cabinet (he states they were “given to him by someone”) but I do recommend you pick up both Green Coffee Beans and Raspberry Ketones to jump start that summer weight loss. Oh no, not in the produce aisle my friend. And they don’t sell these kind of raspberries at the farmer’s market. Just check your local GNC!

Grrrr.

While I argue that we should rekindle some respect for our food, Oz argues the old “food is fuel” mantra, claiming that supplements, drinks and potions are the real key to longevity. The guy may be healthy, but his arguments are fueled by the desire to make a buck versus teaching you how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

But rather than argue with Oz on nutrition, I give you this - “TV Watching Linked to Unhealthy Food.”

See! Even just watching Oz is bad for your health.

- The Aspiring RD

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